by Lucy Coleman
‘What if we wrote it together?’ I’m almost wondering out loud, the idea suddenly popping into my head.
Arran turns around, the look on his face one of surprise. ‘Would that work?’ He lowers himself back down beside me and I let the fingertips of my left hand trail down his back.
‘Yes, we’d make it work. I should imagine it was a tough time for Arthur, adjusting to his injury and faced with rehabilitation. Didn’t most of them come back with battle fatigue? I wouldn’t have a clue about that side of things, but if I could access what you have about Rose, and with a little additional research, I’d love to collaborate with you.’
Arran looks pensive. ‘For so many of the soldiers who made it back it left a permanent mark. We recognise it now as post-traumatic stress disorder, but you’re right and it encompassed such symptoms as hypervigilance, paranoia, depression and even loss of memory. It was central to what happened after Arthur’s return. Having lived under the duress of life threatening events and experiencing severe trauma on an almost daily basis, the new norm seemed anything but normal. Arthur found himself constantly on edge, emotionally numb and disconnected. Rose had a tough time trying to drag him out of his growing sense of isolation, depression and guilt, for being a survivor. With a baby suddenly on the way it was tough for her, but then it was tough for him, too.
‘Okay. You win. It doesn’t sit well with me taking money from you, Brie, but maybe there is a way out of this. And I’ll tell Carrie that there will be a sequel and it’s going to be a joint venture. I can’t imagine what her reaction is going to be. You’re the only person who understands what the villa represents, and it means more than I can put into words. But if, in the end, I lose it, then at least I’ll have you.’
He leans in and his lips are soft on mine. It’s a moment that challenges anything I’ve watched on the big TV screen behind us.
‘It’s only money, Arran,’ I whisper as I draw back. ‘Look at my dad. If you asked him now what the most important thing is he’d say good health, not money.’
It’s a sobering thought as we begin searching around for our clothes.
‘Well, I don’t know about you but I’m starving,’ I admit. Arran starts laughing.
‘I love you, Brie. More than anything else in the entire world. And I never, ever thought I’d hear myself saying that to anyone and knowing for sure it was real.’
27
Taking Control
I’ve had my epiphany – that defining moment in my life when suddenly I know what I’m going to do. I always thought that would arrive with a firm plan to map out my future. But I’ve discovered that isn’t the case, at all.
‘Good morning, you’re through to Allen, Able and Cole. How can I help you?’
‘Hello. My name is Brie Middleton and I want to make an appointment for someone to call around to give me a valuation on my property. I’d like to put it on the market as soon as possible, please.’
Arran left just after 7 a.m. as I warned him the traffic builds up quickly on the M4 heading towards Cardiff. Luckily, the lavish Brockleigh House, which has its own recording studio in the grounds, is a few miles away from the outskirts of the city itself. It will be his daily commute for the next two weeks and while he’s not around I want to get things moving on selling the cottage. I don’t plan on breaking the news until I have a buyer because I have no idea how long it takes to sell a property these days.
As soon as I press end call my phone instantly lights up and it’s Carrie.
‘What on earth is going on?’ Her voice seems to boom at me from out of the speaker.
‘Um… give me a clue.’
‘I’ve just had a long conversation with Arran. When he said I could sign him up for a sequel and that you would be co-writing it, I nearly fell off my chair. Do you have the time to commit to that?’
Admittedly, it isn’t going to be easy. I don’t usually write without a break in between books, because every new release brings a hefty marketing workload. But being exceptionally busy for a while is a small price to pay.
‘Of course! I’m almost done on my read through of Taming a Man’s Heart and I hope to get that over to you by the end of the day. My love story is going well and as soon as it’s finished, I’ll press on with the one scheduled for the second half of next year. Arran and I are going to sit down and draft out a sequence of chapters and who is writing what. That way it will be easier to slot it into our schedules. Piece of cake!’
Well, that’s the plan of action Arran and I came up with after two glasses of red wine and a scrumptious meal. Maybe, in the cold light of day, we were a little too relaxed and a tad optimistic given the wonderful feeling of well-being surrounding the evening. But we will make it work. I have no doubt about that, at all.
‘So, is he staying with you for his entire trip? He did a poor job of trying to convince me it was just a convenience thing while he’s over here working. I was too shocked to ask any questions as he sounded so different!’
I can hear a cautionary note in Carrie’s tone of voice. She isn’t just my literary agent, but my business manager, my publicist and a trusted friend. I mean, she cared enough to mount an intervention and rally everyone around me. So I’m not surprised she’s a little concerned, as we haven’t really had a chance to talk since I arrived back; well, except for updates about my dad’s health.
‘He’s a gentleman and he doesn’t realise you know. But of course, he’s living at mine. Look, there is nothing at all to worry about. People meet and fall in love every hour of every day. Once Arran has sorted out his current financial problems we can then start making plans for the future.’
The sound of a sudden, sharp intake of breath travels down the line.
‘Well, I really hope you can find a way around his complex circumstances.’
Silence reigns for a few seconds and, to be honest, I don’t know quite what more I can say at this point.
‘It’s just that you two are such an unlikely combination, but I’d hoped you could help each other on a professional level. I sincerely hope nothing goes wrong because if it does I’ll never forgive myself.’
Ooh, that’s not really the reaction I was hoping to hear.
‘Well, we are very different in lots of ways but that’s what makes it so interesting between us.’
‘Interesting?’ Cassie’s response is just a tad too high pitched for my liking.
‘Look. He’s Mr Conservative in some ways, I will admit. And I’m fully aware of the fact that our backgrounds are very different. But he’s an intelligent and gentle man; and a gentleman. All that counts is that when we’re together the world feels like a much happier and brighter place to be. We are both going into this fully aware of the potential problems. So stop fretting. After the scare I’ve been through with Dad it’s made me realise that we all take it for granted that there will always be a tomorrow. It’s time to start living and enjoying life, rather than worrying about every little detail.’
I hear a soft ‘hmm’ before Carrie replies.
‘I’d hate to see either of you get hurt, Brie. You are both good people who don’t normally make rash decisions and that’s what’s worrying me. I seriously doubt you’ll take my advice about easing yourselves into this new relationship slowly, so there’s nothing more I can usefully say on the matter. Anyway, changing the subject rather diplomatically, I can’t wait to have a first read of Jed and Bella’s story. I’ll look forward to receiving that.’
When Carrie is in work mode her tone instantly changes. I know her parents are very affluent, and she attended boarding school. Ironically, I’m sure a dating agency would be more likely to match Carrie with Arran, than me. I’m not saying Carrie isn’t an emotional person because she is very caring, but she isn’t a hopeless romantic. Her heart doesn’t rule her head. I think Arran thought he was the same but overnight he’s come to realise that when it comes to love, everything can change in an instant. The look on his face when he’s watching me tells me ev
erything I need to know. I make him feel as happy and complete as he makes me feel. And that’s the one little factor a computer can’t replicate. I can’t wait until Carrie bumps into Mr Right. She’s in for a big shock!
Next on my action list this morning is a call to Mel. Before I can get back to work I need some advice. With quite a workload ahead of me I’m going to be chained to my keyboard, so I’m going to have to hire in some help.
Mel picks up on the second ring.
‘What’s this? Why aren’t you working? Is that a good or bad sign? Is he there now?’
She hits me with a volley of questions. I glance at my Vivofit to see it’s coming up to 10 a.m. Usually I wake early, jump on social media for an hour and then begin writing. That makes me very unsociable until lunch time.
‘I have a few things to sort out. Arran left early this morning. I’m phoning to ask your advice. I know you use agency staff all the time and I want to hire a personal assistant for a short period. Hopefully, no more than a couple of months. But they have to be discreet. I wondered if there was a particularly good agency you could recommend.’
I can hear a hollow sound in the background and suddenly it stops. When Mel starts speaking, I can tell she’s walking.
‘I’m just heading back to my desk to get you a contact name and number. It’s unusual for you to delegate. What’s going on?’
‘Okay, this is just between the two of us, right? I’m going to put the house on the market and sell up as quickly as I can. I don’t have the time to liaise with estate agents about viewings because you know what I’m like when I’m working. It’s pure concentration. So, I need someone to be the main contact managing it all and then updating my electronic diary so I know when I have to make myself scarce. I’ll pop into town and work from the coffee shop when the estate agent is showing the cottage. I doubt a viewing takes more than an hour max.’
‘You’re what?’ She sounds stunned and then I realise without knowing everything that’s happening this must come as a total shock to her.
‘Eek! Sorry, Mel. Yesterday when Arran arrived we both knew, instantly, that no matter what happens we’re going to be together. It wasn’t about if, but about when. At the moment any plans he has are being hampered by his ex and when I dropped everything and flew home I unwittingly brought her back into his life. It’s a long story, but where I live isn’t a big concern to me at the moment. The funds it would release would solve the biggest of the problems. But I can’t let Arran know what I’m doing until it’s done because he’ll stop me.’
I hear an ominous gasp.
‘You’re doing this without his knowledge? And based on being back together for one day? Brie, have you totally lost your mind? I know I was encouraging you to pick up where you left off once he arrived, but I’m astounded.’
The clock is ticking, and work is calling. Besides, this isn’t something I can explain over the phone.
‘Probably, but I don’t care. I just need that contact if you have it. And when we all meet up you’ll be very careful what you say, won’t you?’
I can hear her tapping on a keyboard and she gives me a name and a number.
‘Of course, I won’t say anything. But I really want to meet Arran very soon, Brie.’
Why do the people around me feel I need protecting? Almost as if I’d voiced that out loud, Mel answers.
‘When someone whose usual style is to think everything through in great detail then sleep on it before moving forward, making a snap decision is a red flag. This is a major change that will throw everything up in the air. You’ve been very happy there, Brie, and the cottage is so close to your family and friends. Besides, it’s your security for the future.’
Inwardly I groan. It wasn’t my intention to send Mel into a panic. ‘And I’ve also been very unhappy here, Mel. All the angst over Paul wasn’t about him at all. It was about feeling that something was missing from my life. I wasn’t really living, just getting through each day. Now, suddenly and, admittedly unexpectedly, I’ve found that special someone who makes me feel complete. It puts everything else into perspective.’
‘You’d fly back to Italy and leave us all behind?’
‘No, Mel. You couldn’t be more wrong. This is my nest egg and now I want to free up the cash, that’s all. I could buy something for half the price of this and still have a very comfortable home. But it does signal the start of some pretty major changes, as Arran and I move our relationship forward; I can’t deny that fact. He lives in Italy for a large part of the year but some of his work is over here. But all of that is in the future and I would never simply up and leave everyone at a moment’s notice. I thought you’d be happy for me.’
The rustle of tissue paper makes me wonder if she’s shedding a tear and my heart sinks.
‘I am happy for you, of course I am. It’s a lot to take in though, and I wasn’t expecting things to start happening quite so soon. I can’t believe you’re doing this for a guy I haven’t even met. We’re like sisters and I’m not sure…’ Her voice wavers and I feel like the worst BFF in the world.
‘Nothing is going to change imminently, other than Arran is going to be staying here. Besides, you don’t think I’d go off and leave Mum alone with the worry of Dad, after what happened, do you? And I have a frenetic workload ahead of me, so I really will be chained to my desk. That’s why I need that personal assistant.’
I’m trying to cheer her up, but a little niggle of guilt is telling me that my future with Arran is a big unknown. The only thing I do know for sure, is that we’ll be together and somehow, we need a solution that is workable.
I end the call by arranging for us all to meet up for a meal at the local pub, The Farrier’s Arms, on Friday evening. It seems to brighten her mood but if this is how Mel takes the news, how on earth are Mum and Dad going to react?
*
Mid-afternoon, my phone begins to ring, and I jump on it. Usually, when I’m working I don’t answer and pick up my messages later in the day, but I hope it will be Arran.
‘Hey, how’s it going?’ Even though he hasn’t said a word yet, just the fact that I know he’s on the other end of the line and less than an hour away, makes me break out in a big smile.
‘Good. It’s been a productive day. We’re finishing at four and I wondered if you had any plans for tonight because I thought I’d cook for you.’
‘You cook?’ I didn’t mean to sound so taken aback.
‘Of course I cook – doesn’t everybody? Admittedly, some people do it better than others. I think I’m quite a good cook, actually.’
I should have realised that because his kitchen at the villa was well equipped, as was his larder. He’s only been here a day and already I’m discovering new things about him and this is a real bonus, as I hate cooking.
‘That would be great.’
‘Are you allergic to anything other than gluten?’ Hmm, a thoughtful chef, too.
‘No. Unfortunately I have this tendency to eat everything that is put in front of me except squid. So make the portions small,’ I reinforce.
He chuckles. ‘I didn’t want to spoil tonight in any way at all.’
Having experienced the effects of my gurgling stomach he’s wise to be wary.
‘Oh, you won’t. Just get yourself back here because I’m missing you like crazy.’
‘Yes, boss. And shouldn’t you be finishing off that final read through?’
I groan out loud.
‘I was until you interrupted me. I have five pages to go and it’s looking good.’
A little groan travels down the line but it’s an entirely different sound to mine.
‘I’ll be there as soon as I can. Nothing beats a solid day’s work and then heading home to cook dinner for your woman.’
I burst out laughing. Well, that counts as a romantic moment. With renewed determination I tackle those last few pages and finally press the send key. It’s going to be the usual anxious wait until I get Carrie’s initial feedba
ck, but I feel I’ve done the story justice. Then I head upstairs to make myself presentable for our cosy little dinner for two.
28
Emotions Run High
Arran arrives back bearing two loaded carrier bags of groceries.
‘How many people do you intend to feed? I thought it was just going to be the two of us?’
‘Well, I don’t actually know anyone else round here so I’m afraid you’re stuck with me. But I wasn’t sure what you keep in your larder, so I bought everything I need and a few impulse buys. Never shop when you’re hungry.’
I follow him out to the kitchen, a weird smile flitting across my face that could well be described as the teensiest bit smug. Arran deposits the bags on the floor and turns around, catching the tail end of it.
‘Were you laughing at me there for a moment?’
I step forward, circling my arms around his waist and gazing up into his eyes. He peers back at me questioningly, one eyebrow slightly hitched.
‘No. I was thinking how surreal this is and how lucky I am.’
He shakes his head. ‘Lucky to be involved with a guy who has zero in the bank, owes a fair bit of money to his ex and owns a property that’s probably way beyond his means? But, ah, I forget. This particular woman is a romance writer, for which I’m very grateful.’
He stoops to plant a kiss on the tip of my nose.
‘The implication being that I’m steered by my heart and not my head? Is that such a bad thing?’
Arran tilts his head back, a small frown creasing his brow as he considers my question. ‘I feel a little guilty, if I’m being honest with you. The life you have here is so settled and you aren’t simply welcoming me into it, but all the chaos that is around me at the moment. It’s more than many women would entertain. Huh! When I think of Harriet, she made everything about her. You don’t ask for much, Brie.’