Christmas Weddings

by Georgia Hill

  ‘Um. Ah. Hello Eleri. Message for Millie.’

  ‘I’m so sorry, I’m afraid she’s not here this morning but she’ll be back in later, mind. Can I pass it on?’ Eleri was aware Alex was staring.

  ‘What?’

  ‘The message. Shall I pass your message on?’

  ‘That would be wonderful.’ He gave a heartfelt sigh.

  Eleri put her head on one side. ‘If you don’t mind me saying, you look exhausted.’

  Alex gave her a weak smile. ‘Knackered, actually. Bloody roofers.’

  ‘Ah. Having work done on the hotel, aren’t you? Millie mentioned something. Look, sit yourself down, lovely, and I’ll get you a coffee. We’re quiet at the moment, so I can join you and you can tell me all about it.’ As she went to go into the kitchen, she stopped and turned. ‘How about a bacon roll too? One left over from breakfast.’

  Alex gave her a painfully grateful look before sinking into the same chair he’d sat in the other day.

  Once he’d eaten and Eleri had served a couple clad in cagoules and walking boots, she joined him with two more Americanos.

  Alex sat back in his seat and sighed again, this time happily.

  ‘Now then, you look a much happier man.’

  ‘I am. That was just what I needed.’

  ‘Can’t go wrong with a bit of bacon and some caffeine. Sure to hit the spot. Whatever the spot is that’s in need.’ She nudged his coffee nearer. ‘Got some orange marmalade cake as well, if you’ve room.’

  ‘Thanks, but no thanks. Haven’t got a terribly sweet tooth.’

  Eleri gasped. ‘That’s the most shocking thing I’ve ever heard. Please don’t let Millie hear you say that.’

  Alex grinned, appreciating the joke. ‘I won’t.’

  ‘So, what’s got you all tense and stressed?’

  ‘How did you know I was stressed?’

  ‘Not difficult to guess, lovely.’

  Alex pushed up his specs and blew out a breath. ‘The hotel. It’s a nightmare. It’s been a nightmare ever since I bought it.’ He stopped and a rueful expression overcame his thin face. ‘I don’t usually talk about my problems, especially not to a stranger.’

  ‘Well, no one’s a stranger in Millie Vanilla’s. And it can be good to share problems.’ Eleri picked up her coffee. Holding it between her hands, she closed her eyes and breathed in the aroma. ‘Got to be one of the world’s great pleasures.’ She drank, aware Alex was watching her avidly.

  Putting her cup down she said, ‘Now, come on, why are the hotel repairs causing you so much hassle? Money?’

  ‘You’re very direct, aren’t you? Funnily enough, no.’ Alex took off his coat and scarf. He seemed flustered. ‘Got rather warm in here, hasn’t it?’

  ‘Millie likes to keep her customers cosy.’

  ‘Yes, it’s jolly cold today. Somehow hadn’t thought it would be by the coast.’

  ‘Arthur thinks we’re in for a harsh winter.’ Eleri smiled kindly. ‘I suspect he says that every winter, mind.’ She watched as Alex drank his second coffee. He ate and drank as if it was purely fuel, she observed. There was little sensual pleasure in it. A closed-up man, she decided. ‘It’s usually money that causes the renovation stress, but not with you, so what is it?’

  ‘Oh, it’s the untidiness of it all,’ he blurted out. ‘The men seem to turn up when they like, leave their stuff all over the place, don’t finish one job before going onto the next.’ He wrinkled his nose in such disgust, Eleri wondered what he was about to say. ‘And have Radio Two blasting out at all hours.’

  ‘Shocker. I’m guessing you’re a Radio Four man?’

  ‘Three, actually.’

  Eleri sat back and laughed out loud. ‘They sound like fairly typical builders to me.’

  ‘Do they?’

  ‘Are they doing a good job? Are you pleased with the results?’

  ‘Well, yes, I suppose.’

  ‘And are you providing them with tea and biscuits?’

  Alex looked at her in horror. ‘Should I be doing?’

  Eleri shrugged. ‘Can’t hurt. How about you set up a drinks station with a kettle and teabags and coffee and such? Even Kit Kats maybe? Might oil the works when you ask for the radio to be turned down.’ She laughed. ‘Have you never lived with builders before?’

  ‘Never.’

  ‘I think they run on tea and Radio Two. Chocolate digestives help too.’

  ‘I’ll try that. Thank you.’

  ‘You’re welcome. My Da runs a building firm back in Wales, so call it insider knowledge. Or a plea on behalf of good will to the building trade.’ Alex didn’t comment, so she added, ‘What are your plans when the building work is done, then?’ She was dismayed to see his face crumple and his shoulders sag.

  ‘That’s the other, enormous black hole of a problem. I don’t know.’

  ‘Surely you’ve got a design consultant or an interior designer on the go?’

  He shook his head. ‘Thought I’d get one on board when I’d decided what sort of place to go for. And, apart from an outline plan, I have absolutely no idea. The hotel is a bit of a gamble for me.’ He shrugged. ‘Oh I’m used to gambling with money. That’s what I did in the city, I suppose. But this,’ he spread his long-fingered hands, ‘This is something else. I’m rather out of my depth.’

  He looked so forlorn, Eleri wanted to hug his too-thin shoulders. She contented herself by putting a comforting hand on one of his. ‘Oh cariad. I think you were meant to walk into Millie Vanilla’s. You were meant to meet me. You lucky, lucky man. I just happen to have a degree in interior design and I’m dying to have a look at your hotel!’

  Chapter 10

  They were so engrossed in discussing ideas that they didn’t see Millie burst into the café. She brought with her a snarl of vicious sea wind and had trouble closing the door against it. A shivering Trevor headed to his basket against the radiator.

  ‘Bugger, it’s cold out there.’ She rubbed her hands together before unwrapping her many layers and hanging them on the pink and blue hat stand. ‘Oh hi, Alex,’ she said, spotting him. ‘I’ve been trying to get hold of your brother. Again. I’m beginning to think he’s avoiding me.’

  Alex blinked owlishly at her. ‘Message. Ah yes, I have a message. Jed told me to say he’s had to go abroad on a buying trip.’

  Millie stood before them, hands on hips, expression mutinous. ‘How convenient.’

  ‘No really, it’s not, actually.’ A lock of dark blonde hair flopped forward and Alex flicked it away nervously. ‘He’s had to go to Bogota. I could have done with him being here.’

  ‘We could both do with him being here,’ Millie snapped. ‘He still owes me an explanation as to why he’s working for Blue Elephant, remember? And Bogota?’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘Where’s that?’

  Eleri stood up gracefully. ‘Colombia. South America,’ she added, as Millie still looked puzzled. She turned to Alex in concern. ‘Not the safest of countries to travel in.’

  ‘I assume, as it’s work, he’ll be well-protected. But, as it happens, I agree with you, Eleri. I voiced my concerns at him having to go there.’ Alex shrugged. ‘He’s a seasoned traveller, though, he knows how to look after himself.’

  Irritation battled with worry within Millie. She tried not to pout. ‘I just wish I knew what was going on in his mind.’

  Eleri began to pick up the cups and plates littering the table. ‘All will be well, don’t you worry. Jed would never do anything to hurt you. Either of you. He loves you both very much. I’m positive he has a very good reason for working for them.’ She smiled enigmatically and drifted to the kitchen, bestowing a serene glance on the cagoule couple, who blinked back, startled by the vision of calm and beauty.

  Millie stared after her in exasperation. ‘Much as I admire Ri, and I do very much, I sometimes think she comes from a different planet. How is she so certain about these things? I think she’s off her rocker most of the time.’

  ‘Do you?’ Alex m
urmured, also staring. ‘I think she’s the most marvellous creation I’ve ever met.’

  Chapter 11

  Eleri accepted Millie’s offer of a lift up to The Lord of the Manor on the following Sunday. She couldn’t wait to look around. Alex had rung during the week and they’d had long conversations over some of the things he hoped for the hotel. It was an exciting project and, for the first time ever, since graduating, she was itching to put the skills she’d learned into practice.

  They trundled along the pot-holed drive in Millie’s Fiesta. She changed gear to slow down and swore when the car resented her clumsy driving.

  Eleri knew Millie still hadn’t heard anything from Jed. More worrying was his lack of communication with his brother. Jed had been gone for the best part of two weeks and Alex hadn’t heard from him either. From experience, she knew parts of South America could be dangerous. She’d asked her Tarot cards on the previous evening. Relieved when the star came up – her favourite – she knew Jed was okay. She’d been slightly more troubled by the moon card. His way forward, although eventually having a positive outcome, was clouded with uncertainty. She just wished he’d get in touch with those who loved him. She heard Millie swear again as she braked harshly, scattering gravel, and sensed her pain.

  Alex greeted them at the main door. He wore a bulky overcoat, a beanie and woollen gloves. He clapped his hands together, causing some crows to fly up from out of the trees lining the driveway. He glanced up, following their flight into a cloudlessly blue sky. ‘Think it might be warmer out here than inside. Hope you’ve got something cosy to wear.’

  Eleri reached into the back of the car for the thick woollen poncho she used as a coat. ‘We’ll be fine,’ she said. ‘Can’t wait for the tour.’ Once she’d tugged the poncho over her head, she examined the front of the hotel. An elegant building, it had a symmetrical Georgian facade. The roofers’ scaffolding was shrouding its beauty, but she could see it would be stunning once repaired.

  ‘Any news?’ Millie asked Alex as she locked the car.

  Alex didn’t need to ask about what. ‘Nothing, I’m afraid. Not a sausage.’

  Eleri watched the hope drain out of Millie. ‘It’ll be fine, Millie. Colombia is a lot safer than it used to be for Western travellers.’

  ‘Great,’ Millie mumbled, not looking convinced.

  Alex shivered. ‘Shall we begin? It’s a little cold to be standing around too long. Thought we’d go over to where I hope to put the spa.’

  He led them behind the main building of the hotel to what must have been the old covered swimming pool. The water had been drained from the pool and it lay forlorn and lonely in the echoing space under the shabby glass dome. The sharp winter sunlight only emphasised the neglect.

  ‘Hoping to get the glass replaced,’ Alex said. ‘I rather like the shape of the roof, although the glass has seen better days.’ He nodded to the wall of white-painted breeze blocks. ‘That’s all coming out. It’ll be bi-fold doors that can be opened in warm weather. Not like today, eh?’ He smiled kindly at Millie.

  He was so obviously trying to be extra nice to her that Eleri’s heart melted.

  ‘We’ll have treatment rooms behind and maybe a small café. I’d like some advice from you, Millie, about what to serve.’ He grimaced. ‘I’d like to think the fad for green smoothies is over now but I’d like healthy stuff on the menu. That will fit into the whole ethos.’

  ‘So you’re still going with some kind of chill zone for burned-out executives?’ Eleri asked.

  Alex nodded. ‘That was always my intention but I was never sure quite how to achieve it.’

  ‘Well, there’s lots of things we can do. Water features, soft lighting, the right sort of music,’ Eleri said. She turned to Millie. ‘Do you remember that place we went to in Panburi?’ Millie nodded, but didn’t answer, she was obviously miles away, so Eleri went on. ‘It was this fabulous spa and hotel right on the beach in Thailand. Lots of tropical dark wood and silks. You could try that sort of thing here. Not those colours,’ she added, hastily. ‘Not in the UK, it wouldn’t feel right, but maybe stick with natural materials, local woods and fabrics, to aim for a really tranquil atmosphere.’ She scanned the sad and defeated room, visualising how it could be. ‘Beech, pale blues, creams and whites. They would look great in here and would reflect that you’re not far from the sea. You could carry them through to the main building, if you like, but warm them up slightly. Add some red and more vibrant blues.’

  ‘I like the colours used at Millie Vanilla’s,’ Alex put in, clearly out of his depth.

  ‘They look good, don’t they?’ Eleri answered, as Millie still wasn’t listening. ‘I hate to say this, Alex, but you’re right, you know. It is colder in here than outside.’ She shivered violently. ‘Could we go inside the hotel now, do you think?’

  Alex led them on a quick tour of the rest of the hotel and they ended up in the shabby and cluttered office behind the desk in the foyer. He brought over a tray of coffee and sandwiches and toed an ancient electric fire closer to them.

  ‘Coffee, I think, to warm us up, and then maybe you can both have a look over –’

  He didn’t finish, as a familiar voice sounded from the door. ‘Coffee. Just what the weary traveller needs.’ Jed dropped his case and grinned. ‘Actually, having just drunk nothing but the stuff for two weeks, I’d rather have a big mug of tea. Hello everyone.’

  Chapter 12

  Pandemonium ensued. Millie ran over and hugged him to her, Eleri grinned and introduced herself and Alex busied himself by making tea and shuffling another chair next to the fire.

  Once everything had calmed down, Jed took a seat nearest the fire and looked about him. ‘It’s so good to be home, although it’s funny to think of the Lord as home.’ He unzipped his jacket. ‘And I know it hasn’t been long but at times it seemed I was away forever.’

  ‘You look tired,’ Alex said, with concern.

  ‘Yes well, at times it wasn’t much of a picnic. And I’m sorry I’ve been out of contact. Communications were a little ropey where I was.’ He blew out a breath so that it made his over-long fringe shoot up. ‘It’s been quite the trip.’

  ‘Trouble?’

  Jed pulled a face at his brother. ‘You could say so. Once or twice.’

  ‘The gang culture still not sorted, then?’ Eleri put in. ‘They’re called the bandas criminales, I believe,’ she added.

  Jed took a swig of tea and shrugged. ‘Looked to be still active where I was travelling.’

  ‘Why were you there, then?’ Millie asked, with an edge to her voice.

  ‘Work. Trying to source coffee growers.’

  ‘For Blue Elephant.’

  ‘Yes, Millie. For Blue Elephant.’

  Eleri gave Alex a sharp glance. ‘Alex bach, did you say you were going to show me the old stable block?’

  ‘Did I?’ Alex looked surprised and then caught on. ‘Oh yes.’ Untangling his long legs, he got up and held out a courteous hand. ‘You said you had some ideas to turn them into self-catering accommodation. I’d love to hear about them.’

  They left without Jed and Millie noticing.

  ‘I can’t believe you’re working for them.’ Millie hurled the words across the room.

  Jed pushed a weary hand through his hair. ‘There are times when I can’t quite believe it myself.’ There was a heavy silence, then he added, ‘Do we have to do this now, Millie?’

  ‘Yes, we have to do this now, Jed! You know how I feel about that company. You know what they might do to my business. How could you get a job with them, of all people?’ Millie bit down on her anger.

  Another silence. Jed dropped his empty mug onto the desk with a thud. There was a beat going in his cheek. He rose and went to the window, looking out into the grounds, as if longing to escape. He was still wearing his orange puffa and it glowed against the silvery-blue sky. ‘This place is going to be great when it’s finished. Must be Georgian. Or older. What do you think?’

 
‘Jed. Answer the question. I deserve that much, at least.’

  He turned and leaned against the sash window frame. ‘You do, of course you do.’ He folded his arms and gave an empty sigh. ‘And I’m so very sorry, sorrier than you’ll ever imagine, but I can’t answer you.’

  Millie stood up, her hands clenched to white knuckles. ‘If you don’t give me a reasonable explanation why you’re working for Blue Elephant then I can’t …’ she choked a little. ‘Jed, I can’t see how we can move forward. Everything between us will be over.’ She sucked in a shuddering breath. ‘Once and for all.’

  ‘Don’t say that, Millie. Please don’t say that.’ Jed came nearer and took her hands in his. ‘I wish I could tell you, I really do.’ His face was anguished. ‘But I’m not able to explain. I daren’t.’

  Millie’s lip quivered. His touch had broken through the anger into her concern. ‘We’ve been really worried about you, you know. I’ve been really worried about you.’ Furious tears began to rise. She shook off his hold and distanced herself. She couldn’t decide whether to hug him safe, or shake him. ‘I can’t understand why you can’t tell me.’ She just about stopped herself stamping her foot in frustration. ‘Jed, anyone would think you’re a secret agent or something.’ A flicker in his expression had her gasp. ‘You can’t be serious?’

  He shrugged, deadly solemn. ‘You’re going to have to go with me on this. You’re going to have to trust me.’

  ‘What again?’ Millie burst out bitterly. ‘How many times have you asked me to do that? And each time you’ve held something back from me, something really important. Something I should have known.’ She shook her head, tears falling. ‘Oh Jed, I just can’t do this any more. I’m tired of it. It’s over.’

  ‘Millie, don’t say that,’ Jed’s voice was hoarse with emotion. ‘Please give me this one last chance. Just give me a few months and I can prove I’m worthy of you.’

  The cold air stilled. A dust mote spiralled down. Millie watched it, trying to decide what to do. She contemplated going to him, holding him close, kissing him until their breath was spent. She longed to forget all this was happening. To pretend the only thing that mattered was her and Jed. Then the image of the opening day at Blue Elephant swam into her vision. Of its slick wooden tables and top of the range coffee machines. If she didn’t fight for her business, it would be worth nothing and she certainly wouldn’t succeed in selling it. And if she had to fight Blue Elephant then she would have to fight Jed too. Hardening her resolve, she reached for her coat.