Sea Glass (WAYHAUGHT)

She Said It

Charlotte appeared relieved as father and daughter rejoined the small group. "Randy has filled me in on progress," she said, accepting the latte from Waverly's outstretched hand. "I must say this is what I hoped would happen by taking the show regionally."

"I've drawn up a seating plan," Nedley announced, pushing a piece of A4 paper in her direction. "If we remove most of the furniture from the bar, it should give you ample space to film."

Waverly looked at Ward. Ward looked at Waverly.

"Thank you." Everyone remained silent while Charlotte studied his layout. "This is wonderful. I do love your team names. The logistics crew will be here sometime in September to scope out the space."

"When will you be filming for the show?" Waverly said.

"This location is fourth on the schedule, so barring another lockdown we're looking at October, possibly November."

"It'll be quieter then."

"Which is why we're here now. We're capturing locations at special moments during the year. We're filming on the Isle of Wight end July, for their Cowes Week regatta."

"Impressive."

"We're aiming to air early spring of next year in time for the holiday season. Ten weeks of regional heats, which will be whittled down to five teams competing for the trophy."

"No money," Nedley observed.

"No money as such, but plenty of exposure, especially for the winning team and their community."

"Money would've been nice."

"It's not the BBC way, unfortunately."

"We won't know whose won until next year," Waverly added.

"Oh, you most certainly will know. All filming should be finished before the beginning of December, including the final episode in a London studio. Teams will be invited to stay at The Connaught while we film."

"That's Nicole's hotel," Waverly squeaked. "She worked there under Abi."

"How marvellous. That will definitely be worth mentioning in our piece on the village."

Waverly's thoughts drifted to the restaurant. Shae's comments hurt, but then that was their intention, taking shots in the hope of reducing her to a sobbing mess. Too young, too plain. Shae honey, you can go and shove that where the sun doesn't shine. She focused on Nedley's seating plan to stop her brain from looping on Shae's bitchy slurs, another problem presenting itself. Nicole was on Nedley's team, not hers, all because of her asking for Ward to be moved. She now had to convince Nedley to swap their teams, deciding to leave that request for another time.

"I can walk you round the village," Nedley offered. "Introduce you to some of the team members."

"I'd appreciate that," Charlotte replied. "We're taking a hands off approach with team selection, to allow each location complete freedom in their choice. Like a real pub quiz."

Charlotte finished her latte. She smiled as she shook hands with the two Earp members of the Committee for the BBC Quiz Teams Selection and Naming, telling Nedley she'd meet him outside.

Waverly waited for Charlotte to disappear through the door. "Thank you," she said, as Nedley downed the dregs of his pint. "For all the work you've done on this."

He wiped his whispers with the back of his hand. "We've not had it easy these past few years, what with everything. Reckon it's our turn for some luck."