The Lake House

by Christie Barlow

  ‘But Roman…’

  Thinking back to last night, Ella found herself grinning as she made breakfast. She’d enjoyed spending time with Roman and she chuckled to herself as she remembered ordering him out of his very own living room whilst she rang the first number on the list.

  ‘And you are grinning because…?’ Callie walked into the kitchen and narrowed her eyes.

  ‘Because I’ve had the best night, and preparations are already underway for the big event. We already have confirmed artists that will knock everyone’s socks off…’

  ‘We?’ asked Callie, switching on the kettle.

  ‘Roman is helping to organise the technical stuff. Honestly, I’ve learnt so much about event management in the last twenty-four hours! I absolutely loved it, even though I was extremely nervous when I was talking to the artists, but everyone was so kind. Today’s plan is, after speaking with Dolores and Nancy, I’m going to upload a post on to the village community group page on Facebook, asking them to get involved with their own memories.’

  ‘You’ve got it all in hand.’ Callie looked impressed. ‘Maybe there’s a permanent job in this event planning but for all of Flynn Carter’s business empire.’

  ‘Wouldn’t that be brilliant! Am I right in thinking that Flynn agreed this would be my job for the next couple of weeks, so I didn’t have to waitress?’

  ‘Yes, he wants you to concentrate on this entirely,’ replied Callie, drinking her mug of tea quickly. ‘I need to get across to the restaurant. I’ll see you just after eleven for the filming.’ She stood up and slipped her feet into her shoes. ‘What are you wearing?’

  ‘I’m not sure.’ Ella hadn’t thought that far ahead.

  ‘Feel free to have a riffle through my wardrobe.’

  ‘Will do, thank you.’

  Ella tucked her legs underneath her on the settee and looked over the confirmed names for the event on the list she’d written down. She already felt a sense of achievement as there were some huge names on here, past and present, and she knew Flynn was going to be amazed. And she couldn’t wait to tell Dolores.

  As she put the list on the table, she thought back to how well she’d worked with Roman and was happy she was keeping her promise to keep him occupied whilst Megan was away.

  Hearing her phone ping, Ella leant over and picked it up from the coffee table. Reading a message from Roman, she smiled. Won’t be sailing the boat this morning as I have the appointment to see how Megan is settling in. Good luck with the interview, and just for the record, Gracie has confirmed.

  What?!?!?! she typed back, her hands visibly shaking. Am I allowed to mention it in the interview?

  YES! pinged back the reply in shouty capitals. GO FOR IT!

  Brilliant! PS thinking of you today. Let me know how you get on.

  This was amazing! Thinking ahead to her TV interview, Ella couldn’t deny she was nervous, but she couldn’t wait to share the line-up. All the old artists were coming together to support Dolores and The Lakehouse, and all of them were doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. All she had to do first was pick out her outfit and grab a quick shower. While her phone was in her hand, she quickly typed a message into the Heartcross community WhatsApp group:

  Look out for the midday news, where I will be telling you all about ‘A Trip Down Memory Lane with Dolores Henderson’! The event will take place at The Lakehouse on Saturday the 1st, so keep that date free. More details to follow in an update on The Lakehouse Facebook page this afternoon.

  Isla was the first to reply: More details needed. Come on, spill!

  She and Flynn hadn’t discussed dress code but Ella wanted it to resemble a glamorous Hollywood film premiere.

  Dress code: Black tie and posh frocks! And anyone who has any old photographs of The Lakehouse or any old stories, do share your memories.

  Putting her phone down, Ella went to look through Callie’s clothes rail. She didn’t want to look too formal during her interview or too casual. Glancing out of the window, she noticed the black sky in the distance and within seconds the rain began to pelt against the windowpane, sounding like bullets. Ella pulled out a long woollen coat that crossed over and tied around the waist, and she accessorised it with a beautiful floral blue scarf. There, it didn’t matter what she actually wore underneath, this would be perfect, especially with the weather blowing a gale.

  After a quick shower and a change of clothes Ella called in to see Dolores on her way out.

  ‘Dolores, you can’t eat cake for breakfast!’ exclaimed Ella, noticing Dolores tucking into a huge sugary slice of lemon drizzle cake whilst watching the morning news.

  Dolores gave Ella a wicked smile. ‘At my age I can do whatever I want.’

  ‘Your little black book is like gold dust; the line-up is already amazing and I’m on the news at midday being interviewed about the event. I’m a little nervous but secretly excited.’

  ‘You have confirmed artists already?’ Dolores placed down her fork and her eyes widened under her long false lashes.

  ‘I do…’ Ella flapped a hand in front of her face. ‘And you’ll never guess—’

  Immediately Dolores held up her hands. ‘Don’t tell me!’ she insisted.

  ‘What do you mean, don’t tell you! I’m bursting to tell you.’

  ‘I want to hear it on the news, just like everyone else.’

  ‘Dolores, you’ve just burst my bubble,’ claimed Ella, itching to spill the beans.

  But Dolores was adamant. ‘I only have a couple of hours to wait.’ She sat back in her chair and scooped up another huge forkful of the cake. ‘Now go, before you tell me more.’

  ‘Sometimes, Dolores Henderson, you act like a diva.’

  ‘I know, and I should know better at my age.’ She gave Ella a wink. ‘But do pop back in on your way home. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to perform one last time, and I have you to thank for that.’

  As Ella walked on to the High Street, she knew that Dolores really meant that from the bottom of her heart, and it made Ella extremely happy that she could make her last dream come true.

  Thirty minutes later, Ella arrived at The Lakehouse. Thankfully the rain had stopped for now but judging by the sky, it wouldn’t be for long. She was greeted by Flynn who was amazed to learn that Ella had managed to secure some of the bookings in such a short amount of time.

  ‘You really were the right woman for the job.’ He beamed. ‘Brilliant work, well done you!’

  ‘I can’t take all the credit, Roman helped to organise me,’ Ella replied, stepping inside the restaurant and waving at Callie, who was behind the bar as Wilbur was sailing the boat today.

  ‘But you made the phone calls and are making this happen. Nancy is already here. She’s ready to roll when you are.’

  Nancy was walking towards her holding a large fluffy microphone on a long pole, alongside a cameraman and a news reporter that Ella thought she recognised. ‘We meet again so soon, and under very exciting circumstances.’ Nancy looked towards Ella then gestured towards the reporter. ‘This is Brett McCormick, he will be interviewing you today.’

  ‘Very exciting circumstances,’ repeated Ella, nodding a hello to Brett then following Nancy outside to the front of The Lakehouse. Nancy placed Ella with the restaurant directly behind them and the cameraman stepped back and positioned the lens on a tripod.

  ‘We’d really like to be here on the night to film this iconic event and put it out across all the news channels,’ said Nancy. ‘Hopefully some of the footage can be used in a documentary all about Dolores’ career.’

  ‘Are you kidding me?’ Ella was completely stunned; she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

  Nancy slipped her a card. ‘Here’s my number, I want to work with you on making the event the best it can be.’

  With a shaky hand Ella slipped the card into her pocket. She was actually speechless. Her head was in a whirl. Six months ago, she’d thought her life was over, but now she was standing in front of
a news reporter waiting to be interviewed. Flynn and Callie had believed in her and now Ella believed in herself. So much had changed in her life, she was working hard, building a life for herself and she felt proud. Despite all the debts hanging over her, she wasn’t going to let them drag her down, she’d moved on. Ella felt positive about her life, and you really didn’t know what was around the corner.

  ‘Right, we are good to go,’ declared the cameraman.

  ‘Fantastic,’ replied Nancy. ‘Let’s get this done before that rain begins to fall again.’

  The nerves were beginning to kick in for Ella now, and feeling a fluttery sensation in her stomach, she took a deep breath and hoped she didn’t look as nervous as she felt. Glancing upwards, she noticed Flynn and Callie watching from up on the rooftop, smiling down on her. Ella flapped them away with her hand. ‘Go away,’ she mouthed at Callie, who gave her the thumbs up then moved back out of sight, so they weren’t picked up on the camera.

  ‘Are you ready?’ asked Nancy. ‘This is live. Don’t swear! Try to relax and Brett will lead the way with his questions. Try not to look nervous and don’t look directly into the camera.’

  Ella nodded.

  ‘And I believe you’re ready to share some of the artists’ names that have already confirmed?’

  ‘I can.’

  Nancy took a step back and lifted her arm in the air then lowered it. ‘And… rolling!’

  Brett looked directly into the camera whilst Ella was stood by his side.

  ‘Today, we are standing outside The Lakehouse, the world-famous restaurant that was renowned in the past for its exclusive dining of the rich and famous.’ Brett took a glance behind him and the camera swung over the restaurant.

  ‘On Saturday the first of November, Dolores Henderson will be performing one last time, right here, alongside a star-studded line-up of artists, to celebrate her career. And to tell us all about it, and how you can get involved, is events co-ordinator Ella Johnson. Is it true that Dolores wakes you up at the crack of dawn, singing as the sun rises?’

  Taken aback by her new job title, Ella beamed. The microphone was poised in front of her as she took a deep breath. ‘It’s very much true, and I can honestly say it’s a lovely way to be woken up in the morning. Dolores is an absolute pleasure to have as my neighbour. And now, for one last time, she will be singing here in a very special event.’ Once Ella started talking, she felt relaxed and didn’t feel nervous at all.

  ‘Are you able to tell us who Dolores’ special guests will be on the night?’

  ‘I can.’ Ella knew that Dolores would be watching and she hoped that she’d done her proud.

  ‘First she will be joined by Blossom Rose, who was Dolores’ best friend and was there at the moment when Dolores was discovered. We will also be joined by Frank Divine, Richie Kirk and Gracie Davies who was a regular alongside Dolores here at The Lakehouse. This is “A Trip Down Memory Lane” that’s not to be missed!’

  ‘Thank you for joining me today, Ella.’

  ‘Thank you!’ she replied, looking at the camera for the first time.

  ‘“A Trip Down Memory Lane with Dolores Henderson” at The Lakehouse. Tickets go on sale this Friday morning – I think you’ll all agree, it’s an evening not to be missed.’ Brett looked directly into the camera. ‘This is Brett McCormick reporting for BBC Scotland at The Lakehouse.’

  There were a few seconds of silence, then Nancy shouted. ‘It’s a rap, they’ve cut back to the studio.’

  Ella exhaled a breath she hadn’t realised she’d been holding. The interview had actually gone quite well, and she’d enjoyed every second of it, and as soon as she got into her stride the nerves had evaporated. ‘I loved that!’

  Callie and Flynn must have been watching the TV in Flynn’s office as they soon joined the group outside. ‘Look at you, events co-ordinator,’ quipped Callie. ‘You were amazing – such a natural on screen.’

  Quickly Ella turned towards Flynn. ‘I didn’t just give myself a promotion,’ she said, trying to justify the job title. ‘Brett just came out with it.’ She must have looked stricken because Flynn soon jumped in to put her mind at rest.

  ‘It’s absolutely fine, that’s exactly what you are, and a well-deserved job title at that – and maybe a pay increase for the next week or two.’

  ‘I’ll take that! Thank you,’ Ella said, grinning.

  After Nancy had finished talking to Brett, she said to Ella. ‘You’re a credit to this place! On the build-up to the evening we would love to interview yourself and Dolores. If you will have us?’

  ‘Of course!’ replied Ella, feeling her self-confidence building. Another interview! She was actually beginning to feel like a superstar herself.

  As soon as Nancy and the crew left, Callie opened her arms wide and pulled her friend in for a hug. ‘I told you Heartcross would be the making of you – you are shining!’

  ‘And Callie is right, you’re worth your weight in gold. This is great publicity for The Lakehouse and we have you and Dolores to thank for it.’ Flynn looked down at his phone. ‘Notifications are already coming in thick and fast to the Facebook page, and a lot of people are messaging to see if there is a pre-order route for tickets.’

  ‘And listen to that,’ remarked Callie. ‘The restaurant phone hasn’t stopped ringing since the interview aired.’

  ‘Ella, you are magic,’ said Flynn before disappearing back inside to take a call.

  ‘The boat’s about to leave.’ Callie pointed to Wilbur who was about to untie the boat. ‘Wilbur… wait,’ Callie bellowed down the jetty, and he tipped his cap in acknowledgement. ‘What are your plans for the rest of the day?’ she asked, turning to Ella.

  ‘I’m meeting Roman to organise what songs the guests are singing, then we can work out the playlist and timings.’ Ella checked her watch. ‘And I promised Dolores I’d pop back in and see her. I hope she’s as happy as Flynn.’

  ‘I’m sure she will be, now run! Wilbur is waiting for you.’

  ‘Thanks, Callie,’ Ella said as she turned to her friend.

  ‘What for?’

  ‘For giving me this opportunity. Somehow the past few months are already paling into insignificance.’

  As Ella ran up the jetty and jumped on to the boat, she turned back and waved at Callie then sat down and looked out across the bay. She hoped they made it across the water before the rain started to fall again. For the next few days the weather was meant to be on the turn, with heavy rain predicted with storms. Ella was quite relieved she’d be working at home for most of that time, organising the event. Hearing her phone ping, she read a text from Roman. He seemed upbeat in his message, which Ella hoped meant it had gone as well as it could have with Megan this morning. He was meeting her at the flat in twenty minutes’ time to discuss the songs each guest would be singing, as well as a conversation about what Dolores meant to them.

  PS, I’ll pick us up some lunch, came the second text before Ella had a chance to reply to the first.

  After last night, Ella knew that she had a hundred and one conflicted feelings about Roman. She knew his life was still unsettled and she would never put any pressure on him, but she knew her feelings were growing deeper for him every day.

  Oh, and Charlie Love has also confirmed, add him to the list.

  Will do, Ella replied quickly. She had spent some time googling the name that was in Dolores’ black book but couldn’t find out anything about Charlie Love. Was he a singer, musician or manager? Ella had no idea.

  Ella thanked Wilbur as the boat docked, then hurried along the coastal path and up through the village. She dodged the huge dollops of rain that were now falling from the sky and even though the wind was blustery, she felt like she was floating on cloud nine. She couldn’t wait to see Dolores and hoped she’d done her proud.

  Within five minutes, and now soaked to the core, Ella was knocking on Dolores’ door and was greeted by her friend who had a huge beam on her face. ‘You, my girl, have excelled y
ourself. This is going to be the best night of my career.’ She helped to peel the sodden coat off Ella’s back. ‘The storms are coming; go and get warm by the fire whilst I make you a hot drink.’

  Ella was thankful as she cupped her hands in front of the fire and was careful not to sit on McCartney who was stretched out on the rug, hogging the warmest spot in the flat right in front of the heat.

  ‘So, you are happy?’ shouted Ella above the whistle of the kettle.

  ‘Happy? I feel like I’ve won the lottery… reunited with all my old friends – this is just going to be sensational.’

  ‘The news team are coming to film on the night and there’s a possibility they are going to produce a documentary all about your life.’

  Dolores’ eyes widened. ‘All off the back of performing at The Lakehouse? Wow!’ She handed Ella a hot mug of tea. ‘That’ll warm you up.’

  ‘You are an icon, and you are going down in history! Oh, and we’ve had one more confirmation, Charlie Love. He was in your book, with a huge heart. Roman joked that’s because his surname is Love, but we don’t know if he is a singer or manager.’ Ella looked up towards Dolores, whose face had suddenly paled. She staggered to a chair, then steadied herself as she sat down. ‘Charlie is coming? Are you sure?’ Both her hands were on her heart and tears began to roll down Dolores’ cheeks.

  ‘Dolores, what is it?’ Ella had no clue if they were happy or sad tears. Feeling mortified that she’d made Dolores cry, she asked, ‘Is it something I’ve done? Have I upset you?’ Ella wasn’t sure what to think. ‘I didn’t mean to…’

  Dolores shook her head and reached across and cupped both of Ella’s hands in hers. ‘You haven’t upset me, and these are happy tears. I just never, ever thought I would see Charlie again in this lifetime.’ Dolores patted Ella’s hand. ‘You see…’ Dolores took in a huge breath. ‘Charlie was my one true love but we could never be together. We’ve written to each other for over sixty years.’ Dolores didn’t elaborate further. Lost in her memories, she sat back in her chair and dabbed her cheeks with a tissue.