SHOWTIME

For Gemma, it almost felt like old times – but was it possible that Adam still cared for her?

- Teresa Ashby

THE STORY SO FAR: Gemma Arden’s life is turned upside down when Orson, one of her two silent partners in the Helter Skelter Theatre, announces his engagement to Margaret. Gemma is delighted, but also dismayed because he intends to sell his share of the theatre, as does Giselle Goddard, the third partner. Giselle lives abroad and has never shown any interest in the theatre. Someone else will own the controlling share of the theatre and its future is at stake. So is Gemma’s. To complicate matters, Adam Chandler has turned up unexpectedly. Gemma fell in love with him last summer when he was in town to oversee a development project. She doesn’t know why he’s back, but she has too much on her mind to be able to deal with her feelings about him, so she avoids meeting him and throws herself into organising the panto weekend.

Gemma was being truthful when she’d told Adam she didn’t have time to see him until after the panto. It was the busiest time of the year and she’d been working non-stop since she last saw him, but she couldn’t get him out of her mind.

What was the important thing he had to discuss? Could it be he still wanted her to give up the theatre to be with him? When this busy period was over, she’d find out.

She’d arranged the Christmas party for the pensioners and had bought and wrapped a pile of gifts for the children. It was something Wally had started years ago. Every child that came to see the panto received a small parcel and Gemma was happy to carry on the tradition.