The Ticket to Happiness

by Faith Bleasdale

  Brooke explained her plan and once again, Pippa felt guilty. She’d really put her heart and soul into trying to sort out the situation with Lucky. She’d got the morris dancers involved, for goodness’ sake, and she’d given over her time to go and see William numerous times. That explained where she and Hector were going to when Pippa attempted to follow them. Now, it all made sense. It would teach Pippa not to be suspicious of her anymore.

  It turned out William had walked Lucky near Topps Farm when they were shooting and it was the sound of the gun that caused the dog to nip him. The poor dog was innocent and William, who’d probably had a few pints, panicked. Then once he’d been bitten, he didn’t want to admit it was his fault, so he blamed the sanctuary. Anyway, as he was already in the lie, it seemed to grow from there until he actually found he liked the attention, at which point he thought he might make some cash from it.

  ‘How did you get him to confess?’ Harriet asked, her eyes wide in wonder.

  ‘Three pints and four whisky chasers. I might have planted the seed that I was glad he was doing something to bring the Singers down a peg or two, made out I didn’t like you very much – sorry about that … But then eventually he confessed, which is the bit you heard. I’ve got hours of recording and kept it all so they can’t say we edited it, but to be honest, I think if you just tell him you know the truth, he’ll back off. He’s not a bad person, but he is a bit of a sad drunk, as far as I can tell,’ Brooke said.

  ‘Wow! You’re a genius.’ Harriet jumped up and hugged Brooke. ‘How on earth will we ever thank you?’ she asked.

  ‘I don’t need thanks,’ Brooke blushed. ‘I just wanted to make sure the sanctuary and the animals were going to be all right. And Lucky, of course. And all of you.’

  ‘Well, Brooke, you’re a superstar. None of us could think straight in all this, so thank goodness you were so clever,’ Gus beamed. ‘Harry, go and tell Connor right away!’

  ‘I’ll call him now, and then I’m going to call the solicitor and get him to confront William. We’ll say that we won’t make a fuss as long as he retracts the allegation and tells the truth to the press. Brooke, you’re my hero!’ Harriet was already in practical mode. ‘But, Brooke, you’re now going to stay at the hotel for as long as you want for free,’ Harriet said. ‘It’s absolutely the least we can do to thank you for saving us not just a huge amount of money, but also the sanctuary.’

  There was a round of applause at the table as everyone beamed.

  ‘I agree. Brooke, you’re now officially part of our family.’ Freddie gave her a massive hug.

  ‘I told her she was more than a pretty face,’ Hector added.

  ‘Well, I’m just so grateful, I know everyone will be. Brooke, none of us knew what to do and you did,’ Amanda said.

  ‘And of course the morris dancers will have to be rewarded,’ Gus said.

  ‘We’ll buy them new bells!’ Freddie quipped.

  ‘I think it was just because I’m not so close to it that I could take a step back and be more practical. And by the way, Hector helped me with the plan, he needs some credit, too.’

  ‘I wasn’t the brains behind it, Brooke was. I was just there for moral support,’ Hector said magnanimously.

  ‘Well done both of you,’ Pippa said, hoping that perhaps now Brooke and she could put the bad feeling behind them. After all, she’d done it for them – she really had proved herself. Pippa found she had tears in her eyes. ‘I mean it, I don’t know what we’d have done without you.’

  ‘Thank you, Pippa,’ Brooke said warmly with a big smile. ‘I just wanted to make sure that Meadowbrook Sanctuary and all of you were all right,’ she added.

  ‘Hector, you’re a marvel. You shall stay here for free, too,’ Harriet said.

  Pippa startled. Was Harriet drunk? They were overjoyed, it was clear, and of course it was all thanks to Brooke, but Harriet, giving something away? Pippa felt her eyes sting with tears of relief. She really did feel grateful to Brooke and, of course, Hector.

  ‘I wouldn’t dream of it. I just gave Brooke a bit of support, it was really all her,’ Hector replied gallantly.

  The news was spread and everyone was overjoyed. The solicitor was charged with dealing with William, the PR company was going to start spreading the word in the press and Freddie said when he got the green light, he’d attack social media. He was happy to have something to do to take his mind of the imminent proposal.

  ‘So, do you think you’ll have the wedding here?’ Brooke asked as they moved on from Lucky.

  ‘It’s up to Gemma, but probably. We met here, after all; we had our first kiss in the garden. I know the hotel’s busy in the summer, but I’d like a spring or summer wedding so we can make the most of the garden,’ Freddie said.

  ‘You surprise me with how romantic you can be sometimes,’ Pippa said, ‘and we’d love to have the wedding here, regardless of the bookings, but it’s up to Gem.’

  ‘But you should help organise it. Our wedding was organised by Pippa, mostly, and she did such a brilliant job,’ Amanda said.

  ‘Thank you,’ Pippa replied. ‘Right, I think it’s time for us all to celebrate,’ she giggled.

  ‘Hey! that’s normally my line,’ Freddie replied.

  ‘Do you think he’s done it yet?’ Harriet asked as they sat in her living room drinking champagne.

  Connor was practically dancing around. The weight he’d been carrying on his shoulders had lifted and that was of course thanks to Brooke. They were virtually going to name a building after her at this rate. Or at least another animal. Connor’s face looked back to normal and the worry lines he’d been wearing lately had disappeared. And although Pippa was still struggling with Brooke, she felt lighter, happier and relieved, too.

  ‘No, Gemma or Fred would text as soon as he has,’ Pippa said.

  She was desperate to see Gemma, or to hear from her. She could only imagine how happy she’d be. Pippa was happy for them, but she was definitely ready for some of the happiness to come her way. With Harvey, maybe…

  ‘God, I almost can’t believe that Freddie’ll be a married man soon,’ Connor laughed.

  ‘I know, but he’s doing it for Gemma, really. That must be true love,’ Harriet pointed out.

  ‘Would you marry me?’ Connor asked.

  ‘As proposals go that’s pretty weak, but no, because I know it’s not important to you and nor is it to me. Toby’s the only commitment we need.’

  Harriet reached across and kissed Connor in a rare display of affection and Pippa burst into tears.

  ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Do you think all this is because I’m lonely?’ She felt more tears welling up.

  ‘Why don’t you call Harvey and see if you can visit him this week? You can’t go at the weekend as the hotel’s busy and Freddie’s off, but perhaps during the week for a night or two?’ Harriet suggested, giving her sister a hug. ‘It might do you some good and also stop you from feeling lonely.’

  ‘But we don’t like him—’ Connor started.

  ‘We aren’t dating him. The break’ll do you good.’ Harriet sounded genuinely concerned for her.

  ‘That’s a good idea. I’ll call him later. I want to celebrate with Gemma and Freddie first but then maybe I can go for a couple of nights later this week.’

  The texts came through to their phones at the same time:

  She said yes!

  They refilled their champagne glasses and toasted the latest soon-to-be Singer.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  She’d decided to take up Harriet’s suggestion of a quick midweek break, as escaping to London seemed like her best bet right at this moment. She’d be back long before the weekend when the hotel was full once again, and Freddie and Gemma were going away for the weekend to celebrate their engagement, so she’d be busy, busy, busy. A couple of days’ space would do her good. She needed to get her head together with everything going on, not that she was sure exactly what was going on.

&n
bsp; ‘Isn’t it great about Gemma and Freddie!’ Pippa said to Brooke when Freddie, Pippa, Hector, Brooke and herself were all celebrating the engagement in the hotel bar late on the Monday night.

  ‘Sure is,’ Brooke replied, beaming. ‘So, let me see the ring again, Gemma.’

  Brooke was so excited for Gemma and Freddie. With the Lucky situation having been resolved, all was well between them again. Pippa had been slightly tentative with Brooke, in case she was still upset with her, but Brooke had been nothing but lovely to her so she’d relaxed around her. It was clear that Brooke had proved herself a worthy friend to them and Pippa had told her as much. She was surprised to see how emotional this made Brooke and they’d embraced. It seemed Brooke had forgiven her, after all.

  ‘Can you believe it?’ Gemma said. ‘I thought, you know, earlier this year, that Freddie was so against marriage we’d never do it!’

  ‘Well, he obviously saw sense, and I can’t wait until you’re officially my sister,’ Pippa giggled.

  ‘Of course, I want you to be my maid of honour. Oh my God, I can’t believe it.’ Gemma was radiating happiness.

  ‘Are you going to have a long engagement? Oh, don’t leave it too long. I can’t wait for us to plan the wedding together,’ Pippa said.

  Gemma had engulfed Pippa in another huge hug while Brooke looked on.

  ‘And as you’re going to be sticking around to set up your business then you’ll be here for the wedding, won’t you?’ Pippa asked Brooke.

  ‘Hey, try keeping me away.’

  All was well between them again.

  ‘You know I’m going to be working most of the time?’ Harvey said as he let her into his very smart, very minimal, modern house.

  She wasn’t sure what she expected, but it was clear that this was somewhere he’d simply bought, got a decorator to furnish and that was it. It was devoid of personal touches and also personality, she thought, although it was clear that the house was worth a fortune.

  ‘I know, and that’s fine,’ Pippa replied, hugging Harvey. ‘I just wanted to get away. I can go shopping, or maybe even to an art gallery, there’s plenty to occupy myself with.’

  ‘Great, but right now how about you occupy yourself with me?’

  She did just that.

  She’d been glad to get away. As soon as she’d sat on the train from Bath, she felt relieved to be leaving Meadowbrook and she didn’t know why. It was perhaps the stress of the last few weeks, which, thanks to Brooke, was definitely over now. The press had printed the story, William was barred from The Parker’s Arms, Lucky was officially now Gwen’s and Gerry’s dog, and all was well. Pippa had managed to speak to all the sponsors and they were fully behind the sanctuary once more. The publicity had even attracted more donations. And it was all thanks to Brooke. Pippa may have found her difficult to figure out at times, but now she’d seen her caring side, she was fully in the Brooke Walker fan club, along with everyone else.

  Harvey didn’t finish work until eight the following night, but she was meeting him at a restaurant in the city. Pippa had hit the shops to go and buy Gemma and Freddie an engagement gift, but she had no idea what on earth to get the couple who had everything, so she decided to speak to Gus and Harriet and perhaps they could club in together. She was so thrilled for Freddie and Gemma, she really was. She also vowed that it wouldn’t force her to try to turn her and Harvey’s fledging relationship into something it wasn’t yet. Last night had been fun and passionate, but when she’d tried to talk to him about the Lucky situation and Brooke, he’d glazed over. He said he was pleased it was resolved but quickly changed the subject. It seemed Harvey was interested in talking about work, both hers and his, to be fair to him, but not personal stuff.

  She couldn’t help but think about conversations she’d had with Hector when they were alone. She’d talked about her fears, her hopes and everything, but she couldn’t do that with Harvey. Actually, she could, but he made it clear he didn’t want to listen. If he didn’t like the sound of what she was saying, he’d cut her off, make a joke or just blatantly change the subject. She was learning that although she was having fun with him, was attracted to him – and she’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy the passion – she was feeling more and more that they were never going to have the emotional connection, which she so craved. If only Hector could have Harvey’s maturity, his age and his raw sexual attraction, or if Harvey could have Hector’s mind, then she’d have the perfect man.

  She pushed those thoughts away, because they were ridiculous, and she spotted Harvey making his way towards her. Her smile dropped when she noticed he had another man with him.

  ‘Pippa, this is James. James, Pippa. Sorry, but we have a work situation we need to discuss, so I suggested he join us for dinner.’

  As James shook Pippa’s hand, she literally had no words.

  She didn’t know a bond from a future, she realised, as she tried to keep track of the conversation that didn’t involve her at all. There’d been an issue with certain trades that day and James, who hadn’t been part of the team-building exercise at Meadowbrook, and Harvey discussed it in a very animated way while Pippa ate her food and drank too much wine for something to do. She felt beyond awkward and was relieved when just as their main courses were cleared, James stood up.

  ‘So sorry to have gatecrashed your dinner, but we’re done now. See you in the office tomorrow, Harvey.’

  ‘How was your dinner?’ Harvey asked.

  ‘Slightly dull,’ Pippa replied.

  ‘Don’t start! I warned you when you wanted to come up here that I had work all week and you said you’d fit around it.’

  ‘I know, I know. Shhorry. It’s jus’ been good to get away and I’m grateful, really, but to be fair, I’ve had too muuush to drink.’ She could hear herself talking and her words were slurred. She giggled. Who cared if he talked about work? Who cared about anything?

  ‘Right, well in that case, I’d better get you home. And I’ve got an early start tomorrow.’

  ‘’Course you have,’ Pippa hiccupped as he paid the bill and then helped her up.

  The two days had flown by, she realised as she took the train home. But as soon as she boarded the train, she also realised that she’d made a decision about Harvey. That morning, he’d left at five so he could go to the gym for an hour before work and Pippa knew, clearly now, if she hadn’t before, that this wasn’t going anywhere. She wasn’t going to fall in love with him and he didn’t really know her, didn’t seem interested enough in getting to know her enough to fall in love with her. So, it was probably best to leave it where it was. They’d had a bit of fun, it’d been nice at times, but before she let herself get entangled with him, it was best to call it a day. All his gushing texts and fawning over her meant nothing in the scheme of things. Their relationship, or whatever it was, had ended before it had begun.

  She had a feeling he wouldn’t be exactly heartbroken. She grinned. She was growing up! She’d dated and she’d decided to break up with a man. This was the first time in her life that she’d done so. She was feeling a little proud of herself, in fact. Perhaps Freddie wasn’t the only one who was behaving like an adult now.

  She felt better coming back to the hotel. Renewed, in some ways. As soon as she put her bags in her apartment, she checked in with the staff then went to find Freddie. He was in the office, putting in the drinks order.

  ‘How are you?’ she asked, giving him a hug.

  ‘Pretty good. Being engaged seems to suit me somewhat. How are you? You certainly seem to have a spring in your step!’

  ‘That’s because I’m the opposite of you. I’ve decided to call it a day with Harvey.’

  ‘Really? Goodness, Pip, not like you to make such decisions.’

  ‘I know, I know, I normally wait until it goes horribly wrong. The thing is that I liked Harvey, although no one else seems to, but he’s so committed to his work and to be honest, I find him a bit dull. He doesn’t seem interested in me, or my fa
mily, so I had an epiphany that there wasn’t a future for us, so best not to waste anymore time with him.’

  ‘That makes sense. Anyway, I’m going to finish this order then I’m off. I have to pack. We’re going first thing tomorrow morning.’

  ‘And are you going to tell me where you’re going?’

  ‘Actually, and please don’t take the mickey, I’m taking Gemma to Paris.’

  ‘Romantic.’

  ‘I’ve booked an amazingly expensive hotel and we’ve got a whole weekend planned: Eiffel Tower, the river Seine, the Louvre…’

  ‘Gosh, you’re really doing the tourist thing.’ Pippa was impressed; it wasn’t like Freddie.

  ‘Gemma’s never been to Paris. And I didn’t want it to be a cliché and propose there, so I thought I’d propose then take her for a really romantic weekend. I’ll also give us the chance to do all the touristy things that she’s never done.’

  ‘Fred, she’ll love it. You’re the best fiancé in the world.’

  ‘I am, aren’t I?’

  ‘Is there anything I should know?’ Pippa asked.

  ‘Yes, you need to do the final Easter event meeting on Sunday, but it’s all organised pretty much. Can’t believe it’s nearly Easter already. Hector was asking after you, so maybe you’d have a word with him. I think he’s a bit worried about being Humpty Dumpty.’

  ‘Honestly, I think that’s the least of his worries, but I wanted to see him. Is he in his room?’

  ‘As far as I know.’

  Pippa felt nervous as she knocked. They hadn’t really talked since the Harvey thing and with Brooke being so angry with her, she wasn’t sure if Hector was or not.

  ‘Hello,’ Hector’s reassuringly familiar voice rang out.

  She pushed the door open.

  ‘Can I come in?’ she asked.

  Hector was at the desk, typing away.