by Lucy Coleman
‘Will you do me one favour, though?’ I can tell from Gray’s expression that he’s being serious. ‘You’re always talking about taking up yoga and I think it would do you good to have an evening off to do something fun.’
‘I’ll think about it,’ I reply. It’s not a bad suggestion, as, although I do a lot of walking, yoga would help tone my muscles. What bride doesn’t want to look her best on her wedding day? And going to a gym isn’t me, but yoga might also help me to relax a little. The truth is that I only really get a good night’s sleep when Gray is lying next to me and everything in my world feels right.
6
Our Little Circle
Today we’re heading to The Bullrush for Sunday lunch. It’s Fisher’s birthday and he has booked the large table for the usual folk. As soon as Tollie, Gray and I step inside I hear that the atmosphere is buzzing. Tollie stops to talk to one of the guys who works in the boatyard and we leave him to it, waving to Jade and Jude in passing.
The noise coming from the conservatory is as loud as the main restaurant area and yet only seven guests have arrived so far, with Fisher at the head of the table.
‘Hey, guys,’ Gray says as he pulls out a chair for me to take a seat, but I’m already heading over to Fisher, who jumps up to greet me.
I throw my arms around him, and we hug. ‘Happy birthday to you! Fifty-four… but who’s counting?’ I declare, and everyone begins to laugh.
‘It’s supposed to be a secret,’ he replies.
‘Oh, I assumed there would be a cake lurking somewhere and it’s important they get the number of candles right.’
‘What, and risk burning down our favourite eatery? Hi, Gray, thanks for coming.’
Gray and Fisher exchange a warm smile. ‘One year closer to early retirement,’ Gray comments and I shoot him a pointed look. My lovely man immediately changes the subject. ‘It’s been a while since we’ve had something to celebrate – who’s missing?’
As Gray and I take our seats next to Rona, he leans in briefly to kiss her cheek. I notice Fisher turns to look at Val, and as their eyes meet it’s obvious how happy he is; it’s hard to believe how his life has changed over the past six months.
‘Maggie is waitressing today as Sarah and Kurt are rushed off their feet, so sadly she can’t join in,’ Rona informs us. Maggie is one of our wider team of fundraisers and often reports back at committee meetings after recruiting new supporters.
Bernie and Yvonne are here. They live at Turnpike Cottage on the other side of the canal. Bernie runs the pop-up Christmas market and after he’d spent a couple of years cruising the waterways following the death of his wife, Yvonne moved in with him just before last Christmas. They are now both heavily involved in the fundraising initiative and it’s nice to have him back permanently. It’s wonderful for Tollie, too, as their friendship goes way back.
I tune out as Ethel and Abe banter with Gray, asking where their wedding invitation is and, luckily, a hand suddenly appears on my shoulder. I turn around to see Martin and his wife, Ursula, who have just arrived, standing behind me. I get up to give Ursula a hug.
‘It’s been ages, Ursula. How are you? How are the kids?’
All eyes are on us, as their eldest, Olivia, who is twelve, has Crohn’s disease and arthritis. She’s been in and out of hospital over the last few years and has had two serious operations, one of which was recent. Ursula once told me that Olivia’s courage and determination is an inspiration to them all. She said that when someone you love is living with a chronic illness, it makes you celebrate the good days and support each other through the bad ones. Life takes on a whole new perspective; you focus on what really matters and as a family they are closer because of it.
‘Good. Olivia has bounced back well this time, although they’re still adjusting her meds at the moment. Whenever they change anything it upsets her system, but she’s a real trooper. And Katie is full of energy as usual and football mad. She managed to gain a place on the school’s football team and she practices every chance she gets. They’re with the grandparents today, being spoiled rotten, no doubt.’ Martin and Ursula glance at each other affectionately. I’m sure that quality time alone together is at a premium.
‘I have no idea where she gets her talent from. I was useless at sports, but Katie can certainly control the ball,’ Martin says with pride.
‘Well, we must catch up properly before too long,’ I reply, as Martin makes his way to the seat opposite me. ‘That’s a gorgeous dress, Ursula.’
‘Thanks, Immi. I made it myself,’ she replies, before going to take her seat.
Maybe the person I should talk to about dresses, then, is Ursula. She always looks smart but in a casual way. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in jeans, but she’s also never over-dressed.
‘Lookin’ good, Fisher,’ Tollie’s voice booms out as he steps into the conservatory to take his seat at the opposite end of the table. ‘Happy birthday, my man. Another year older and closer to that early retirement. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering a couple of bottles of wine.’
I look at Fisher’s face. It’s clear he hasn’t mentioned his doubts about retirement to anyone other than me, and I feel awkward on his behalf. He says nothing, but how I wish that I’d mentioned in passing to Tollie not to raise the subject.
‘Here you go,’ Kurt says as he places a wine bucket down on the table and a bottle of red next to it. He heads back to the bar, returning with a bottle of chilled white which he slips into the bucket.
Tollie indicates that he’ll do the honours and pour the wine as Bernie gathers the glasses together. The girls are hot on Kurt’s heels, handing out menus, and suddenly everyone is talking over each other and the madness of one of our little gatherings begins. We’re a few people short, but that’s par for the course. Fisher would have invited the entire committee, but we rarely manage to get everyone together in one place at the same time these days.
Out of sight below the table, Gray’s hand seeks mine out as he leans in.
‘If you want to avoid being quizzed about the wedding arrangements, it might be wise to make an announcement. Just saying.’
He’s right, so, after Tollie proposes a toast in honour of Fisher, as soon as it quietens down, Gray taps the table with his hand.
‘Immi has a little announcement to make,’ he explains.
‘Gray and I have enlisted the help of two wedding planners. We’d like to raise our glasses to Rona and Val, to thank them for taking charge.’
Everyone joins in the toast and both Rona and Val look pleased with themselves.
‘About time, too, Immi. You can’t do everything yourself. If I can do anything to help, ladies, just let me know,’ Ethel very kindly offers.
‘And we’ll sort the flowers,’ Martin joins in. ‘It’s our present to Immi. You’ve bailed me out so many times in the past and I’ll await my instructions from your wedding planners!’
‘Aww, thank you, Martin and Ursula, that is so generous of you.’ I turn to look at Gray, who is flashing them both one of his engaging smiles.
‘Right, our waitresses are hovering, so it’s make-your-mind-up time, folks,’ Tollie says genially. Naturally, everyone plumps for a traditional roast because it’s the best for miles around.
I was only half joking about a birthday cake, but just as Jude is taking the order for coffee a hush falls over the restaurant as Kurt staggers towards us carrying the largest cake I think I’ve ever seen. Val quickly makes room for it in front of Fisher, and as Kurt gingerly lowers it down onto the table, to everyone’s delight we can now see that it’s a replica of The Star Gazer in her beautiful, crimson livery. And, yes, there are so many candles they can’t be far off the magic number.
‘You’d better blow this out pretty quickly,’ Sarah advises Fisher as she places a pile of plates and a cake knife on the table.
People are also crowding in from the restaurant, wondering what all the fuss is about. The rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ ends up bei
ng raucous and totally out of tune. Fisher sucks in a deep breath and begins to blow out the candles.
‘Thank you, everyone. I don’t quite know what to say, except cake all round and who made this beauty?’
‘That would be down to Val and Ethel,’ Sarah confirms. ‘Seriously, ladies, you did an amazing job. Now, Jade and Jude, I think we’re going to need a lot more plates. Perhaps Fisher would do the honours?’
Sarah hands the cake knife to Fisher, who raises his eyebrows and hands it straight to Val. ‘I think an expert is called for here and that isn’t me, I’m afraid.’
My heart flutters in my chest as I watch their fingers making contact for the briefest of moments. True happiness radiates out of them, but Fisher’s retirement plan has been his dream for a long time. I can’t help wondering whether Val understands how serious he is about it, or how life-changing it promises to be.
Fisher’s plan, before his wife left him, was to start a new business running luxury cruises on The Star Gazer. Will Fisher look to employ someone to assist him? I wonder. He’ll be tied up at weekends and evenings throughout late spring, summer and possibly on into the early autumn. That could have a major impact on their relationship. Besides working for Fisher three days a week at the marina, Val teaches French online for Linguispeak. Having been on her own for a long time now, she’s still adjusting to having a man in her life again. At a time when Fisher should be counting down the months to making his dream come true, he’s suddenly facing an unexpected dilemma.
‘This weekend has flown.’ I sigh, snuggling into Gray. He snakes his arm around my shoulders, pulling me even closer.
‘It always does, but it’s been amazing, hasn’t it?’
I roll onto my side so I can look at him in the gloom and I can see a little glint in his eyes. ‘Hmm, amazing is one word for it! We’re sleeping in the spare room in The Retreat and creeping around so that we don’t disturb Tollie. He’s pretending he doesn’t have a lady friend and we have an expensive hole in the garden that is about to get a lot bigger.’
‘I see your point. I think we should call Lock Keeper’s Cottage the money pit from now on. But, hey – it has been great. And I’ve pulled together that list of names for the wedding invites, although I suggest we don’t write them out until you’ve met the crew as one, or two, are a bit dodgy,’ he jests.
The thought of heading up to London to meet Gray’s inner circle makes me feel a little nervous, but I don’t want him to see that. ‘You’re a nightmare at times, Gray, have I ever told you that?’ I scold him, but his wicked sense of humour is a big part of his personality.
‘Hey, the wedding is coming together, Fisher had a great birthday party and you’ll soon whip up your helpers into a money-raising frenzy. Life seems pretty okay to me,’ he replies firmly.
‘Then why don’t you sing or hum any more?’ I remark.
‘I’ve moved on to the more serious stuff now at work, Immi. Writing snappy little jingles for ads is fun, but it’s not where my ambitions lie. You know how people complain that they stick in their heads? Well, it’s the same when you’re writing them. Now I dream bigger and what I hear in my head is a full orchestra with violins and cellos and wind instruments.’
‘Is it ever likely you’d be able to work from home some of the time?’
Gray’s face changes and the light in his eyes dims a little.
‘Sorry, Gray. That was a stupid thing to say.’
He pauses for a moment and I hope I haven’t upset him, but Sunday nights always make me want to cling onto him and I loathe Monday mornings when Gray leaves.
‘It would be nice to be able to afford to set up my own studio. There will be space now we’ve extended the cottage, but the cost of kitting it out would be a stretch too far for now. Look, it’s tough being apart four nights a week but I hope it won’t be forever.’
‘Any news about the trip to LA?’
‘Ollie is still working on it; we just need to agree a date.’
‘Oh, so it’s imminent, then?’
‘Yes. To sign off on the The Columbus Adventure, they’ve invited Ollie and me to go over for the screening of the final cut. I’m just working on the audio clips for a series of trailers to promote the film, and then we’re done. The new project is with the same producers but involves working with an entirely different team. And, while we’re there, Ollie has a couple of back-up options he wants to look into.’
‘That’s wonderful, Gray. And you’ll get to see your name on the credits! What an achievement. You’ve worked so hard on this film and what you’ve earned has helped, not just us with the building work, but your mum, too. But why didn’t you tell me sooner?’
‘I didn’t quite know how to broach the subject, to be honest, as I feel bad flying off on a jolly and leaving you all alone. But it’s not just that. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision, insisting on helping Mum out financially when she moved here. My father knew that half of the proceeds of the house wasn’t going to be enough to buy her a little cottage in the Cotswolds.’
‘Rona means as much to me as she does to you, Gray, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.’
‘That’s because you have a good heart, Immi. I’m well aware that my father owes her, not least for the fact that she brought me up all on her own. But I knew Mum didn’t feel it was right to take the extra money he offered her. I convinced her that it wasn’t a problem, and I was more than happy to help her out, but we’d be well in the black if I’d let them sort it out between themselves. The truth is that I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of having to step up for Mum.’
Gray’s paternal grandmother succeeded in splitting up his parents but, in the process, she lost all contact with her grandson when his father, Grayson, flew home to the States. When Grayson reached out to Rona and Gray last year, Gray had no idea they had never formalised their divorce. Or that the house in which she was living was still in their joint names. Gray was angry. Having given up work and moved back in with Rona when she was ill, he alone was her tower of strength.
‘You wouldn’t be the man I fell in love with, Gray, if you hadn’t come to her rescue. Rona is free and she doesn’t owe Grayson anything now because of you; she’s working again and happy. We have a lifetime together to build up our savings. I know that taking on Lock Keeper’s Cottage and having it renovated is a financial drain on us, but it means so much to Tollie and to me. He lived in that cottage with Grandma Nell for thirty-five happy years. It’s the one place that Dad and I could come back to that was a constant when his job moved us from place to place. I think that makes you and me even, don’t you?’
Gray reaches out to brush my cheek with his fingers.
‘And incredibly lucky, when you look around at other couples starting from scratch. Imagine what life is going to be like next summer. We’ll be able to enjoy our quality time at the weekends. It will be nice, though, when the money doesn’t flow out quite as fast as it flows in, hey?’
I nod but it’s a fight to keep my eyes open now. When I wake with a start a little while later, I ease Gray’s arm from under me and lie watching him for a while. What I hate when he heads to London is that I’m not involved in his day-to-day activities, even though he talks about his musician friends all the time. Whereas here, at weekends, Gray is a real part of my life. What if his friends think I’m holding him back, expecting him to spend his downtime in a quiet little backwater of a place? I guess I’ll find out before too long.
Lying back on my pillow, I wonder how on earth he can sleep so soundly when Tollie has the volume on the TV up way too loud. He really should get his hearing checked. I turn over onto my side, bending the pillow to cover my ear. Three weeks and two days until we can move back into Lock Keeper’s Cottage… but who’s counting?
7
Getting Organised
In hindsight, I realise that last week I had hit a bit of a low point, but after talking it through with Gray things don’t seem half as bad. When w
e kissed goodbye at 5 a.m., I decided that the time had come to put down on paper all the pressing issues that are crowding my mind.
Sitting at the table, I have a pen and a notebook alongside my breakfast plate and, intermittently, I add to the growing number of items. Tollie takes the seat opposite and keeps glancing across at me, anxiously. He’s not a fan of lists, as he knows that when it gets to that point, look out world because I’m a woman on a mission.
‘That looks worryin’,’ Tollie remarks.
‘No, just time to get a few things sorted and see what else I can delegate. I need to make sure I can keep a close eye on the work here in case Reggie falls behind. I’ll be popping back for lunch every day.’
‘Can’t, uh, I do that, m’dear?’
Tollie looks a bit down in the mouth.
‘Reggie is a lovely man, but like all builders he has more than one job on the go at the same time. Have you noticed how he treats you and me very differently? Sometimes being a female is an advantage,’ I reply and Tollie gives me a disapproving look.
‘Well, I’m here and it would save you a bit of time. Lunch is for takin’ a break and by the time you walk here and back, it’s goin’ to be a short one. If you change your mind, let me know.’
I can’t tell if Tollie is put out because he’s thinking about his visits from Daphne Harris. If anyone knows what’s going on when I’m not here, it’s going to be Reggie – maybe it’s time I had a chat with him.
Armed with my list, I walk over to plant a kiss on Tollie’s cheek. ‘See you later. Have a fun morning.’
Stepping out onto the temporary path, I wave to the three men in the far corner leaning on their spades. ‘Morning.’ They all wave back, but there’s no sign of Reggie. Out on the towpath, to my surprise, I see Bernie walking towards me.