Making waves at penvenna.., p.29
Making Waves at Penvennan Cove, page 29
‘Hey, you. How are you doing?’ I lie back, slipping off my shoes, and put up my feet.
‘I’m just finishing off some paperwork and then I’ll be heading off to The Forge,’ Ross informs me, sounding in high spirits. ‘When’s Tegan arriving?’
‘She didn’t mention a time, but I’m chilling. I’m so glad that you’re going to The Forge and not Treylya. It would have been too awkward with Jago there and a hotel isn’t quite as relaxing, is it? Are you sure you have everything you need?’
‘Yes. I checked and double-checked before I left Pedrevan this morning.’
‘You sound very bright and breezy. You and Sy aren’t planning some sort of stag do for two, are you?’
‘Of course not. If we were, we’d have invited Drew along.’
‘It’s a pity he’s heading off tomorrow to stay with Felicity for the weekend, but he’s helping her to go through the loft in preparation for the big move in a few weeks’ time.’
‘Rather him than me. Anyway, I have some good news to share,’ Ross announces. I can tell from his voice that it’s something significant.
‘Well, don’t keep me in suspense!’
‘After a lot of back and forth, I’ve just phoned Kenneth Truscott to accept an offer from my father for Treylya.’
‘Through your agent?’
‘Yes. And I’m glad. It was worth the commission to keep my father at arm’s length during the negotiations. He only expressed an interest after I’d signed the agency contract and that’s the way it works. Anyway, I managed to play him at his own game, and he isn’t even aware of that fact.’
I’m confused. ‘What game?’
‘That insulting offer and the counter offer I received, were no coincidence. As soon as I heard the surname, I connected the dots back to my father. I had an inkling that it was a tactic. Naturally, afterwards Kenneth came back to me saying maybe the price was too high and I’d get more viewings if I dropped it. Like it or not, a house is only worth what a buyer is prepared to pay for it.’
‘But you achieved your bottom line?’
‘I did, and some. My response to Kenneth was to leave the price as it was but to increase my bottom line. He advised against it, but then he had no idea what was going on, or how dirty my father plays.’
‘Even with his own son?’
Ross laughs at the level of shock in my voice. ‘To him business is business, no matter whom he’s dealing with.’
It is good news, but the mere thought of Jago living so close to Penvennan sends me reeling.
‘He’s staying, then?’
‘No. But he’ll be flying over on a regular basis to keep an eye on the Launceston depot. And me, as well, but he was in a good mood and left that bit out. He thinks he’s made a killing on Treylya and the reality is that I’ve made an additional one hundred thousand pounds. I figure he owes me that for all the extra hours I put in that go unnoticed and unrewarded.’
‘Why buy something so expensive, though?’
‘Because he can. Because it’s iconic and an investment. And because he knows I didn’t cut corners. Besides, my mother loves it, so he might entice her back for a visit. I think he’s missing the UK, but I hope I’m wrong and I doubt she’d come back for good, anyway. Even for a house she admires.’
I can’t stop thinking about how Dad and Nettie will react when they find out. But I doubt Jago will be in a hurry to show his face in The Lark and Lantern again or be likely to pop into the convenience store. Ross is clearly ecstatic.
‘You’re really going to be free of that place, then,’ I reply, my mind beginning to whirl. This is huge for us as a couple, life-changing in fact. ‘Goodness, I can’t really take it in.’
‘It means freedom, Kerra. No huge loan repayment to make each month and a small uplift in my original nest egg once the money is back in the bank. It wasn’t the best investment, but it wasn’t a loss as I feared,’ he confirms.
‘Well, I hope you and Sy can enjoy a nice meal, a couple of drinks and a relaxing evening to celebrate. We’re having takeaway and a film.’
‘And hours of chat, no doubt. I know what you two are like when you get together. Right, I’d better get off. Can’t leave the groom to fend for himself on his last night of freedom, can I. Especially as I’m the chef tonight.’
I snort, which isn’t very ladylike. ‘Just check that Sy turns up with the rings in his pocket and he doesn’t leave them in a drawer,’ I instruct him.
‘Will do! I love you, Kerra. I’m not all about the money, you know that, but there was a principle at stake here.’ He’s being serious now and I can tell that a part of him wishes his father was different.
‘Yes, well, just don’t go thinking your nerves of steel when negotiating mean you should try your hand at poker next.’
Ross starts laughing. ‘I’ll stick to trudging around muddy building sites and constructing cat platforms in trees. I knocked something together for Ripley today and I’ll put it up at the weekend.’
Ah, that’s my man. Even though he’s busy he makes time for the little things that matter, even when it’s for Ripley. It’s funny, they say lead by example, but the irony is that Ross has turned out to be the very opposite of Jago. When the gloves come off, Ross still plays by the rules because that’s the sort of man he is, and I love him even more because of it.
When Tegan finally arrives, she’s flustered, and I help her in with her things.
‘What a day!’ She groans. ‘I thought it was never going to end. I’m all jittery – is that normal?’
‘How would I know? I haven’t even been a bridesmaid before, so I’m the last person to ask. But after tomorrow I will have been an official witness!’ I declare, returning her expansive grin. ‘You need a drink by the look of you. Who’s manning the phone tomorrow?’
‘Kate, bless her. She loves the new set-up, but I reckon she misses driving the old minibus around and our time together in the office. We had a few good laughs over the years, for sure.’
‘Let’s start carrying this lot upstairs and hang up the garment carriers, then I’ll pop to the Chinese while you have a relaxing bath. There’s a basket full of goodies in the guest bathroom, which includes a mud face pack, a bath bomb with rose petals in it and a coconut body moisturiser.’
‘Ah, Kerra, that’s so kind of you!’
‘I’ll bring up a glass of wine before I go.’
As we start to gather everything up off the sofa, Ripley comes running down the stairs.
‘Hi, Ripley! It’s just us girls tonight, then,’ Tegan jokes, and Ripley gives her the longest miaow I think I’ve ever heard her utter.
I indicate for Tegan to follow me upstairs as I talk over my shoulder. ‘Alice will be here at 9 a.m. to do our hair, nails and make-up, and the taxi is all booked. So, it’s all looking good.’
‘Isn’t it silly – this tradition of not seeing the groom the night before the ceremony?’ Tegan ponders, as I push open the door to the guest bedroom.
‘I know what you mean, but I think it’s sort of romantic. It’s like Christmas Eve when you’re a kid and you know Santa will be here very soon. That sense of anticipation is a part of the magic, and I think that applies to a wedding, too.’
‘You old romantic you. I do hope that Ross has sussed out that deep down you’re the sort of woman who wants to be swept off her feet, Kerra. Me, I like to keep mine planted firmly on the ground.’
It’s good to be bantering away like we used to do when we were teenagers. We’d sit and talk for hours about all sorts of things. And now here we are on the eve of Tegan’s thirty-first birthday and she’s about to make Sy the happiest man alive.
‘You do know that Sy doesn’t really like dogs, don’t you?’ I throw out there, thinking about the comment he made.
‘I know. But he didn’t like Cornwall either, so I’m hopeful.’
Hurrying to bundle ourselves into the taxi, I hope that no one noticed the two unusually glam-looking women who sprinted across the road. Alice has, once again, worked her magic.
‘Are you ladies good to go?’ the driver asks, half-turning in his seat to look at us.
Tegan’s wearing full make-up and her new bob is so perfect that she decided not to wear the hat she bought – and with my hair straightened and without a single kink in it, we’ve obvious made an impression.
‘I’m guessing someone is getting married, given the destination. Right, off we go.’ He smiles as he turns back around, and we set off.
‘Just look at my nails,’ Tegan exclaims. ‘Alice makes it all look so effortless. At least I was able to grow them a little now I’m no longer Mrs Mop.’
We grin at each other.
‘She certainly knows what she’s doing but I wish Uncle Alistair appreciated her skills.’
‘Why is he so hard on her?’ Tegan asks and we both know that’s the truth; it always has been.
‘Uncle Alistair’s problem is that he’s a man’s man and Auntie Marge is a practical woman. They make a good team. And then they had Alice. Alice was the little girl who shunned her schoolbooks, had no interest in the skills Auntie Marge wanted to teach her – finding office work boring. She was a princess, and he was baffled by it.’
Tegan nods. ‘She was always dressing up in sparkly things.’ She starts laughing and I look at her, questioningly.
‘What?’
‘Well, think about it. You were Little Miss Serious, your nose always in a book and, later, nothing could prise you away from your beloved computer. Alice, on the other hand, wanted to be a ballerina, even though she never attended an actual class. She was a dreamer.’
I shake my head, laughing at the memory. ‘That was only from the age of three up until she started school. The other girls didn’t think it was cool. In fact, poor Alice spent a lot of her school years being bullied and I had no idea at the time.’
‘But she’s doing well now and look at us – I mean, this is little short of a miracle!’
The driver keeps glancing in the mirror, and I wonder if he thinks we’ve already cracked a bottle of wine, but we haven’t. We’re just on a natural high after having Alice join us for a big, celebratory birthday breakfast. She was too young to hang around with us at any point while we were growing up, but it’s funny that you get to a point where age no longer matters.
‘Given the latest development,’ Tegan asks, careful not to mention any names, ‘what’s the plan going forward for you?’
I glance out the window as we pass one of our former haunts, known as The Rocks. It’s a steep path down to a tiny beach.
‘It’s funny, but we’ve never really talked about the future. Our future together. It’s been all we can do to get through each day. I mean, Ross is living with me right now but even that wasn’t planned – he simply had to get away from Treylya for a while.’ I glance at her making a face and Tegan knows that if Ross had stayed under the same roof as Jago for a moment longer, all hell would have broken loose.
‘I bet you’re glad all the work on Pedrevan is out of the way and you can both simply relax and enjoy some quality time until he’s in a position to move in for good.’
‘That’s the dream. It’s just taking a little time to sink in that it really is going to happen,’ I reply, truthfully.
‘None of us know what the future holds, Kerra. Even when the major stumbling blocks begin to tumble, it’s still a case of living life one day at a time, believe me.’
Of all the people I know, Tegan is the one who understands that as we speed towards the registry office in Polreweek. She thought her life would revolve around Pete and it did for the few wonderful years they had together, and now we’re both embarking on what feels like a fresh, new start. It’s exhilarating as we look at each other, eyes gleaming.
‘Girl power!’ she says, as we butt our fists together and then throw our hands in the air like an explosion. ‘We’re coming, guys, you’d better watch out, because it all starts here!’
Thirty-One
31. A Tantalisingly Happy Ending to a Perfect Day
As we climb the stairs to The Lobster Pot restaurant in Draketown, Sy and Tegan are beyond delighted.
‘Honestly, Ross and Kerra, you didn’t need to do this but thank you so much!’
‘It’s a real pleasure,’ Ross replies and we’re both trying to keep our faces straight as there are a couple more surprises to come.
It’s a huge restaurant and a wall of windows look out across the harbour. It’s the place to come and it’s often difficult to get an evening reservation as they tend to be booked up at least a couple of weeks in advance, even during the off-peak season. But lunchtimes are much more relaxed, although at least half the tables are in use today. Ironically, it’s the first time that Ross and I have been here together.
A waiter approaches to give us a warm welcome, instantly recognising Ross, and asks us to follow him. It’s obvious from the way we’re dressed that it’s a special occasion and after one glance at Sy and Tegan, most people will suss out they’re looking at a new bride and groom.
‘Oh, my goodness!’ Tegan calls out as we approach our table. Gawen and Yvonne jump up to give Tegan and Sy hugs and congratulations. ‘We were not expecting this.’
‘So much for a discreet little celebration,’ Ross whispers, as we stand back watching. All eyes are on us and the waiting staff have turned their heads to watch. Happiness is infectious and glancing around I can’t see a single face without a smile on it. Ross catches my hand, giving it a squeeze.
‘Honestly, you guys, this is simply perfect. I wish I’d thought of it!’ Sy exclaims, giving Gawen a high five.
‘Right, shall we take our seats?’ Ross interjects as we take off our coats.
‘I’m Michael and I’m your waiter for today. And may I pass on hearty congratulations to the happy couple!’ Aww, bless him. A waitress hurries over to help take our coats and as we sit down, they go to hang them up.
‘Does it feel different now that you’re man and wife?’ Yvonne leans in as she looks at Sy and Tegan.
Tegan turns to her husband. ‘Does it? I don’t even know how I feel, I’m just so excited and I’ve been like this since last night,’ she confesses.
‘I can vouch for that,’ I add. ‘We ended up at two this morning, sitting on a pile of blankets in front of the glass doors with the garden lights on, having a picnic. Ripley loved it.’
‘We’ve already ordered the wine and a bottle of champagne,’ Gawen confirms, winking at Ross, as the waiter returns to hand out the menus.
‘I love it in here,’ Tegan says softly, turning to Sy. ‘It couldn’t be more perfect, could it?’
‘Happy birthday, wife,’ Sy replies softly, as he leans in to kiss his bride.
We all say ‘Ah…’ in tandem, as Michael heads back carrying a wine bucket containing a bottle of champagne. He places it on the table, and we watch as he expertly pops the cork without losing a dribble.
When we finally raise our glasses to toast, there’s a pause as we look around the table, not quite sure who is going to do the honours. Then Gawen and Ross begin to speak at the same time and stop short, laughing.
Instead, Sy takes over. ‘To my lovely wife, the woman who made me feel that I’m enough just as I am, and I know Kerra will understand how much that means to me. I feel truly blessed. And I’m so grateful to have been welcomed into such a tight-knit group of friends. Here’s to us all, and the best is yet to come!’
I don’t think any of us could beat that as we chink glasses and try our best to keep our voices down, but it’s hard to contain ourselves.
‘Right, I’m hungry and we need to order some food.’ Ross encourages us all to settle down.
Perusing the menu, I find it hard to choose.
‘What are you going for?’ Ross asks, having a similar problem.
‘Hmm… I think the blackened sweet potato wedges with avocado aioli, then roasted hake loin with bacon, mushroom puree, pickled mushrooms and beef jus. It sounds amazing. And for dessert the blue cheese, with honey and walnut bread thins and port-glazed fig. I probably won’t need to eat for a week after this, but who cares? It’s not every day we celebrate a wedding and a birthday.’
By the time we get to the dessert stage, although the portions are a perfect size, we’re content to linger and take our time.
‘What’s the latest news in Penvennan, then?’ Gawen enquires. ‘Or shouldn’t I ask?’
Everyone looks in my direction. ‘Nettie is back with Dad, which is great news,’ I reply, sounding a little more optimistic than I’m feeling. But that’s probably down to the champagne and the wine. ‘Oh, and in a week’s time I’ll no longer own an apartment in London. I guess I’m back for good.’
Sy nods, approvingly. ‘Thank goodness for that. I bet Ross is relieved.’
Ross turns to look at me, his eyes sparkling. ‘There’s no way I would let her go now, believe me, Sy.’ The way his eyes crinkle up when his smile comes from deep down inside of him, touches my heart. As the others exchange a little banter, Ross leans into me. ‘You look beautiful, and I feel so proud sitting next to you, Kerra.’
‘Come on, you two, get a room or rejoin the conversation,’ Gawen calls us out and I feel myself blushing.
‘Tell them your news, Sy,’ Tegan encourages.
‘Yesterday morning I had my exorbitant fee through from The Happy Hive and the best bit is that Clean and Shine is now doing so well that we can earmark it for our big celebration in the spring.’
‘What a result all round!’ I reply, thinking how pleased Sy looks with himself.
‘Well, that is exciting news. I do love a big party, but they are few and far between these days, aren’t they?’ Yvonne reflects, sadly.
‘It’s so expensive. When you think that a full-blown wedding can cost upwards of fifteen-thousand pounds, that’s a hefty chunk of money for one day,’ Gawen adds. ‘Hey, if you two are looking for a free venue, we have a barn and a large flagstone patio you’re very welcome to use for your big do. You can never bank on the weather, can you?’
