Christmas at Bay Tree Cottage

by Linn B. Halton

  I glance around at the room full of very glamorous, and rather famous, people. I bet there are many out there who aspire to this, but from where I’m standing it seems to be a hollow victory for Aiden.

  Chapter 50

  Elana

  Shining Brightly

  In fairness, it’s not that bad an evening and Aiden does relax a little. Brian disappeared after handing me over to Aiden, who then introduced me to every member of tonight’s line-up. The people I’d already interviewed via Skype suddenly appeared to be a little more hesitant as I tried to strike up a conversation. I had no doubt at all that it was partly due to the fact that Aiden insisted on introducing me as ‘Elana James, my official biographer’. It reminded them that anything they say might be used in the book and I realised he was probably acting under Seth’s instructions. The man himself was noticeably absent, but I knew instinctively that questioning Aiden wouldn’t gain me any answers.

  We did talk briefly about his previous manager, when I was able to slip in a question. But Aiden only wanted to talk about the money that had allegedly gone missing just prior to having sacked him. As this is under investigation still by the police, I’ve already been warned not to include anything about it in the book. That came from the publishers, so I knew it was strictly off-limits.

  As the night draws to a close my feet are killing me and all I want to do is slip off my shoes and curl up under a blanket. Aiden eventually escorts me to a different car, a Bentley this time, with a sumptuous cream-leather interior. He makes sure I’m seated comfortably before bidding me goodnight.

  ‘Take it steady, driver. Ms James here is writing my soon-to-be best-selling biography, so keep the speed down. I’ll say goodnight and safe trip back. Happy New Year, Elana.’

  He places his hand on the driver’s shoulder, giving it a pat, before closing the door.

  As we head towards the motorway it’s a relief to be away from all the noise and bustle. Glitz and glam is fine, in theory, but in practice I’m happy to pass on it. I’ve become a country girl who enjoys her home comforts more than the bright lights. It’s not a world in which I’d ever choose to live and I can only imagine the pressure of being almost permanently on display.

  ‘Did you get the answers you were seeking?’ the driver asks.

  Seth Greenberg’s voice is unmistakable and I didn’t see this coming. He purposely absented himself tonight and now he’s going to grill me to find out what I’ve managed to uncover.

  ‘I think you know exactly what I discovered this evening.’

  ‘Enlighten me, please, Ms James.’

  ‘It’s Elana.’

  ‘Then you must, of course, call me Seth. I’m interested in what you have to say, Elana, and as we have a couple of hours to kill, what better way to pass the time?’

  I have to applaud the man. He knew he couldn’t control what people would say to me tonight, but he can assess the damage.

  ‘On one condition.’

  ‘Which is?’

  ‘That afterwards you answer all of the questions you’ve been avoiding so far.’

  He chuckles, clearly I’m more of a worthy opponent than he gave me credit for and this is a concession.

  ‘What is said between us tonight is in confidence, Elana. What finds its way onto the written page is by agreement when it comes to what we discuss. Do I have your word on that?’

  ‘Since there’s no other way I’m going to get to the bottom of it, you have my word. But don’t for one moment think that you can dictate to me what goes into the draft manuscript. All of the work I’ve done so far is already a part of the story and for that, it will be between you, Aiden and the publishers to amend as you see fit.’

  ‘Fair enough. Please begin.’

  I talk for about forty minutes straight, with hardly any interjection from Seth. I end up by telling him that I think Aiden is once more on the edge and I know that will come as no surprise to him.

  He doesn’t react in any way, and from the smooth drive, I’m guessing the Bentley belongs to him. It tells me a lot about this rather private man – he works hard but doesn’t have problems spending his money on the trappings of wealth. Image is important to him. You don’t spend two hundred thousand pounds on a brand-new Bentley to keep a low profile; you are making a statement and telling the world you are very successful at what you do.

  What I don’t yet know is whether this man has any Machiavellian tendencies. As far as I’ve been able to deduce there are only two reasons I can think of for the way he’s taken over Aiden’s empire. If the worst-case scenario is true, then this is about getting one last big pay cheque before he walks away and hands over the job to someone else. If, however, my gut feeling is right, then I wonder if I should be worried. We’re speeding along on a motorway; it’s pitch black outside and the early hours of the morning. People are either out partying, having drunk too much, or safely tucked up in bed. Should I be worried as a woman alone with someone who is little more than a stranger?

  As if reading my mind, Seth turns slightly, to talk over his shoulder.

  ‘We’re coming up to a motorway service area, do you mind if I stretch my legs? We could grab a coffee. I like to take frequent breaks when I’m driving. No point in taking risks.’

  I agree. I know how easily accidents can happen and how lives can be ruined.

  ‘By all means.’ I was already beginning to wish I’d visited the powder room before I left the venue. Seth is the perfect gentleman, opening the car door for me and offering his arm. He’s well-dressed, as I expected, every inch of him immaculate. He’s a little older than I’d first thought; seeing him up close I notice his hair has more than just a hint of silver running through it.

  ‘A rather surreal place to be visiting as a new year dawns, but life is full of unexpected surprises.’

  His eyes flash over me in an appreciative way and for some reason it isn’t offensive, merely acknowledging the effort I’ve made.

  ‘I know tonight hasn’t been easy for you, Elana. I appreciate you putting your trust in me. That it was necessary. Now let’s meet back in the café area in about five minutes. I’m delighted you don’t feel I’m kidnapping you and calling in here is my attempt at making you see that you are perfectly safe. Out of your comfort zone, I’m sure, but shortly I’ll be escorting you over the threshold of Bay Tree Cottage, and by then you’ll know everything.’

  ***

  This man is a real gentleman; it isn’t a facade he presents to get him what he wants and that is becoming very plain to me.

  ‘The truth, Elana, is that I’m Aiden’s father – the one who walked away and left his ex-wife alone to bring up their son. Of course, it wasn’t quite as simple as that. Molly was always besotted with bands and she was my introduction into a world that was previously unknown to me. What I didn’t know was that Molly was, well, there’s no polite way of saying this, a groupie. In those days it was almost acceptable, but it goes without saying that it wasn’t acceptable to me. Molly and I divorced, I gave her virtually every penny I had so that she could start a new life and we could go our separate ways.

  ‘The theatre was always my first passion and I’m a natural-born organiser, so eventually I worked my way up to become a producer. Molly and I lost contact, she reverted to her maiden name and Aiden never knew he was once a Greenburg. To her I was dead, pure and simple, and to my son I was this unknown person who had abandoned him, leaving them with nothing. I’d like to say he had a good childhood, but you know that wasn’t the case. But even with all the disadvantages weighing against him, my son’s natural talent shone out. He might be a walking disaster at times, but you saw it for yourself tonight, he also has a talent so real it has to be God-given.’

  I nod.

  ‘Yes. It’s tangible and that’s the difference between someone being merely a good performer and a true star. The X-factor. Does Aiden know, I mean, is that why you came back into his life?’

  ‘Yes, he does. I didn’t tell him at
first because I knew what his reaction would be. I could see what was happening to him. Every little struggle made front-page news and so I walked away from a very successful career to help get his life back on track. Gradually, I managed to distance him from the bottom-feeders, the people who gather close to grab what they can and then run off.’

  I can see by Seth’s body language that this isn’t some story he’s spinning for me. He’s on a mission to safeguard his son.

  ‘So it’s true that his previous manager stole most of his money?’

  Seth nods. ‘That’s pretty much what happened, and how much is recoverable is anyone’s guess. Maybe nothing. Aiden was too off his head to know what was happening. He’s better now, of course, clean most of the time, but he’s worn down. He needs to take a break away from the public eye. The plan is to get him back into the studio, because that’s where he’s happiest. Usually when someone launches a biography they do a big publicity tour, but Aiden isn’t up to that. To be frank, we need a big injection of cash to fund his next two albums and after that I’m hoping he’ll be raring to get out there again. If he loses the spark the tour falls flat and then overnight it’s all over. The fans can tell, you see.’

  ‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Surely the book won’t sell if Aiden isn’t there promoting it?’

  What am I missing in Seth’s master plan, because this looks like only half a plan to me?

  ‘At the moment we’ve kept a lid on all of this; no one knows I’m Aiden’s father, not even our inner circle. Molly has, once more, been paid off, but even she wouldn’t hurt her son for the sake of a few thousand pounds. There is no one else to break the news. That’s why we’re breaking the news in his biography. If Aiden isn’t around, I will be and now I’m the accepted front man this twist will have all his fans wanting the whole story. I face the fans, Aiden has his precious studio time to rediscover his passion, and in the meantime the money rolls in to fund it.’

  ‘Pure genius. You must love your son very much to put yourself in the firing line. You’re going to face some tough questions, Seth.’

  ‘As parents we put everything on the line for our kids, don’t we?’

  His comment unnerves me, just when I was beginning to feel relaxed, compassionate, even.

  ‘You know I have a child?’

  ‘I know everything about you, Elana. You have no axes to grind, a reputable ghost writer with nothing to hide. If you come under investigation by the press they’ll find nothing except a devoted, hard-working mother. I’m sorry if that sounds cold, but this is my son’s life we’re talking about. If anything breaks before he’s made his escape, it will push him over the edge and I can’t let that happen. I failed him as a child; I won’t fail him now.’

  I push away the coffee cup, tiredness no longer an issue as the caffeine pumps around my body. I’m wide awake and my head is spinning.

  ‘I understand. This isn’t going to be easy to write, but once I’ve pulled something together for this section of the book I’ll send you a draft to look at. The Molly angle is going to be a tough issue, so I’ll need your help to get that right. Obviously the facts are what they are, but there are legal implications. You can rest assured that nothing we’ve discussed will go any further until the publishers press the go button.’

  ‘Appreciated, Elana. Professionalism is one thing, but I knew you’d bring a whole other side to this – compassion. We’re entering into what is little more than a circus ring; I know the public will be getting value for money. My family will have to pay the price for the return we so badly need to give Aiden back his future. If we can do that in as dignified a way as possible, I’d be very grateful. I’m not trying to absolve myself of any blame and I’ll stick to the truth. I was very young and you had to be there to understand how badly things were deteriorating in front of Aiden’s eyes. All I’m asking of you is that you don’t sell out; don’t get pulled into off-the-record interviews and exposés. Whatever you are offered, I’ll double it for your complete discretion and silence.’

  I can’t take offence, simply because this is the reality of the world in which Seth has to function. It’s not a world I’d ever want to be a part of and I find it quite shocking.

  ‘My contract and fee from the publishers covers that, Seth. I’m simply doing a job and I have no intention of becoming a part of the problem. I really hope this works out, for all of you.’

  ‘I do, too. Thank you, Elana. Somehow I knew you’d understand.’

  A part of me already suspected that Seth was Aiden’s father and not some scurrilous, money-orientated control freak. For peace of mind I needed him to confirm that what he was doing was for all the right reasons. I knew from my research he’d had a very notable career before managing Aiden. But there was always that slight chance he had a personal agenda that wasn’t in Aiden’s best interests. Money didn’t seem to be a motive, but you never know for sure. It seems to me that out of everyone, he has the most to lose when it comes to reputation.

  Chapter 51

  Elana

  Letting Go of Something I Never Really Had

  I arrive home exhausted, collapsing into bed without even taking the time to remove my make-up. It’s light when the doorbell wakes me with a start. I have absolutely no idea what time it is until I check the clock and see it’s after two in the afternoon. Scrambling to cover myself with my bath robe, I head downstairs, hoping my bed hair and smeared make-up don’t make me look like a mad woman.

  ‘Morning, this is a surprise.’

  It’s Luke and he’s carrying a small strip of wood. As soon as he realises he’s woken me up, he looks embarrassed, but I wave him inside.

  ‘Don’t mind me, it was a late one, as I expected.’

  ‘Ah, I forgot it was the party night. If I’d remembered I would have left this until another time, but I happened to be passing and it’s one thing less to carry round in the pick-up. Don’t mind me – it will only take a couple of minutes to fit it and then I’ll leave you in peace.’

  ‘No, it’s fine. I’ll pop the kettle on. I’ll … um … just go and splash some water on my face, first. I’m glad you woke me, I had no idea it was so late!’

  ‘What time did you get in?’

  ‘Just after five a.m.’

  I notice when he takes off his boots there are no holes in his socks and it makes me smile.

  Luke makes his way into the sitting room and I walk off towards the utility. Yikes! What I see reflected back in the mirror is scarier than most Halloween masks. Freshly scrubbed, I run my damp fingers through my hair and at least look a little refreshed. I lean in – actually, my skin looks glowing. Maybe a glitzy night out was just what I needed to remind me I’m in the land of the living. And Luke is just a few feet away. Whoa there, lady – this isn’t your style and you know it.

  ‘Coffee’s ready.’ I look in on Luke and he’s just straightening up, surveying the finished job with pride.

  ‘Damn good job, even if I say so myself.’

  We stand side by side looking at the trim around the fire grate.

  ‘And the service is second to none. I mean, it’s New Year’s Day. Happy New Year, Luke. I hope it brings you everything you’re looking for.’

  When I turn to look at him, a good-natured smile on my face, what I see is a troubled look in his eyes. I frown, not sure why my innocent remark should cause him concern.

  ‘Elana, is it my imagination, or are we having a moment, here?’

  Oh no, I’m flirting and I don’t even know it. Now get yourself out of this.

  ‘To be honest, I think we’ve had a few moments, Luke, but it’s all about timing, isn’t it?’ He nods, sadly.

  Following me through to the kitchen, we sit opposite each other, toying with the mugs in front of us. It feels safer having this conversation sitting down. I wish now I’d run upstairs and thrown on some jeans, but here I am in my bath robe sitting opposite a guy who has no idea how attractive and wonderful he is. Wonderful for some you
ng, unencumbered woman who can still look at the world through that hazy veil of love and hopeful expectation. Not someone who has been to hell and back, constantly fearful of what might happen next.

  ‘So you are saying the timing isn’t right?’

  ‘I wish it was, but it’s more than that, Luke. I’m no cougar and you are no toy boy. I’m hoping Christmas went well for you?’

  ‘Much better than I’d hoped, given the circumstances. Joe was so happy and we all ended up at my parents’ house the day after.’

  He’s such a great guy that he deserves to find happiness and the family life he longs to have. As much as I’m now ready and willing, it would be wrong of me to pretend the age difference between us doesn’t matter. I don’t want to be the voice of experience in a relationship. It has to be an equal partnership.

  ‘The best lessons in life are learnt the hard way, I’m afraid.’

  ‘You’re pushing me away, but I think it might be for all of the wrong—’

  I put up my hand.

  ‘Don’t say it, please. As you said, we’ve had a “moment” and it’s reminded me that life can be exciting and unexpected. If we’d taken it further while we are both so vulnerable, who knows what the fallout would have been? Ten years doesn’t seem like much if you say it quickly, but that’s a lot of living – years you still have in front of you when I’ve already been there and done that. You deserve to have the opportunity of building your future with someone who is experiencing it all alongside you for the first time.’