33
Sprouts
‘I just bumped into Tarquin,’ he said. ‘He told me you were over here. I heard you finished de facto second in the talent contest.’
‘I already have a bathroom carpet,’ she said. At Dan’s look of confusion, she added, ‘That was the prize.’
‘I bet the winner was ecstatic.’
Lucy shrugged. ‘Well, it might have gone down better if an older person had won. I’m afraid my dad is pretty limited on what he can offer as prizes.’
‘He’s helping to make this extravaganza a great success,’ Dan said. ‘That’s the main thing.’
‘Yeah, you’re right. And he’s having a great time. Although I’m not sure exactly what he’s been doing. I haven’t seen him all day.’
‘Well, it’s Christmas Eve, and the main concert doesn’t start until nine. Dad said I could take the afternoon off since he’s got me on
