Chapter 43
CHAPTER 43
LUKE
I am still shocked when I wake in the morning. Last night was a lot. Too much, and when Jessy left, I had no reason to stay. I went to bed. I locked everyone out and retired to my room, but I didn’t sleep. Not until the early hours anyway, because so much was racing through my mind.
Granthaven, the inheritance, Jessy, Morgana, Steven and the transfer. My ankle throbs along with my heart because it’s as if the world is closing in on me.
I wanted to talk things through with Jessy. I had so much to say. I value her opinion as a person and when I found the room was empty, it resembled my heart.
I am alone.
I always have been really because the Luke Adams the public sees is a different man to me.
That is the part of the job I could do without, but I’m aware it’s also a necessary part of the job because the sponsors demand that I maintain a high profile. Successful on and off the pitch and now I’m also the master of all I survey. This is a fantastic story worthy of movie deals, books and hours of content for whatever medium people prefer.
The there’s Real Madrid. The pinnacle of many footballer’s careers. The promised land, the golden goose if you like – the top of the pile and is an opportunity I would be a fool to pass by and my head is spinning with it all. But most of all, my heart is heavy because I gained so much in one night and then promptly lost the most important thing.
Today we are filming the pantomime which is being staged in the manor house for the first time in history. The usual venue is the village hall, but it’s not big enough for the production crew and their equipment. Jasper is firing on all cylinders, and Morgana is in her element. I am looking forward to it for a different, more selfish reason.
I get to kiss Jessy.
This kiss will be all I have to show her how I feel. A declaration to the world if you like, although they won’t realise the kiss is genuine, at least on my part.
It’s all I can think about, which is sad really for a man many consider is beating women off with a stick. Morgana is my official girlfriend. How will it look when I kiss another while she watches?
“Luke!” The woman herself heads into the kitchen and smiles with excitement. “This is going to be so cool. I’m excited to see the manor house brought back to life as it was in the past. The crew are already doing an amazing job and it will be spectacular.”
“I’m glad you’re happy.”
I nod to the seat beside me and she slips into it, reaching for the cafetiere and pouring herself a coffee.
“What’s on your mind, hun?” She misses nothing, she never has, and sometimes I wished Morgana was my girlfriend for real. Not because I fancy her, or am jealous of Steven, but because of all the women I’ve ever met, she gets me. She is me in female form, which is why we get on so well, and she lowers her voice and whispers, “Things aren’t working out with Jessy?”
“She walked away last night.”
Her eyes widen as I sigh heavily. “I told her everything and then I was called away. I said I wanted to pursue things with her and when I returned from the call with the boss, she had gone.”
“She was probably shocked – scared even.”
Morgana’s eyes cloud with worry. “It’s a lot to take in when you’re not of our world, Luke. Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight, and I’m guessing Jessy is one of them.”
“So, what do I do?”
She shrugs. “Just don’t give up. Tread carefully but keep on treading. Show her you are serious and try to meet her on her own terms.”
“You’re a wise woman, Morgana.” I smile my appreciation, and she nods. “I’m not just a pretty face, you know.”
“You don’t have to tell me.”
Jasper heads our way and groans. “The camera crew are having difficulties with their filters, or something along those lines and the props department needs more time, apparently, because the delivery of mistletoe hasn’t arrived and is the main focus of the show.”
“Can’t we just go out and pick some?” I ask, wondering why it’s such a drama, and Morgana sighs. “Honestly, Luke, do you ever listen?”
She shares an amused look with Jasper and says solemnly, “The whole subject of the play is that the mistletoe died when Lady Townsend passed away. It’s a true story apparently because from that day on there has been no sighting of mistletoe in Granthaven at all. It’s why we shipped it in.”
“I never thought.”
She cuts in, “You never do, Luke. Unless it involves a ball and a net you tune out of life.”
Jasper nods and Morgana grabs her coffee mug and stands. “Come on, Jasper, let’s go and check the items off the list so we know where we’re at. Luke, we need you in make-up within the next thirty minutes. Don’t be late. It’s set up in the green bedroom overlooking the stables.”
As they head off, I remember the legend and laugh to myself. As if that ever happened. There must be a bunch somewhere around, or it’s not the right climate for it. Who cares anyway? It’s only a parasite and is probably a good thing it’s nowhere on my estate.
As the thought hits me, another one collides at the same time.
My estate.
Since when did I start thinking of it as my estate?
As I peer around the kitchen and take in the shabby decor and old-fashioned units, I picture my designer one back at my home in Cheshire and it hits me. I’ve found a home here that I never had there, and the idea of returning to Rangers or Real Madrid in Spain doesn’t appeal to me at all because it would feel as if I’m betraying Jessy and Granthaven.
I’m aware I have thirty minutes before I’m needed, and I head out to find Steven. As I walk, I keep my head down to avoid talking to anyone because this place is crowded with people and a lot to deal with.
I call him to locate him faster and he informs me he’s in the study, checking over the contract and as I head inside, he peers up, a worried frown on his face.
“You’ve come to a decision, haven’t you?”
“I have.”
I head across to the bookcase and retrieve the almost empty brandy bottle and two glasses.
His eyes light with hope because my decision will have a profound effect on his bank balance and he must be anxious about that.
As I splash the brandy into the glasses, I say with a smile, “I know I’m making the right decision, so don’t even attempt to talk me out of it.”
As I hand him the glass, the frown lines have deepened, but it’s as if a weight has shifted from my shoulders as I raise my glass and smile happily. “Make sure our passports are up to date and book the Spanish lessons because you and me my friend are heading to Madrid.”