I DUCKED UNDER OVER-hanging branches and continued down the footpath towards The Railway Club. The familiar swinging rhythm spilled out into the street.
“Happy birthday, Annie,” Derrick greeted as I entered the club.
My brow furrowed. “It’s not my birthday.”
“But George came through earlier with a birthday cake for you.”
I shook my head. “It’s a bribe cake not a birthday cake.”
“Well, it had Happy Birthday written on it. I’ll sing you Happy Birthday. I’ll sing you anything you like to get a slice of that. It looked pretty damn good.”
“I’ll make sure you get a bit.”
“I’d ask you for a Birthday dance, too, but... You know.”
“Yeah.” I shrugged.
“Maybe next year, if you decide to learn how to follow by then.”
“Leading is enough for my little brain to handle for now.” I dropped a five
