Page 80 of Under A Sicilian Sky
‘That’s really kind of you, Evin, but honestly I’m fine. You carry on.’
Grace stepped out from in front of him. ‘Miss Locke, would you like me to show you some of the steps for the ceilidh when it gets going?’ she asked with a beaming smile.
‘Please, call me Ruby. And that would be great. I haven’t a clue what to do.’
Mitch interjected, ‘Hey, I could show you some. I’m pretty braw at the old ceilidh stuff, you know.’ He did a little jig on the spot.
Ruby laughed. ‘I’ll need all the help I can get, I’m sure. You can all take it in turns.’
Once they had eaten the wonderful fare on offer, the blinds were lowered and the room lights dimmed, and Kenneth took to the stage. ‘Right then, guys and dolls, it’s the time you’ve all been waiting for. I’d like to welcome one of our favourite acts to the stage. He can’t keep away!’ He glanced to his left and whispered into the mic, ‘Actually, we cannae get rid of him.’ The room filled with laughter. He held up his hands. ‘Just kidding, just kidding. Glentorrin, please give a warm welcome to… Greg McBradden!’
A loud applause travelled the room as a handsome man in his forties walked onto the stage carrying an electric acoustic guitar. He looked a little like a bearded Gerard Butler, and was wearing black jeans and a grey and black checked shirt that was open to expose a faded band T-shirt that Ruby couldn’t quite make out. He had a bright smile and she instantly liked him.
‘Evening yous lot!’ he bellowed into the mic in his broad Scottish accent. ‘How are yous doing?’ A cheer erupted. ‘Hey, it’s a wee bit fancy this place, eh?’ he said as he glanced around, and a rumble of agreement could be heard. ‘Aye, well, I hope yous are ready for some dancing.’ More cheers. ‘Any Fall Out Boy fans in here tonight?’
Another cheer rang out and Ruby couldn’t help squealing and clapping her hands as she jumped up and down on the spot.
Mitch threw his head back and laughed. ‘I’m guessing you’re a fan then, eh?’ he said.
‘Me and Kitty saw them live in Leeds! They wereamazing! Patrick Stump is my hero!’
Greg continued, ‘Right then, folks, this one’s called “Sugar We’re Going Down”! And what do I always say?’
The whole audience shouted in unison, ‘Don’t sing along!’
Ruby frowned at Mitch, who shrugged. She laughed at the response of the crowd and joined in the applause as Greg began to play. Sure enough, when he reached the chorus, everyone who knew the words joined in loudly and Greg shook his head but grinned and stepped away from the mic to let the crowd have their moment in the spotlight.
Ruby joined in, singing the words at the top of her lungs and, to her delight, Mitch did too. Thankfully, he was more tuneful than when singing to Italian rock in Palermo. It was good to see him let loose and have fun. He could be quite a serious man, always in charge of, or concerned about, something or other. And mostly with a crease of concentration between his eyes. Seeing him wave his arms in the air and join in was a joy to behold.
Greg played fantastic music for the next hour; classic songs by The Proclaimers, The Eagles – his rendition of ‘Hotel California’ had everyone linking arms and swaying along – and a whole host of other favourites, like Bon Jovi, Hozier and Ed Sheeran, to name but a few. What was the most striking was his version of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colours’. The audience was silent, in awe as Greg’s voice somehow softened and he closed his eyes, the lyrics clearly holding meaning for him. People held up mobile phones with the torches switched on – a modern take on the lighter – and couples smooched.
She glanced to her side and found Mitch watching her. When their eyes met, he turned away for a moment, then leaned in, ‘Can I get you another drink?’ he asked, awkwardly. ‘Joren is working behind the bar and he’s free just now.’
She smiled and nodded. ‘That would be good, thanks.’ While he was at the bar, Greg finished his set and left the stage to a raucous applause.
Kenneth returned and addressed the audience again. ‘Is it me or does he get better and better?’ he asked, and a cheer of agreement rang out. ‘Now, I know you’re all nice and warmed up, so let’s make use of this incredible space, eh? It’s ceilidh time!’
The cheer seemed to get louder and Ruby glanced around at the smiling faces. It warmed her heart to just be there to experience the village all coming together like that.
‘Please give another warm Glentorrin welcome to the Toilichte Hens!’
More whoops and cheers ensued as two women walked on to the stage.
The brunette took to the mic. ‘Evening, ladies and gentlemen! It’s good to be here. Now, we’re going to start with the Dashing White Sergeant! Grab your partners and let’s raise the roof!’
Grace appeared by Ruby’s side and took her hand. ‘Come on, Miss Locke!’ Inwardly Ruby chuckled at the young girl’s inability to call her by her first name.
Mitch returned with her drink and she shrugged as she turned to face him.
‘Get yoursel’ on the dance floor, Ruby!’ he said as Grace pulled her away.
Moments later, Ruby was skipping around the hall under the shouted instructions of Grace, who turned out to be quite the expert. Her heart raced and her face ached from smiling so much. It was exhilarating.
Once the first dance was done, Mitch took her hand as The Gay Gordons dance was announced. ‘Ah, my speciality. I remember this one from my schooldays,’ he told her.
The music began and people moved around a circle in pairs, it seemed relatively simple compared to the previous dance. Mitch looked so proud of himself as he beamed at her.
‘You’re really good at this,’ she said as they changed direction in the circle.
