Making waves at penvenna.., p.22
Making Waves at Penvennan Cove, page 22
‘Hardly. I’m the poster guy for relationship disasters and our current situation proves that. If I were a better man I’d walk away and leave you to pick up the pieces of your life, but I’m not.’ He makes a sad face, and his tone is apologetic. ‘I can’t exist without you and that’s a fact. Not quite the hero of the piece now, am I?’
‘You’ll always be a hero to me and none of this is your doing. We do need to decide how to move forward, though.’ I pick up my phone and scroll through the messages. ‘Sy and Tegan have invited us for dinner at The Forge tonight. I’m sure they’ve heard some of the rumours, but there’s something special they want to ask us, and I don’t want to spoil it for them. Do you mind if we go?’
Ross pulls on a T-shirt and comes over to sit next to me on the bed, stooping first to kiss me on the lips. There’s a kiss and there’s a kiss; this one is comforting, and it tells me I need to be strong.
‘If it’s important, then that’s fine. Who are the other messages from?’
‘Sissy, Yvonne, Logan, Uncle Alistair, Georgia – James’s mum – and even Kate. She used to drive one of Tegan’s two minibuses, but now she has her own little van, given that they are all self-employed under the new set-up.’
Ross shakes his head, sadly.
‘What a mess that we’ve unwittingly pulled everyone into.’
‘The problem is that I don’t know what they’ve overheard, and I think the less I say the better, for fear of sounding like I’m making excuses or trying to get people on our side. I was going to do a simple reply, saying I’m fine and not to believe everything they hear. But does that sound like I’m dodging the issue when everyone will know that Dad isn’t supporting us?’
‘You are, but so are they. If your gut instincts are telling you to do that, go ahead. At least you can copy and paste the message.’
I give him one of my fixed stares. ‘I’m being serious here.’
Ross reaches out to grab my free hand. ‘I wasn’t being flippant, Kerra, because it’s going to get worse before it gets any better. We have a big decision to make and everything could hinge upon it.’
‘Before you go any further, Ross, I need to tell you something. I’ve spent my entire life either trying to please people or melt into the background and not put myself out there for fear of… rejection. I’m not even sure that’s the right word. I am who I am, but I don’t fit the mould and that’s a fact. And now I’ve had enough. I’m like a firework and the fuse paper has been lit. I’m about to explode and that thought scares me, but it also makes me feel free.’
Ross gazes at me, his eyes full of concern, and I can see my words resonate with him.
‘My father intends to leave me with no option other than to move to Launceston to set up the second office. He thought that by upsetting Eddie it would make you walk away from me and the humiliation of that would make me only too glad to get away. I found out this morning that he has already approached my foreman, Will, about stepping into my shoes as a manager. Effectively, taking my place here.’
My jaw drops. Ross stares down at his hands before rubbing them together, nervously.
‘You see, my father didn’t know you were back. He thought I was burying myself in work and he’d waltz in, hand me a huge budget and I’d bite his hand off for the opportunity.’
It takes a moment, or two, for me to take in what Ross is saying. Was Jago’s reaction, when he found out what was going on, fuelled by anger? I wonder.
‘Considering he had to think on his feet, I can now see that he panicked,’ Ross continues. ‘His trip to The Lark and Lantern was a clever move, if devious.’
‘Your father deigned to lowered himself to go there because he knew it would pay off. He could ask questions, and no one would bat an eyelid, because he’d been away. Whatever information he could glean was key, because he had to suddenly change his strategy.’
‘You’re right. When he found out that it wasn’t general knowledge that we are seeing each other, he knew that was our weak spot.’
I let out a groan. ‘Some people are sheep, aren’t they? I mean people like poor Zacky, blindly allowing themselves to unwittingly give Jago the ammunition he needs. But your father can’t have expected my dad to walk in like that. I wonder if Jago was made aware of the fact that the three of us would be at the village hall?’
Ross shrugs his shoulders. ‘It’s likely. Sam told me he bought several rounds of drinks because he was celebrating.’
‘You’ve spoken to Sam?’
Ross looks back at me uneasily.
‘Sam rang me, but it was about you really. He mentioned it afterwards, saying how it all got a little out of hand.’
Ross is trying to skate over something here.
‘What did he say about me?’
Ross squeezes my hand, and I can see this isn’t easy for him.
‘Sam thinks you’re helping Polly to set up her own business and that he’s going to lose her. If it’s true, he told me that his days are numbered if she walks away. He can’t afford to replace her, as she’s his right arm and the pub is barely making a profit. Sam is at the end of his tether, Kerra, and he wanted to know if it was true. I said that Polly is her own woman, and it was her he should be speaking to, not me and not you.’
My stomach begins churning. ‘I put Polly in touch with Oliver Sinclair. Polly would never leave Sam to cope on his own, but she needs something to keep her sane, Ross. I can only assume she gets her creative spark from her mother, but it’s a part of who she is and not being able to express herself is eating away at her. If Sam doesn’t let Polly spread her wings in her own free time, he will end up losing her. Of that I have no doubt.’
‘From his viewpoint you’re an unsettling influence, Kerra. It’s true that she’s setting up her own business, then?’
I feel utterly crestfallen. ‘Yes. But she’ll be doing small jobs on the side. Ian is going to help her, as he’s a painter/decorator. As Designed to Sell, she’ll be renovating furniture and buying bits and pieces to get previously rented houses ready for sale. I can’t imagine her getting a flood of work, but she has her first job and I’ve asked her to make over Gwel Teg afterwards.’
‘I thought you saw that as your fun, hands-on project? You were excited to get stuck in.’
‘That’s true, but with all that’s happened it’s taken the shine off everything. If Dad can’t understand why I snapped up Gwel Teg, then others will no doubt feel the same. When it’s little Kerra Shaw it raises eyebrows.’
‘Most of them don’t know you at all, do they? Or what you’re capable of achieving.’ Ross’s voice softens. ‘Eddie’s life is relatively simple and much of what you do is unfathomable to him. The unknown is scary. Sam is in the same boat because he knows Polly has aspirations.’
‘If Sam knew what was going on, I’m sure it would be easier all round. But Polly is scared it will come between them before she has a chance to prove that she can make it work and continue at the pub.’
‘But it’s obvious that if she does well, at some point it will command her attention full-time.’
I look at Ross, my expression one of resolve. ‘Polly can’t hide her natural-born talent. In the same way that I’m an entrepreneur. She studied hard to get a qualification in interior design and yet Sam doesn’t even acknowledge it. If his business is failing, then it’s because he won’t open his mind to the opportunities out there. Anyone in business these days has to move with the times, and those who don’t will go under. Her success is nothing to do with the struggles at the pub. Polly has no control over the decisions her dad makes. If he turns it around, then he’ll be able to pay for the staff he needs.’
Ross looks stunned. ‘That’s fighting talk, Kerra.’
‘You know exactly what I mean, Ross, and I’m not wrong. Polly will end up leaving anyway if Sam doesn’t wake up to the reality of his situation. It’s a case of either one life being ruined, or two, when they could both be happy. At some point she’ll hopefully meet the love of her life. What will Sam do then?’
‘I think you’d better warn Polly before it all blows up. Something tells me that you’re not convinced the days are numbered for The Lark and Lantern, though.’
We smile at each other and I find it exhilarating that we’re so in tune.
‘I should imagine he could attract a buyer with ease because of the location. But the place means a lot to him. If Sam approaches me of his own accord, then with a willing investor on board he could turn things around. I guess it’s time for everyone to stand up and take responsibility for their own actions, because there’s no point in reaching out to someone who doesn’t want to be helped. And if he’s had enough, I wouldn’t blame him taking the money and running. But what would he do, then? I suspect Polly would go her own way and I’m not sure he’s ready to be on his own.’
‘You could be right. It’s daunting for anyone having to start all over again, at any time of life. Now, what are we going to do about this Launceston thing?’
That’s a bit trickier. ‘If you do as your father bids, then everyone will believe that he was simply telling the truth.’
‘If I refuse, a simple vote would be sufficient to oust me. As I’m also an employee my parents would have to sack me if they wanted to totally get rid of me. I might have some legal redress there for unfair dismissal, but as I’m opposing plans for expansion, it could be a costly battle and one I might not win.’
‘Does Jago have anyone on the sidelines, whom he trusts enough to take over from you?’
Ross sucks in a deep breath. ‘Only Will. My father doesn’t really trust anyone unless he’s known them for a long time. Despite our frequent disagreements, I’ve given him no real cause for complaint until now. What I don’t know is why it’s suddenly come to a head. Reading between the lines, I think he’s come into some money and I know that over in Spain he dabbles in the property market. If he’s made a quick profit on a deal, then he’ll be keen to sink that into something solid. And what better than the family business, over which he has control?’
‘You still have the upper hand, surely? Will might be able to step up, but not to your level. Managing one site isn’t quite the same as running an entire business with multiple jobs on the go at the same time.’
I like Will, he’s a good man and he was in charge of the extensions to Tigry and Pedrevan cottages, but he relies heavily on Ross’s input and that was very evident.
‘I’m guessing that my father is counting on the fact that I’ll be on call to troubleshoot Will’s teething problems, at the same time as getting the new office up and running. He says it’ll be less work for me, as we won’t have employees as we do now, but contractors in and around the Launceston area. I’ve seen other building companies make that mistake and I know of two outfits using contractors who went bust. It works for a business like Clean and Shine, but the building trade is different. Reliability and good skills don’t always go hand in hand, so good workers look for good wages. Give a man a proper job, and pay him the rate he deserves, and he’ll be loyal. That’s where Treloar’s, as a family business, scores. In a day and age when large companies don’t really give a damn about their customers, we’ve prospered. Keeping local men in employment is as important as seeing a rise in profits each year. When greed and cutting corners are thrown into the mix, they put everything in jeopardy.’
I turn sideway, hooking up my leg to sit looking at Ross face to face.
‘It sounds to me like you’ve already made up your mind. What’s the plan?’
I can tell from his general demeanour that he’s well aware it’s a gamble that might not go in his favour.
‘I’ll stay, but I’m going nowhere. If Will is prepared to take on the job at Launceston, then I’ll do what I can to support him from a distance. Treloar’s means everything to me and if the way to show my father that he’s wrong is by comparing results, then so be it. The bottom line will speak for itself. Either the new idea will fly, or it won’t. He won’t be happy, but I can’t see what other options he has. He won’t want to hang around here for too long and this is the solution I’m going to put on the table.’
In a way it’s relief to know that Ross can stand back and see the situation for what it is, but tough to accept that after all the hard work he’s put in it counts for very little.
‘And how do we proceed?’ I ask, tentatively.
‘That’s a decision only you can make, Kerra. Losing my job would be gut-wrenching but Eddie cutting you out of his life forever would break your heart. We both know that.’
I let out a huge sigh because he’s right. ‘If we were living in London few would know, or even care, what was going on. Unless it’s political, or a scandal that hits the headlines and the news, lives get turned upside down every day and it goes unnoticed. This is so damned annoying and unnecessary!’ I exclaim, feeling helpless.
Unfortunately, in a small community like ours it’s rather like the situation between Ripley and Bertie. Neither of them likes change. Ripley can’t understand why Bertie can run unfettered in the garden that was once hers, even though Ripley was the one who decided to move in with me. And Bertie can’t understand why Ripley resents him, when he’d love to be friends. The root of discontent is uncertainty, fear of change and sometimes even jealousy, but you’d think human beings would know better.
‘As much as it pains me to toe the line,’ I admit, ‘I think it would be best at least for the next week to keep our heads down. After that, we act like any other couple and you can come and go as you please. You’ll no doubt appreciate being able to get away from Treylya, and your father, for a break. If Dad can’t accept that, then so be it.’
Ross gives me a nervous look and I can tell that he still has doubts. ‘There’s no real rush, Kerra. If all it takes is a little more time, then maybe we simply need to be patient.’
I put my hand up to his cheek, running a finger down to his chin. ‘It’s bizarre,’ I reflect. ‘I’ve always thought of Dad as someone who is essentially a fair man when it comes to judging people and situations. Look at how he’s taken in Alice and Ian because Uncle Alistair disapproves of their relationship. Dad feels strongly that it’s not for my uncle to dictate what Alice can and can’t do. And yet he’s doing the exact same thing to me, simply because of his feud with your father. I’m not sure I can forgive him for that, Ross, as awful as that sounds, because it makes no sense.’
We lie for a while in each other’s arms, each engrossed in our own thoughts. I might be a very private person, but I’m also determined and strong-willed. When the other kids laughed at me for being the techie, the geek, I realise now that I never wanted to change myself to be more like them. I thought of it as me not fitting in, but if that were the case, then I would have made the effort and hidden my true self. I didn’t. What I did was to avoid being, as Ross said, the centre of attention. I was happy on the edge of things looking in and thinking what they were doing looked like fun, but I knew it wasn’t right for me. Messing about was all well and good, but I was happy sitting at my desk and writing code.
On the other hand, Ross was the one for me and my heart knew that all along. I can’t let anyone, or anything, come between us now – it’s time to be true to myself whether people can accept that, or not.
‘I’d better respond to these texts and then I’ll have a quick word with Polly before I get myself ready. I think it’ll do us both good to have some company this evening and then we have all night and most of tomorrow to—’
‘Forget about what’s going on around us and have some fun.’ Nothing keeps Ross down for long and that’s what I love about him. Knowing that we have each other is enough to cling on to no matter how rough a ride it’s going to be.
Twenty-Three
A Cosy Evening at The Forge
‘This looks different and inviting,’ Ross remarks the moment we walk into the sitting room at The Forge.
With the log fire roaring, a line of candles lit on the mantelpiece and the lovely little finishing touches Tegan has added, Ross is a convert. I start laughing and he looks at me, questioningly.
‘What?’
‘I told you that it needed a few touches to soften that bachelor-style life of yours.’
Sy shuts the door behind us as Tegan walks over to give me a hug. ‘I’m so glad you guys could come tonight. We figured you could do with a meal out somewhere quiet.’
Sy steps forward to kiss my cheek, as I watch Tegan hug Ross, giving him a sympathetic pat on the back.
‘What have you heard?’ I ask, wondering where to start.
‘Let’s go through to the kitchen to get a drink, first. You might as well sit at the table and I can cook as we talk. I’m doing spiced, crispy squid for starters.’
Tegan flashes Sy a look and he gives her a discreet nod, as we follow him through to the kitchen/diner.
‘I love that dresser, and doesn’t the old Cornish pottery look wonderful, Ross?’
‘Hmm, it does. I like the blue in here; it makes it look fresh.’
We settle ourselves down as Sy lights the two large, church candles in the middle of the table. With the soft light from the side lamps on the dresser, it’s both cosy and romantic.
‘We love it here, Ross,’ Tegan says over her shoulder as she dips the squid in a dish of batter.
Sy cracks open a bottle of red wine, while Ross pulls the cork on a bottle of white.
‘We didn’t know what to do for the best when we heard about what happened at The Lark and Lantern. We’d intended asking you both over this evening anyway.’ He looks across at Tegan, who does a half-turn to smile back at him. ‘But we also wanted you to know that we’re here if you need any support.’
Ross is watching the interaction between Sy and Tegan, with interest.
‘What’s going on with you two?’ he enquires, a hint of amusement making his eyes sparkle.
‘Go on, Sy,’ Tegan encourages, as she lifts the basket of squid out of the fryer to give it a shake. The smell that emanates reminds me that I’ve hardly eaten anything at all today.
