Page 19 of Love ad Lib
The dread in his stomach swirled into excitement. He’d told his mother he would do something new, and this was it. He was going to attend an improvisational comedy show.
At six fifteen,Henry stood outside the Spread Eagle pub. Second thoughts fought with first ones for control over his feet. Libby and Claire’s workshop had been exhilarating, but had been in a familiar environment with familiar people. This was a roomful of strangers. Would they expect him to join in? Second thoughts dealt his idea a killer blow. This was a mistake. He would go early to the restaurant and wait for Elizabeth there.
‘Henry?’
He turned and there was Libby.
‘You came!’
‘Er, um, not exactly. I’ve got a date later and I’m a bit early, so, er, I…’
‘What time is your date?’
‘Eight thirty.’
She squealed and clapped her hands together. ‘We finish at eight, so there’s plenty of time.’
Taking his hand, she pulled him into the pub. Her auburn hair sparked off her red dress, her movements filled with energy and vitality, lighting the dark interior like a beacon of fire. He was a moth, dragged against his will and better judgement towards her.
‘Come on,’ she said. ‘We’re upstairs. You can help me set up.’
He followed her up a narrow flight of stairs to a room with a tiny stage at one end. She started moving small round tables into place.
‘Claire drove because of today’s tube strike; she’s trying to find a parking space. It’s a bit too far for her to walk from St. John’s Wood with her bump.’
Henry helped place chairs around the tables. ‘How far did you come?’
‘Islington. It’s only three miles and I walk fast.’
‘How are you getting home?’
‘Claire’s giving me a lift, but I’m fine to walk. I’m used to it.’
Within a few minutes the space was ready.
‘Thank you, Henry. You’ve made my life so much easier.’
He rubbed the back of his neck. All he’d done was move a bit of furniture.
‘So, what made you change your mind about coming?’ she asked.
He paused. ‘My mom… she seems to think I don’t step out of my comfort zone and couldn’t believe that I would try something new before my birthday. So...’ He shrugged.
‘Are you going to take part tonight?’
He held his hands up and took a step back, colliding with a chair. ‘I’m just here to watch.’
She tilted her head to one side. ‘That’s not exactly stepping out of your comfort zone?’
‘I’m moving slowly towards the edge.’
‘One day, Henry, we’ll get you to leap.’
He blinked at the brightness of her smile. What would it feel like to be as brave as she was? To leap without knowing where you would land?
‘Henry?’ Claire was puffing up the stairs carrying a guitar case.
He rushed forward to take it from her and offer his arm.
