The Lake House

by Christie Barlow

  ‘It must have been so difficult for you both,’ said Ella.

  ‘Prince George was a good friend of ours; we met him here at The Lakehouse. He was our ally, he knew we were in love and, to shield us from the press, he took us away on holiday on his boat,’ reminisced Charlie.

  ‘The best summer I’ve ever had.’ Dolores was smiling and staring into Charlie’s eyes.

  ‘Until we arrived back, and it was all over the press that the prince was proposing to Dolores, and then she had to pretend to break his heart to keep our secret.’

  ‘George was a gem and he played along. He was so good to us. We could never have had our time together if it wasn’t for his help, but there was no way I could get out of my arranged marriage. I couldn’t have disrespected my family.’

  ‘And where is your husband now, Charlie?’ Ella could see Charlie’s eyes tearing up.

  ‘He passed away ten years ago, and I know we could have seen each other sooner but…’

  ‘You don’t need to explain, you have your family, your children and I know you wouldn’t have done anything to hurt any of them,’ Dolores said, looking tenderly at Charlie.

  ‘And now all my children have grown up and I have grandchildren too. But when you called,’ she looked towards Ella, ‘I just knew it was time. I told my children about Dolores that same day.’

  Ella was in awe as she looked between them both. The combined age of the two women must be around one hundred and eighty years, and they both still looked in the prime of their life.

  Dolores squeezed Charlie’s hand. ‘You were brave.’

  ‘It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but they held me tight and told me they loved me. They encouraged me to come today and said I deserve all the happiness in the world.’

  ‘Thankfully times have changed, and people are a lot more honest and open about who they are. Hamish has always known that Charlie was the love of my life. As soon as he asked questions about who his dad was, I couldn’t lie. I wanted a baby but didn’t want a man… George had contacts, and I adopted Hamish.’

  Ella’s eyes widened. ‘I need more champagne!’ This was a story of true love. Charlie and Dolores had started their lives together in secret but now could quite openly enjoy the time they had left together. This was the fairy-tale ending for both of them, and Ella knew that they were going to live every second to the max.

  ‘I always had a deep sense of hope that we would be reunited one day, and here we are.’ Charlie held up her glass. ‘To us and life.’

  They both watched as The Lakehouse came into view. Charlie and Dolores gasped at the same time. ‘That view still gets me every time,’ exclaimed Charlie. ‘Just look at it.’

  ‘All this, your story, has made me hold on stronger to what I’ve found.’ Ella looked across towards Roman who must have sensed he was being watched and glanced over his shoulder.

  ‘Here we go, ladies,’ he said, cutting the engine of the boat. ‘What have I missed?’

  ‘Way too much, I’ll fill you in on the ride home.’ Ella slipped her hand around his waist. ‘I know how lucky I am to have found you.’

  Roman planted a soft kiss on the top of her head.

  ‘I told you in those tea leaves you’d find true love, and I’m always right.’

  ‘Please tell me you are not still pretending to read tea leaves?’ Charlie let out a hearty laugh. ‘This one used to pretend to read the leaves of the artists back-stage, and half the time she made it up.’

  ‘Dolores, did you make up my reading?’ exclaimed Ella with a huge smile on her face.

  For a second Dolores looked shifty. ‘I can neither confirm nor deny but look, I told you love happens when you least expect it, and I was right.’

  Ella was shaking her head and laughing as they stepped off the boat. ‘We’ll see you inside and then we must head off. Roman will put your suitcase in your dressing room, but later you have to pretend you’ve just arrived and walk down the red carpet.’

  ‘My last red carpet, and I would love it if you, Charlie, would walk by my side.’

  ‘It will be an honour.’

  Ella watched the interaction between them with her hands on her heart and blinked back the happy tears. They were just so beautiful to watch together.

  Wilbur greeted them with a smile when they all stepped inside The Lakehouse. He kissed Dolores on both cheeks and then stared at Charlie. ‘Shehrnaz, it’s been a long time.’

  For a moment Charlie stared at Wilbur.

  ‘You don’t recognise me, do you?’ he said.

  It took Charlie a second. ‘Don’t tell me you were the boy that hid under the table to watch the acts? And I used to pass you crisps and Coke from the bar?’

  ‘The very one! My parents owned this place and now my son, Flynn, does.’ Wilbur held out his hand. ‘And if I remember rightly, your favourite table was right in front of the piano, so you could watch the performances close up.’

  Dolores turned towards Ella and Roman. ‘You did this, if it wasn’t for your idea, this wouldn’t have happened. This is going to be the best night of my career and one of the best nights of my life.’

  ‘It’s been a pleasure to organise all this and to see you two reunited.’ Ella kissed them both on the cheek, leaving Wilbur to show them to their table.

  Hand in hand, Ella and Roman walked down the jetty. ‘I’ve got a warm, fuzzy feeling inside,’ she said. ‘They looked so happy together! Could you imagine getting to their age and finding each other again?’

  ‘We all get there in the end, I promise.’ Roman stopped walking and slipped his hands around Ella’s waist. ‘And I’m glad we got there sooner rather than later. I completely adore you and I’m glad you turned up in Heartcross.’

  ‘I’m glad I did too.’ Ella snuggled in close, feeling safe and content in Roman’s arms. Tilting her face upwards, Roman gazed into her eyes then kissed her so tenderly, it sent shivers down her spine.

  A couple of hours later, when Ella walked back through the front door of the flat, Callie was tapping her watch. ‘Where have you been? We need to get ready! Which dress are you going to wear?’ Callie pointed to the two dresses hanging up from the back of the door in the living room.

  Ella couldn’t make up her mind. ‘I’m not sure, I’ll have a quick shower and then decide.’ She looked over at Callie who was smiling down at her phone.

  ‘And what’s that smile for?’ asked Ella, narrowing her eyes.

  ‘I’ve got a date tonight; well, after he finishes work.’ Callie bit down on her lip.

  ‘What? Who? You’ve kept this very quiet.’

  ‘Gianni!’ replied Callie, waiting for Ella’s reaction.

  ‘Holy Moly! No way! Callie, that’s brilliant.’ Ella’s face lit up with excitement. ‘We can go on double dates.’

  ‘The first being tonight.’

  ‘It’s going to be brilliant. Let’s put on some music whilst we get ready,’ suggested Ella. ‘And this afternoon was magical, I’ve got so much to tell you about Dolores and Charlie, it’s just made today extra special.’

  ‘True love always prevails,’ remarked Callie, opening the door to be greeted by a delivery man who was hiding behind an enormous bouquet of blooms and a long cardboard box.

  ‘A delivery for Ella Johnson,’ he announced chirpily, handing them over to Callie.

  ‘It’s for you,’ called Callie.

  Ella took the flowers and inhaled the scent. ‘They are gorgeous.’ She opened the white envelope and read the card inside: Good luck for tonight, you are amazing, Roman xx. She clutched the card to her chest. ‘So thoughtful.’

  She handed Callie the flowers and looked at the box in wonderment and eagerly began to open it up. Inside the contents were hidden beneath delicate blush-pink tissue paper. Her heart skipped a beat as she unfolded the tissue paper and lifted out the most stunning dress she’d ever laid eyes on.

  ‘Wow! Look at that!’ exclaimed Callie.

  Ella’s eyes were brimming with ha
ppy tears as she held it up against her body. The dress was made from a grey shimmery satin, gathered at the waist and floating to her ankles elegantly. The soft scoop neckline looked stunning, sewn with sparkles and sequins that glinted in the light.

  Ella was speechless.

  ‘It’s absolutely perfect, Roman did well,’ Callie said. ‘Just stunning.’

  Ella laid the dress back in the box and even though she wasn’t wearing the dress yet, she already felt like a million dollars. Her heart was bursting with happiness.

  Thirty minutes later, after applying her make-up, she curled her hair and pinned the top layer, allowing the curls to cascade loosely around her face before slipping on the dress. Ella stood in front of the long mirror and smiled at her own reflection, knowing in the last few months she’d come a long way and that it was all thanks to Callie, Roman and the community of Heartcross who had welcomed her with open arms. Her skin looked radiant and her eyes sparkled as she checked her appearance one last time and stepped out into the living room, where Callie was waiting for her.

  ‘Oh my God, look at you.’ Callie eyed her approvingly. ‘That dress is beautiful. You look stunning.’

  ‘Thank you, and you do too.’ Ella air kissed Callie, then they both gave a little shimmy in their dresses.

  ‘Are we ready to get this show on the road?’ asked Callie, picking up her bag. ‘There’s a limo picking us up and Roman is meeting us at the boat.’

  Ella couldn’t wait to see him and thank him for her dress. Hearing the doorbell ring, Ella looked out at the limo through the window. ‘It’s here.’ She felt flutters of excitement as she lifted up her dress and carefully walked down the stairwell. At the bottom of the stairs she was greeted by a chauffeur wearing a uniform and a cap. He opened the car door before holding out his hand to help Ella step into the limo.

  Travelling in style, it only took five minutes to reach the jetty, and the boat was already waiting for them as Ella stepped out of the limo and gasped. Seeing Roman, Ella felt her skin ripple with goose bumps. His suit was exquisitely cut, sharp and well fitted, his satin lapels were perfect alongside his bow tie and he was wearing the most gorgeous smile. Walking towards him, Ella began to feel nervous and as soon as she reached him, he held out his hands and took hers in his. ‘You look stunning,’ he whispered, kissing her on her cheek.

  ‘Thank you and so do you.’ Her heart was thumping so hard, she let out a long calming breath. ‘I love my dress, you have impeccable taste.’

  The paparazzi were gathered at the side of the boat and everyone posed for photographs before stepping on to it. Flynn had hired another captain to sail the boat so Roman could sit back and actually enjoy the crossing. Ella held his hand the whole time whilst everyone chatted amongst themselves.

  The tiny bay was packed with people as the boat approached The Lakehouse. Ella saw Nancy and the TV crew alongside numerous press, whilst the villagers and diners were all waiting patiently behind the cordoned-off area. A red carpet trailed up the jetty all the way to the entrance and as soon as the boat docked Ella could see Dolores and Charlie already speaking to the fans gathered outside.

  Ella beckoned Dolores over when she spun round. Dolores and Charlie hurried towards the boat and were greeted by the cheers of the artists on board. Dolores was overwhelmed, dabbing her eyes with a tissue but also smiling widely. ‘Blossom, Blossom – I can’t believe it!’ She hugged her old friend and held her hand before turning towards Frank and Ritchie. ‘This is just surreal.’

  Reunited with her old management and friends, they all enjoyed a glass of the good stuff on board before stepping off the boat and walking the red carpet all together. They were instantly hit by the continuous flashing of bulbs from all the cameras. ‘So this is what it’s like to be famous,’ Ella whispered in Roman’s ear.

  Ella saw Felicity and Isla and the rest of the villagers cheering as everyone walked past. Hamish and Wilbur were standing at the entrance waiting to escort Dolores and Charlie inside. All the stars stopped to sign autographs and have their pictures taken.

  ‘Ella!’ Ella spun round to see Nancy beckoning her over to where she was already chatting to Dolores.

  ‘Ella, how are you feeling? You made all this happen.’ Ella knew the camera was rolling – the whole arrival was being televised for the late-night news – and placed her arm around Dolores’ shoulder. ‘It wasn’t just me who made this happen, there’s a long list of truly fabulous folk to thank, including this special lady.’ She squeezed Dolores. ‘And all the wonderful artists who are walking this way. Each one has a connection with Dolores and we have a special night ahead of us watching all those special moments tonight on stage. And can I just take this opportunity to thank Gianni, who has been slaving away all day over the most exquisite menu.’

  The atmosphere was electric and Ella clung to Roman’s hand. She wasn’t expecting the paparazzi to take her picture but each and every one wanted to know how she’d managed to pull such a successful star-studded evening.

  The star-studded line-up finally began to make their way inside The Lakehouse and were greeted by Flynn.

  Ella smiled at Hamish, tucked under his arm was McCartney looking smart wearing a red velvet bow-tie. As soon as the artists were settled at their table, the rest of the guests began to file through the door. The whole community of Heartcross was out in full force and each and every one of them looked stunning, their dresses extravagant, their make-up perfect and all the men suited and booted. They were all out to support The Lakehouse and, of course, Dolores.

  ‘I feel like I’m floating on air,’ whispered Ella.

  ‘And so you should be, you did all this.’ Roman kissed her on her cheek and held her hand tightly.

  ‘With a little help from some friends,’ she replied.

  Inside The Lakehouse, Ella was completely blown away. There were clusters of guests drinking from champagne flutes, sitting around their tables and an army of staff circulating with more glasses of fizz. The TV were set up along the back of the restaurant with a smaller camera positioned near the front. The whole room was bubbling with excitement. Roman had checked and double-checked the sound, which was all working correctly, and he placed a microphone on top of the piano. The whole room was decorated with fairy lights and white roses filled every spare space in the room. Ella was completely lost for words at the extravagance of it all. She weaved a way through the guests and accepted a drink from a passing waiter before she sat down at the table alongside Roman and Callie. Everything was running like clockwork. Dolores was in her element, working the room and chatting with everyone. Gianni appeared at the side of the table and Ella noticed him slip his arm around Callie’s waist before disappearing back in the kitchen.

  Within the next ten minutes a pianist came out to play whilst everyone enjoyed the delicious delights of the extravagant three-course meal that Gianni had prepared. Even Tiffany Down looked impressed as she shared a table with Nancy alongside some of the press photographers.

  Once the food had been completely devoured, Flynn stepped onto the stage and Ella noticed how proud Julia looked from the table at the side of the stage. As he took the microphone, silence fell over the room. ‘Welcome to each and every one of you for joining us tonight.’

  Ella’s heart was beating in double time, so goodness knew how Dolores was feeling, but she appeared to be taking it all in her stride.

  ‘As we all know, The Lakehouse has been around for many years and originally was owned by my very own grandparents. Hundreds of famous names have passed through those doors, but one in particular we hold close to our hearts. Many years ago Frank Divine took to this very stage and spotted Dolores Henderson dancing in front of him with her friend Blossom Rose. After he invited her up on to the stage Dolores began to sing, and by the end of the night she had been signed by Richie Kirk, Frank’s management, who are all sat here.’ Flynn nodded towards their table. ‘This is where Dolores Henderson began a career that spanned decades and tonight she will take
to this stage one last time.’ Flynn took a breath and searched the audience and spotted Ella. ‘When I re-opened The Lakehouse, I was expecting it to follow in its past footsteps and become an instant success, but that wasn’t to be, until this girl turned up in Heartcross. Please will you welcome to the stage Ella Johnson.’

  Ella’s heart was thumping, Roman gently shoved a surprised Ella on to the stage. ‘Go and get up there.’

  As Ella stood up from her seat there was rapturous applause. Walking on to the stage, she was brimming with emotion.

  ‘It was Ella’s idea to bring you “A Trip Down Memory Lane with Dolores Henderson”. Not only has she organised this event for you all, she’s brought together the world-famous artists that are going to perform for you this evening with Dolores. We have Frank, Ed, Gracie, and of course, Dolores herself.’ The crowd was cheering, the air was charged, and everyone couldn’t wait for the performances to begin.

  ‘Ella’s passion for this event and her social media activity have boosted The Lakehouse’s bookings, and this place is getting well and truly back on track. So thank you, Ella.’ Flynn looked towards her. ‘I think it’s only right that Ella introduces tonight’s first performance.’ Flynn passed the microphone to Ella who moved it to her mouth.

  She glanced around the room, every set of eyes were looking in her direction. She’d noticed that the acts and Dolores had moved from the main room and were now getting ready to perform in the backstage area.

  ‘It is my absolute privilege to introduce to you all, “A Trip Down Memory Lane with Dolores Henderson”!’

  The whole of the restaurant were up on their feet clapping as the lights dimmed and footage of The Lakehouse was projected on to the screen behind the stage. The band began to play and everyone watched the images of Dolores from the past. Frank walked on to the stage holding Dolores’ hand and they sat down on a couple of stools in the middle of the stage and stared up at the screen, which was showing younger versions of themselves performing together that very first time at The Lakehouse. It had taken Ella over a week to find a copy of that special night and Dolores clearly couldn’t believe her eyes. She gripped Frank’s arm as the whole room watched the moment when she was discovered, her very first performance at The Lakehouse.