by Mandy Baggot
‘Gosh, chicken and artichoke sounds—’ Hannah started.
‘Divine,’ Isla finished. ‘Utterly divine.’ She hadn’t quite been sure what her sister was going to say.
‘Is that the complementary Baileys?’ Hannah asked, pointing to the large bottles and small plastic glasses.
‘Yes. Would you like one?’
‘Please,’ Hannah stated, reaching for a glass. Mrs Webley swiftly took it from her.
‘Let me do that for you. We don’t want to spill it, do we?’
Isla took a step towards Hannah, knowing how that comment would have gone down. She put a hand on her sister’s knee. ‘Shall we take the pickles and the sloe-gin over to the other tables?’
‘Yes,’ Hannah said breezily. ‘I’m sure I can manage that without causing a gin-cident.’
Isla took the two poured glasses of Baileys from Mrs Webley and gave her a smile before whispering to Hannah. ‘Mrs Webley thinks all people in wheelchairs are like Clara from Heidi.’
‘What was wrong with Clara from Heidi?’ Hannah protested. ‘She was really clever. I always liked her better than Heidi even before I got into this mess.’
‘But back then, people considered …’ She swallowed. ‘People considered the less able unable to do anything for themselves.’
‘I could barbecue her husband’s pork any day of the week.’
‘You know that and I know that but she’s never going to believe that even if you show her,’ Isla said. ‘It’s a mindset thing.’
‘Well,’ Hannah began, sipping at her Baileys. ‘Perhaps her mindset needs to change.’
‘I don’t disagree,’ Isla said. ‘But you’re not really a girl who loves change, are you, Hannah?’ She smiled.
Hannah gave her the benefit of one of her bolshie looks and suddenly someone else came to mind. Brooke. Yes, she could definitely get the feel of a teenaged Hannah in Chase’s elder daughter. Not that she was thinking about Chase and his family …
‘I don’t need to change though,’ Hannah reminded Isla. ‘And, actually, in this new top I’m pretty much perfect no matter what Mrs Webley thinks.’ Hannah grunted. ‘I bet she even does thinking too loudly.’
Isla clunked her plastic glass against her sister’s. ‘I am in full agreement.’ She took a sip of the creamy liqueur that never failed to make her feel Christmassy.
‘Oh my God,’ Hannah exclaimed, Baileys drizzling out of her mouth. She leaned forward in her chair to avoid spilling it on her top, hand furiously wiping the remnants away.
‘What is it?’ Isla asked.
‘It’s Raj!’ Hannah exclaimed, thrusting her plastic glass at Isla. ‘Don’t let him see me like this. I’ve got whatever the deeply mysterious ingredients of Baileys are all over my face.’
Isla instinctively moved to shield her sister as Hannah flapped around, reaching backwards rather awkwardly into the day bag hanging on her wheelchair.
‘Do you need a wipe?’ Isla asked. ‘There are some in your bag.’
‘I know!’ Hannah exclaimed. ‘I hate that I carry them around like a big, fat baby.’
‘It’s not because you’re a baby,’ Isla said. ‘It’s because you’re exceedingly clumsy when it comes to food … and drink … and any liquids really.’
‘Thanks for that. I feel so much better.’ Hannah grunted and pulled out the pack of wipes. ‘Don’t look at me! Look at him! Tell me if he’s coming and … what’s he wearing?’
Isla turned away from Hannah now and observed the ruggedly handsome Asian youth who was standing next to Mr Edwards’ rose bush. Were they flowers he was holding in his hands? Isla swallowed. It was romantic. It was like … suckering up to a frog. She shuddered.
‘Isla! What’s he got on?’
‘Clothes,’ Isla blurted out. ‘Nice clothes, from what I can see.’
‘He isn’t wearing jeans, is he?’ Hannah asked. ‘I told him it was a smart casual affair and even if it was bitterly cold he still had to forgo a jumper.’
‘Dark trousers and proper shoes I think,’ Isla said as Raj noticed her and waved a hand. ‘He’s coming over.’
‘Ah! Not yet! Not yet!’ Hannah shrieked. ‘Look at me now. Tell me I don’t have anything brown on my chin.’
Isla turned her head again, facing her sister. Hannah was glowing. Her skin wasn’t covered in anything but a flush of youthful excitement, her eyes alive, because she was about to spend an evening in one of her favourite places with someone she liked so much. A bubble of sisterly pride coated with a hint of concern floated up in Isla’s belly. She whispered. ‘You look beautiful.’
‘Hey, yous two,’ Raj’s voice greeted.
‘Hello, Raj,’ Isla said, turning to face him.
‘Hello,’ Hannah stated coyly.
‘These are for you,’ Raj said, proffering the blooms in his hands. ‘They’re not from your shop, though, ’cause you would be there and …’ He offered them further forward until Hannah took them.
Isla watched her sister’s face flame with delight. ‘Thank you, Raj. They’re beautiful.’
‘I dunno what they are but they looked cool.’ He put a hand through his hair. ‘I bet you know what they are.’
‘Yes,’ Hannah said. ‘I do.’ She blushed again.
‘This is well good, innit,’ he said. ‘All the lights and the burgers … and stuff I don’t know even what they is.’
‘Oh yes,’ Hannah replied. ‘There are lots of things like that tonight.’
‘Would you like some wine and cheese, Raj?’ Isla offered. ‘Shall I get you both a plate?’
‘I dare you to try an artichoke sausage,’ Hannah said, beaming at him. ‘They’re not pork, they’re chicken.’
‘Are they halal?’ Raj asked.
‘We can find out,’ Hannah replied.
Isla stepped away from Hannah, ready to make herself scarce. She hadn’t seen her sister quite this happy in a long time. But when she looked across the fairy-lit park she was instantly reminded of the peril Notting Hill faced, the harsh reality that they might lose their beloved home. And then her eyes fell on someone she hadn’t been expecting at all. Chase.
Fifty-Six
This had seemed like such a great idea to Chase in the hotel room, with Maddie egging him on and getting crazy excited about an evening of cheese but now he was back here, in this syrup-sweet, cosy nook of a place, he was having second (and third) thoughts. Plus, he’d had another text from Colt. Come on, man, this is stupid. We need to talk. He’d ignored it just like the previous one.
‘This square is so dreamy!’ Maddie exclaimed, spinning around arms outstretched, hair flying behind her. ‘It’s so sweet, and British and I want to smell all the cheese.’ She licked her lips then faced Chase. ‘Why don’t we have great cheese at home? Why don’t we have wine and cheese evenings?’
‘We have mac ’n’ cheese and you love that,’ Chase pointed out.
‘But it’s not like this, all twinkly and sparkly and … Christmassy.’ Maddie breathed in then released the air into the dark sky above her.
‘God, will you shut up? You’re like an advert for Hallmark Christmas movies,’ Brooke bit. ‘Will they? Won’t they? Will the injured dog survive? Will the grandmother’s secrets die with her?’
Chase looked to Brooke. ‘You know, I had no idea how much you loved Hallmark movies.’
Brooke put her fingers to her earbuds. ‘Not even listening.’
‘Look, Daddy,’ Maddie said, slipping her arm through his. ‘There’s Isla.’
He knew she would be here. It was the whole point of them being here, but having her announced like that triggered a drawing in of his core. He turned his head and, as Maddie had announced, there was Isla.
She was wearing knee-length black boots, a black skirt or dress just visible under a bright red coat that highlighted the beauty of that ginger hair. He took a breath. She moved him, there was no doubt about that, and that terrified him. Because he was making her life difficult and he didn’t know how to s
top it and because he had cut himself off from any kind of dating opportunity since the break-up of his marriage. He was so scarred by love, by life. He didn’t even know where to start in picking up the pieces, let alone putting any back together again. The moment they had shared on her grandmother’s special bench, it really had been something to him. It had been him thinking about something other than crisis and catastrophe. Just being him. Just enjoying the now. With her.
‘Aren’t we gonna say hello?’ Maddie asked, shaking his arm.
‘Or is she that pissed with you she isn’t gonna talk to us at all?’ Brooke suggested.
Chase turned to his elder daughter. ‘I thought you said you weren’t listening.’
‘Just saying,’ Brooke answered with a scowl.
He could do this. He was the business coach after all. He just needed to smooth things over. He took a first step.
Isla felt sick to the stomach. What was Chase doing here with Maddie and Brooke too? How did he know about the wine and cheese evening? Her eyes went to where Hannah and Raj were laughing together as Hannah named all the flowers in her bouquet. Was her sister somehow involved in this?
She looked around the square for somewhere appropriate to hide. Mrs Edwards had arrived, Purdy on a lead by her side. The woman was dressed in what-looked-like vintage Chanel and was smoking a cigarette from an ivory-coloured holder, blowing rings into the air while Mrs Webley poured her the smallest measure of Baileys possible. Supplies were obviously running low already.
At the next trestle table Geeta and Iqbal were setting up their Asian fayre. Iqbal was moving everything Geeta put down from one position to another. She could help them. She looked back to Chase and the children and saw they were moving towards her. There was no escape now.
‘Hi, Isla,’ Maddie broke away from her father and ran towards her.
Isla, almost knocked over by the force of her arrival, smiled at the girl. She was caught between putting her arms around her and patting her on the head.
‘Hello, Maddie.’ She swallowed then looked up to Chase as he and Brooke caught up. ‘What are you … all doing here?’
‘We’ve come to see your wine and cheese evening,’ Maddie announced.
‘Well, it’s not mine, it’s …’ Isla began. She was trying to look anywhere but into those gorgeous eyes. ‘It’s the whole square’s and it’s really for residents only.’
‘Oh!’ Maddie exclaimed, hands to her mouth and looking mightily disappointed. ‘Are we not permitted to be here?’
‘No, I didn’t mean that,’ Isla said quickly. ‘Of course you’re very welcome.’
‘Can we eat the cheese?’ Maddie queried.
‘How about the wine?’ Brooke added. ‘Aaron said there’s a lot of wine.’
Aaron. She should have guessed. She might just have to turn him into a gelding.
‘Why don’t you take Maddie to go get some cheese and I’ll join you in a minute,’ Chase suggested.
Maddie caught hold of Chase’s arm. ‘Don’t forget to say sorry.’
‘O … kay …,’ Chase answered.
This couldn’t feel more awkward but Isla was a little relieved that his body language seemed to be telling her he was feeling it in some way too. As the children left them she suddenly found her boots intensely interesting.
‘So,’ Chase began. ‘I guess I’ll start with what Maddie suggested.’ He took a breath. ‘Isla, I’m sorry.’
She held her stomach in, bracing herself, knowing she would have to look up sooner rather than later. She raised her head. ‘But what are you sorry for? When last we spoke you didn’t think you had done anything wrong.’
‘I’ve hurt you, I know,’ Chase stated. ‘And I’m sorry for that.’
He couldn’t be apologetic for anything else because this was a business transaction, nothing more. His soul wasn’t deeply embedded in this area of London like hers was. And right now that made her exceedingly poor at her job. She had never been cut-throat, her ladder-climbing had all been to do with survival, but she had always been professional, level-headed … however, this was just too close.
‘I apologise for leaving the office today. I will contact HR and make sure my pay is docked appropriately.’
‘There’s no need for that,’ Chase said. ‘We could all do with some time-out now and then.’
‘I wouldn’t feel right,’ Isla spoke.
‘I won’t feel right until we’re talking again,’ he admitted. ‘Genuinely. Properly,’ he said in British tones. ‘Like we did last night.’
Last night. Those two words brought back all the delicious memories and seemed to diminish everything else for a moment. His lips on hers, warming her completely as they sat on the snow-strewn bench. She didn’t know what to say. What was there to say?
‘Listen, I spoke to New York today and they told me there have been employees here in London for a few weeks now,’ Chase started. ‘In Notting Hill and around the other two sites.’
‘Employees,’ Isla said. It couldn’t be true, could it? That Verity and John worked for Breekers!
‘Yeah,’ he breathed. ‘It was a shock to me too. Believe me, I had no idea.’
‘But—’ Isla began. ‘You’re the CEO.’
He nodded. ‘Yeah. Go figure.’
‘So, Verity and John, who moved into my square do work for Breekers.’ She shook her head. Everything Mrs Edwards had said about measuring sticks and spying had been true. The elderly lady wasn’t going senile. She was more astute than any of them.
‘Yeah,’ Chase said. ‘There’s also Richard in the Essex location and Ffion in North London.’
‘And you didn’t know,’ Isla continued.
‘No,’ Chase said. ‘I swear to you. I came over here to tell London about the project and to satisfy myself about the location and to make initial progress.’
‘Satisfy yourself.’
‘Yeah.’
‘And are you satisfied?’ Isla queried.
‘No, Isla. I’m not.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because I’m feeling a little like the whole world is conspiring against me right now.’
‘Wow, for someone so upbeat and preachy about self-improvement that must be hard.’
‘Yeah, Isla, it is.’
‘Well, boo hoo.’
She wanted to stuff her mouth with tinsel and sew her lips together. What sort of person was she turning into? Boo hoo!
‘Listen, just hear me out.’ He slipped his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket. ‘I came here tonight for two reasons. The first was to say I’m sorry for not being upfront with you about the location of choice for the super-village. I should have done that the moment I knew it meant something to you.’
She sniffed. ‘What was the second reason?’
‘To ask you to come back to work on Monday.’
‘So, I can help you order the right-sized wrecking ball?’
‘No,’ Chase answered softly. ‘I thought we’d take a trip out to the other two sites, maybe meet with the two employees there.’ He let out a breath. ‘I don’t know if that’s the right thing to do for the business or not but, considering everything, I think I would be a fool not to look at it. Get some sort of grass roots perspective.’ He looked to her. ‘Maybe we could see if we can find some USPs that might change the board’s mind about Notting Hill.’
Hope invaded her, sparking and fluttering around like a firefly. ‘Really?’
‘I can’t make any promises. I might have the three big letters and the best chair in the boardroom but I’m really not the decision-maker.’
‘But they value your opinion or they wouldn’t have given you the job after Big Bill, or tasked you with coming here.’
‘I hope so.’ He smiled. ‘At least I wanna believe that.’ He shook his head. ‘Big Bill, huh? Why don’t I have a cool nickname?’
Isla smiled. ‘Well, I think I’d quite like to do that,’ she said. ‘See the other sites, I mean.’ She swallowed, trying to s
till everything inside her that was erupting with sheer joy that there might be a way out of this for Notting Hill. ‘And I promise I will act completely professionally and if we come to the conclusion that neither of the areas is right for the village vision then …’
‘Then?’ Chase queried, raising an eyebrow as if he was suspicious of what she was about to say next.
‘Then I still have the option of lying in front of the bulldozers.’ She smiled.
‘I really hope it doesn’t come to that,’ he answered, looking directly at her.
She swallowed, the sound of Bing Crosby floating through the night, the pop of corks and chatter over cheese and sausages that smelled so tasty … and here she was again, alone with Chase, outside in the cold, yet feeling hotter than she’d ever felt. She regrouped, clearing her throat. ‘Would you like some cheese?’ It sounded like the most pathetic sentence in the world and she knew, the way her cheeks felt, Mr Webley could probably grill his venison and nutmeg on them.
‘I would like that very much,’ he agreed. ‘I also wanna meet this Verity and John who work for our company. I’m interested to know what they found out about the area.’
‘I’m not sure they’re going to be coming,’ Isla said, moving. ‘And one thing I’ve learned is you can never trust anyone who turns down lasagne.’
‘Absolutely, Miss Winters. That’s good judgement right there.’
Fifty-Seven
‘Good evening, my name is Gladys Edwards.’
Isla watched as Mrs Edwards stuck out a silk-gloved hand towards Chase, looking every inch an extra from Mr Selfridge. Maddie and Brooke were across the square loading themselves up with food and Raj was watching Hannah sample the sloe-gin.
‘Good evening,’ Chase answered.
Mrs Edwards let out a gasp. ‘You are practically a G.I.’
‘Well, I wouldn’t go quite that far but—’
‘Mrs Edwards, this is Mr Bryan,’ Isla introduced. ‘Chase Bryan. He’s from New York.’
‘Dan Reed,’ Mrs Edwards continued, poking her cigarette holder into the air, her other hand holding the lead Purdy was attached to. ‘That was the name of my G.I. Oh, he was a dish. Jet black hair and that uniform … there is something about that uniform. We danced all night to Glenn Miller.’ She stopped talking and looked back to Chase and then to Isla. ‘Is this your young man?’