10
Cody
The evening had set in, the barbeque and firepit were alight, most of the visitors had stuck around, and loads of bookings had come in online for the B&B. The lively atmosphere of the day had simmered to a more tranquil setting, and the stalls offering cakes, sweets, and gifts had shut up shop for the night.
Fran had hired tables and chairs to place around the field between the café and stables, as there weren’t that many outside the café.
Only two horses mooched in the paddock, as the rest had gone to bed, and the wine and beer donated by Ed and Elaine from The Ugly Duckling pub was bringing extra smiles to the many people dotted around.
Cody’s arms were sore from the crutches, even though he’d tried to take rests during the day. The opening day was so full on, he was exhausted. He had no idea it would get as busy as it did or that he would be back and forth all day.
‘Hey, Cody. We’re all heading to a bar in Sandly,’ said Lavender, approaching whilst looking over her shoulder. ‘Everyone’s eaten, and they want out. It’s all gone a bit chilled here, don’t you think?’ She scrunched her nose in disgust. ‘You want to come?’
He happened to like the quieter vibe on the farm. It certainly was needed after the hectic day. ‘No, I’m good here, thanks.’
Lavender’s face held confusion. ‘Oh, Willow won’t think badly of you if you cut out now. We’ve all been super supportive of her. She might even want to come too.’
I doubt that .
‘I’m tired and sore.’ He wiggled one crutch. ‘All I want is my PJs.’
Lavender giggled. ‘Love to see you in them.’
He laughed and shook his head. ‘Go and enjoy your night. I’ll see you at rehearsals.’
‘I don’t need to rehearse. I know all my lines, babe.’
‘You still have to show up.’
She shrugged and pulled out pink lip gloss to touch up her pout.
‘Hey, what happened to Kip today? He never did show.’
Lavender smirked. ‘Probably in some girl’s bed.’ She quickly dropped her smile. ‘I’m just kidding. Something to do with his mum. I don’t know. Anyway, are you sure you don’t want out of here?’
‘I’m sure. See you later.’ Cody watched her navigate the grass in her red heels, wondering if her feet ached as much as his. Her joke about Kip wasn’t funny nor was how quickly she backtracked.
Willow wasn’t on form all day, and Cody figured it was because Kip wasn’t there. How she was placing all her eggs in one basket was beyond him. Over the years, he’d witnessed her do a lot of stupid things, but believing some random actor was her soulmate was a whole different level of Willow Silver. He wasn’t sure what he could do to bring her back to reality.
He stopped at the treehouse and glanced up, wishing he could work on his game, or at the very least, sit up there with a cup of hot chocolate and his laptop.
The hot chocolate sounded like a good idea, so he made his way to the Gatehouse to sit for a while, hopefully in peace.
Music was playing quietly in the large open area of the café, and Cody left his crutches leaning against a chair in the far corner by the loo and limped to the counter, where Tyler served him a drink.
Tyler was only seven years older than him but looked a touch more mature around the eyes. He held the same face as Heath and Finn but had a thinner frame and a taller height than his brothers.
Tilly, who owned The Post Office Shop, told Tyler to take five whilst she took over, and he gladly joined Cody at his table.
‘You look how I feel, Ty.’ Cody breathed out a laugh, then nibbled on one of Vivien’s homemade cookies Tyler had brought over.
Tyler squished his cheeks. ‘My face hurts from smiling so much.’ He rubbed one hand around the back of his neck, ruffling the bottom of his dark hair.
Cody rolled back his shoulders. ‘I feel as though I’ve done a full workout.’
‘I think we pulled in a few new punters, so job well done.’
‘Yeah, I heard the first booking for the B&B is in two weeks. Heath said he’s taking Rhett away for a week beforehand.’
Tyler chuckled. ‘They’ve not long got back from their honeymoon.’
Cody sipped his hot chocolate, savouring the creamy flavour. ‘Hmm. Maybe they got the travel bug.’
‘Wish I could take off. Can’t remember the last time I had a holiday.’
‘Book one. Trust me, it does you the world of good. Take your girlfriend away for a weekend or something.’
Tyler shook his head as his dark eyes dropped to the table. ‘Nah, she’s always busy with work.’
‘All the more reason for a break.’
‘We’ve got my best mate’s wedding end of November, so we’ll have that night away. It’s in a hotel in Southampton.’
Cody nodded. ‘Think I’d prefer springtime myself.’
‘I wouldn’t care, as long as she loved me.’
It weren’t the words, it was Tyler’s sad tone that made Cody feel a subject change might be due.
‘So, Ty, how’s work down at the sweet shop? I need to pop in, get some cola cubes.’
‘Same as usual. It was busy during the school holidays. Everyone loves sweets, but they love the old-fashioned ones more.’
Cody agreed with that statement. ‘I love white chocolate mice.’
‘How you getting on living at my mum’s? I know she likes to fuss, but she—’
‘She’s great. I love Fran. She can fuss all she likes. All I have is Zach, and as great as he is, he’s never been the mumsy type.’
Tyler smiled, and Cody saw a hint of Willow for a second. ‘I’m so looking forward to the boats being back on the river. That’s my summer sorted.’
‘Everyone loves a pedalo.’
‘Do you reckon Zach will get some?’
Cody nodded. He knew all the plans. Zach was way more excited about it than him. ‘He’s got his eye on one that looks like a car and another that’s a swan. Should look good.’
Tyler raised one hand in the air, waving over at Finn. ‘So much for a rest. Looks like my brother wants me. See you in a bit.’ He picked up his mug and left Cody to his own devices, which were finishing his drink and cookie before heading off to the barbeque to see what grabbed his fancy.
Willow met him outside the café, holding a small wicker basket. ‘There you are. I’ve been all over looking for you.’
‘I keep moving about.’
‘You and me both. Come on, I’ve got some dinner for us. Follow me.’
The smell of the barbeque wafting from her basket had him floating behind her as though in a trance.
Willow took him to the pond next to the old gate and placed a blanket down beside some solar lamps shaped like rocks. ‘It’ll be quieter here.’
‘Why are you whispering?’ he whispered, making her laugh.
‘I don’t know.’
‘Oh, I thought you lured me here to tell me a secret.’
Willow shook her head, helping him to sit. ‘No. Just dinner.’
He took the wrapped burger she offered, thanked her, then took a bite, soothing his grumbling tummy way more than the drink and cookie he’d just had. ‘Ooh, lovely.’
Willow nibbled hers, making it last longer, as she watched the resting fish low in the water.
‘You okay, Wills?’ He knew she wasn’t, and he knew why.
‘Just been a mad day. Grandad would have loved every second.’
Cody smiled. ‘It’s a lovely place. In all honesty, I’ll be sad when I have to leave.’
‘You don’t have to leave,’ she said quickly, her head snapping up just as fast.
They locked eyes, then Cody went back to focusing on his food.
Okay, don’t start with the weird vibes, Sully. Not now, not ever. Nope, not happening. Not with Willow. And breathe .
He coughed, as a bit of food went down the wrong hole, and Willow patted his back whilst offering water. Her hand swirled slowly around his shoulder blades, and he lowered his burger, quite sure another bite whilst she was stroking him would choke him again.
‘You good?’ she asked quietly, leaning away.
‘Uh-huh.’
‘I’m glad one of us is. I swear my brain has turned to mush.’
‘Look, Wills, I don’t mean to be funny or anything, but don’t you think it’s a bit daft you and this psychic drawing crap.’
Her dark eyes narrowed. ‘It’s not crap.’
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just, well, I don’t know, shouldn’t soulmates make you feel happy?’
‘Who says I’m not happy?’
‘Your face.’
Willow huffed. ‘I’ve only just met him. Give it time. I’m sure we’ll be very happy. You know, what with him being my other half.’
‘I’m no expert on the subject, but I’m guessing you should be like a magnet to each other. But, so far, all I’ve seen is you chasing after him.’
Willow folded her arms tightly. ‘I have not chased him at all. Stop making me sound like an idiot.’
‘Well, I think you are an idiot, actually, especially for telling him about your psychic drawing. Now he can take full advantage of you.’
‘Oh, say what you really mean, why don’t you!’
‘You’ve made yourself vulnerable, that’s all I’m saying.’
Willow’s arm shot out towards the café. ‘He’s my soulmate, Sully. So he’s not exactly going to hurt me, is he?’
‘You don’t know him. And some soulmate. Where was he all day?’
‘Something important came up. Why are you being this way all of a sudden?’
‘Being what way? Worried about you? You don’t exactly have the best taste in boyfriends.’
‘Oh, thanks. Tell you what, how about you just worry about yourself. I know, try getting your own life. Your own soulmate.’
‘Wish I did go off with Lavender tonight, instead of sitting here with you.’
‘She’s not your soulmate.’
‘How would you know?’ Cody snapped. ‘Maybe I’ll throw my money at Mystic Maureen and get my own drawing, then act stupid about it.’
Willow jumped to her feet, tossing her half-eaten burger at his lap. ‘Do it then.’ She stomped off, leaving him to clear up.
Cody looked to the dark sky as he swore under his breath. What the hell was he playing at getting involved in her love life? He’d always let her make mistakes before, even when he could see her date wasn’t the one for her.
He took a calming breath, then packed away the mess and struggled to stand with the basket and crutches.
Over by the main pathway, visitors were dwindling away, leaving just a few locals mingling quietly over by the tables.
There wasn’t much left for Cody to do, so he headed to the main house, hoping to clamber in bed and forget his row with Willow.
He got washed and changed into his pyjamas, removed his medical boot, and sat up in bed, strumming quietly on his guitar whilst overthinking.
Even though Willow and he were best buddies, they didn’t always see eye to eye, but they had never fallen out before. Their row at the pond niggled him, whirling way too many thoughts in his tired brain. How was he supposed to sleep feeling completely unsettled?
We’ll talk in the morning. It’ll be fine. No, talk now. Go asleep .
Cody growled into his guitar, placed it to one side, then got out of bed. He grabbed one crutch and limped towards the bedroom door. There was no way he was going to get any sleep whilst his mind and gut churned. Just as he opened the door, Willow was about to knock. ‘Oh,’ he mumbled, jumping slightly at her unexpected presence.
Puffy red eyes peered his way. ‘I… I wanted—’
Cody pulled her in for a hug, silencing her immediately. He could feel her breathing slowing against his chest, and his own heartbeats settling back to a normal rhythm. He gently kissed the top of her head and whispered, ‘Sorry.’
‘Me too,’ she whispered back.
Cody waited for her arms to loosen first before pulling back. ‘You want to get in bed and watch a film?’
Her smile warmed his soul as she entered the room, leaving him to close the door on the world.
‘What about Back to the Future ?’ she suggested, getting comfy in his bed.
‘I thought you prefer more modern films.’ He slid in beside her and grabbed the remote.
‘You like the 80s.’
‘Yeah, but that doesn’t mean we have to watch films from then.’
‘Your bed, your rules.’
He laughed, gazed at her lips, gave himself a mental shake, then turned on the telly. ‘In that case, time for a bit of Ferris Bueller.’
Willow giggled and slipped further into the covers and his side.
Get a grip, Sully. It’s just Willow. We’ve done this thousands of times. What is wrong with me lately?
‘You okay?’ she asked, peering up.
‘Yep.’
‘You have a weird look on your face.’
‘That’s just how I look.’
Willow tugged him down and snuggled his arm in hers. ‘Love you, Sully,’ she whispered.
And for the first time ever, her declaration hit him straight in the heart.