57. Chapter Fifty-Seven
Chapter Fifty-Seven
B y mid afternoon, the forest was a hive of activity. Just as I had imagined, the woodland scene had been transformed into something resembling a village fete and an old-fashioned fairground. Its usual residents hid in burrows and tree tops as children ran from stall to stall, parents dug into their wallets for yet more change, and Mel’s brass band blasted out arrangements of pop songs that sent birds scattering from trees.
Everyone had gone to town on their stalls, with colourful banners advertising everything from a lucky dip to splat a rat. The bunting and fairy lights we’d strung up between the trees gave the forest an otherworldly feel, as though magic was in the air.
The potential investors I’d invited seemed impressed by what they saw. I’d held a series of meetings in my cabin, securing promises of further conversations, if not blank cheques. The day was warm and muggy and with relief, I finished my schmoozing and made my way back to the festivities.
‘Liv, there you are.’
I looked up to see Rob and Nicola descending the treehouse staircase.
‘This place is completely amazing,’ said Nicola, her eyes bright, the bangles on her arms jingling as she waved in excitement. ‘It’s paradise. I want to move here myself.’
I laughed, her enthusiasm infectious. ‘You’re welcome to come and stay anytime. Bertie would love that, but as for living here, well, that may take our unconventional arrangement to a whole new level.’
‘Yes,’ agreed Rob, ‘I’ve changed a lot recently, but not so much that I’d be happy using a compost toilet.’
I smiled at my ex-husband, who looked like a different man in his denim shorts and loose fitting T-shirt. He even wore a leather bracelet around his wrist, and I wondered how long it would take Nicola to persuade him to get a tattoo or piercing.
‘We’ve got you something,’ said Nicola, digging around in her bag.
‘What? There’s no need for any gifts.’
‘There is. The way you’ve dealt with everything that’s happened, the generosity you’ve shown in accepting me into your family, well, I owe you big time.’
‘And so do I,’ said Rob. ‘We may never have been suited as a couple, but in Bertie you’ve given me the greatest gift a man can have, not to mention all those years you put up with my parents.’
I laughed. ‘Thank you.’
Nicola handed over a square package, about the size of a large dinner plate. ‘I hope you don’t take this the wrong way,’ she said, as I peeled back the wrapping paper. ‘It’s not meant to remind you of dark times. But when I saw one of those photos Marion’s thug had taken, I didn’t see a debauched, unfit mother. I saw a woman surrounded by friends captured in a moment of joy.’
I peeled back the last scrap of paper and swallowed the lump in my throat, unable to stem the tears snaking down my cheeks. The canvas painting was of the lake at dusk, a group of naked women jumping into the water. The artist had somehow captured the moment, whilst preserving the subjects’ modesty. It was one of the most beautiful pieces of art I had ever seen. At the bottom was written An Tyller Lowen .
‘Oh my goodness, this is incredible.’
Nicola waved a hand. ‘I’ve got a friend who’s an artist, and she did this as a favour, so it’s not an expensive gift, but I’m pleased you like it.’
‘Me too,’ added Rob, although I suspected the gift had been all Nicola’s doing.
‘How did you know about the name?’
‘We called Seb to check if the painting was a good idea and he mentioned the new name of the project.’
‘I honestly don’t know what to say. Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome. We’ll leave you to it, as I’m sure there are tons of people here you need to speak to.’
After more thank yous and even a hug, we parted ways. I found Maggie and Stephan beside a stall selling candy floss. Stephan had patches of pink sugar stuck to his chin, but Maggie was too busy with her own sugary delight to have noticed.
‘Oh, Liv, what a wonderful job you’ve done today.’
‘It was very much a team effort.’
‘Learn to take a compliment,’ said Stephan.
‘I’ll try.’
Pat wandered over to us, munching on a toffee apple. ‘I fear this will ruin my false teeth,’ he said. ‘Please, no one tell my dentist.’
‘Your secret’s safe with us,’ I said.
‘Bertie is doing a wonderful job with the band.’
We all looked over to the stage. Given the heat of the day, Mel had discarded her usual bow tie, slacks and braces in favour of linen shorts and a Hawaiian shirt covered in images of pineapples. As the band played, her conducting style was more like something from Strictly Come Dancing than Last Night at the Proms .
‘Mel’s in her element.’
‘Indeed, she is,’ agreed Pat. ‘Harry too, by the looks of things.’
We all looked over to where Harry was installed on a hay bale, surrounded by children desperate to gain entry to her makeshift petting zoo. A floppy-eared grey rabbit sat in her lap, a goat nibbling treats from her outstretched hand. She looked up, saw us watching and gave a thumbs up with her one free hand.
‘Have you been down to the lake to see what’s happening there?’ asked Pat.
‘No, I’ve not had the chance yet.’
‘Here,’ said Maggie, handing me a bag of candy floss. ‘Take this to Seb. He’s been flat out all afternoon and could do with some sugar.’
Seb was helping a group of teenagers out of life jackets. ‘Hi,’ he said as I walked towards him. ‘Could you give me a hand dragging the kayaks further up the beach?’
‘Of course. How’s it going?’
‘Great. I even got some of the suited businessmen into the kayaks. How have your meetings gone?’
‘Very positive. It’s a relief to know the business plan stands up to scrutiny.’
‘You should have more faith in your abilities.’ Seb reached across a kayak and took my hand.
‘Gross,’ said Bertie, running down onto the beach. ‘You’re not going to start kissing, are you?’
Seb laughed. ‘I think our secret’s out.’
‘That you have a crush on Mum?’ said Bertie. ‘Oh, I’ve known about that for ages. Mum, can I have some more money? The band’s having a half hour break, so I want to make the most of it.’
‘Sure,’ I said, so surprised by Bertie’s revelation I grabbed the first note I landed on which happened to be ten pounds.
‘Wow, thanks, Mum.’
‘Hang on, I only meant to give you five,’ I said, but Bertie was already sprinting off toward his friends.
‘So much for telling him when the time’s right,’ said Seb, walking around the kayak and wrapping his arms around me.
‘Do you know, I don’t think I can remember ever being so happy?’
The sound of sniggering teenagers reached me as Seb leaned forward and kissed me. ‘That was nice,’ I said as he pulled away.
‘It’s a taster of what’s to come.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. I’ve had enough of taking things slowly. How about you?’
‘Agreed.’ I leaned forward and kissed Seb again, all the noise and activity around me blurring into insignificance as I melted into his arms.
On the beach, one teenager pretended to be sick before shouting, ‘Get a room!’
‘We’d better get back to work,’ said Seb.
‘We better had.’
I walked away from the beach, then stopped and turned to watch as Seb shared a joke with the gang of teenagers. The lake glistened in the sunshine, birds shocked from the trees as the brass band struck up once more. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as a wash of gratitude swept through me. I’d finally found where I belonged. An tyller lowen … The happy place. Never had a name been more fitting.
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