Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
LUKE
M organa is excited. Just the spark in her eyes and the way her chest falls and rises rapidly causes my heart to sink.
“This is amazing, Luke. I can’t believe it.”
She taps her perfectly manicured fingernails against her phone that I’m almost certain is permanently glued to her hand.
“Just think about the opportunities your injury has given us. It’s the gift that will keep on giving.”
I stare at the cast on my foot and say sarcastically, “I’m glad to be of service.”
Her eyes shine. “Oh, this is pure gold. A manor house in the English countryside – at Christmas no less. Just imagine the pictures.”
I shake my head and reach for the glass of brandy that is fast becoming my new best friend.
“If you say so.”
“Oh, but I do, Luke. Imagine it. Roaring fires and candlelight. The scent of mulled wine and crisp pinecones hanging heavy in the air. A beautiful tree with the fairy lights flickering against a backdrop of elegance.”
She says dreamily, “We will be dressed in Christmas sweaters and bobble hats. Imagine the wholesome scene as we gaze fondly into one another’s eyes as the locals serenade us with carols around the huge tree.”
I tune out because once Morgana gets going, we could well be here for some time.
However, this time, I don’t have the luxury of oblivion as the producer interjects.
“It may work. What about an engagement ring cleverly disguised in wrapping under the tree, facilitating a romantic proposal on Christmas Eve? It will precede a fairy tale ending when you receive the news that you’re back in training in the new year, leaving Morgana to plan the wedding of the century.”
“Perfect.”
Morgana claps her hands together. “I would host – sorry, babe – we would host a huge Christmas themed engagement party. I’ll use ‘Events Are Us’ as they’ve been reliable in the past.”
I glance at my agent, Steven, who is currently playing a game on his phone and I wonder if I’m the only sane person in the room right now.
The brandy burns a trail down my throat as I note the score at halftime, wishing like crazy I was there to help the guys out.
But I won’t be.
Not for the next three months, at least, while my injury heals and the subsequent physio determines whether I’ll ever play again.
Morgana carries on with her excited chatter. “We were so lucky your aunt died now when we most needed the exposure.”
I raise my eyes and even Steven pauses mid-stream.
Morgana shrugs. “I mean, obviously we’re sad. Nobody wants anyone to actually die but now she has, it couldn’t have been better timed. That’s all I’m saying.”
The director adds, “What Morgana means is it’s a gift we should unwrap before Christmas. This is the perfect opportunity to cash in on your problems.”
He starts to pace the room and flings his arms around with excitement.
“I’m seeing Christmas renovation.”
His voice rises. “You head home to your crumbling ruin.”
Morgana raises her eyes. “Wait, what?”
He interrupts. “It will be like something out of a Dickens movie. The villagers will be so grateful that a star has descended among them. They will look on you as their saviour as you begin to piece together their broken lives and we will be there, recording the moment for posterity. Interviewing the grateful peasants and glorifying in the renovation as you breathe new life into the place that time forgot.”
He clasps his hands together and squeals. “I’m seeing a romantic proposal. Down on one knee.”
I groan as I shift my cast bound leg and he says quickly, “Obviously when your cast is off. How long until that happens?”
Steven adds, “Two weeks.”
“Perfect.”
Jasper grins. “We have exactly four weeks to make this happen. It will require some editing in the new year, possibly working through Christmas and it may take a Christmas miracle to achieve it all, but with everyone’s agreement we can make this work.”
All eyes are fixed on me as they wait for the green light and I drain the brandy from the glass and note another goal scored against us from the image on my phone.
Morgana is staring at me with hope–filled eyes, and even Steven is motionless as they wait for my acceptance of the situation.
My thoughts turn to my Aunt Christabel. A distant relative that we never visited. I believe my father fell out with her years ago and subsequently they never reconciled before she died. That is possibly why she left him out of her will and gifted me the albatross that hung around her neck and I can’t even sell the bloody carcass because the will states I must live there for one year before selling.
I close my eyes as the tension increases in the room and I know everyone’s hopes are placed firmly in my direction. They are relying on me. The villagers in Granthaven are relying on me and all I want is another shot of brandy to drown my misery before I watch the football highlights.
“Whatever.” I shrug and Morgana squeals with triumph and fist bumps Jasper as they fall into a huddle where words such as ‘followers’ and ‘ratings’ emerge from their excited conversation. Steven merely grunts and returns to his game, and I turn my attention to drowning my sorrows once again.