Chapter 29
Sean
Sean stood at the lounge window and contemplated the dark clouds lurking ominously over the water.
You couldn’t have as much sunshine as they’d been having of late without a storm as payoff.
The surf forecast was pretty gnarly – waves up to six feet.
Once he’d shown his face at today’s poker tournament, the beach was his first stop.
He’d take his chances on lightning and thunder for the reckless thrill of those waves.
Speaking of taking chances and reckless thrills, the poker tournament was the deadline that had been circled in red ink in his mind for the past two months. The day his wife could walk away, having done what he’d asked her to do.
But now… Now things were different. Cherry was settling, agreeing to give things a shot, accepting at last that they belonged together.
They slept all night in her bed and spent time together curled up on the sofa watching movies, ate meals together, drank beer and wine and laughed a lot.
And her bags weren’t packed to leave after the tournament.
They hadn’t discussed Tennessee and her future in the poker world, but they had agreed they would after today.
Sean turned at the creaking of the stairs.
And there she was, stealing the breath from his lungs as always.
The solidity from his legs. Giving him so much to be thankful for.
The future was luminescent, like his wife.
Although, there was something more understated about Cherry today.
A short black skirt still showed her tanned legs, but she wore a long-sleeved white blouse, and her face was make-up free.
She radiated a natural glow, and it would take a strong man to look away.
Sean’s thumb traced the inside of his wedding ring, as if to assure himself it was real. He smiled at her.
‘Morning. I made you a coffee. It’s on the side.’
Coffee in hand, she came over and leaned into him. He swung his arm around her. God, it felt good to do this.
Soft cobalt eyes framed by vulnerable lashes met his. ‘Thank you. I need this today.’
‘You okay? You seem a bit on edge.’
‘Just a bit nervous. I want to do you and your dad proud. I know this sounds daft, given that I never met him, but I sense his presence.’
‘You do?’ Jesus! What was she doing, telling him this at 8 a.m.?
It was enough to give him a breakdown before the day had begun.
His dad had been right there with him since he’d woken up, and now it was like the three of them were standing in the room together.
Jimmy clapping Sean on the back and telling him he was proud of the man he’d become.
‘I hope that’s not a ridiculous thing to say, or cheeky, seeing as I never knew him, but I’ve heard so much about him.
And there is so much love for him in this house.
In here.’ She placed her palm over Sean’s heart, causing him to bite down hard on his inner lip.
If he got emotional today, he might never stop, like the rain hammering down outside.
It was going to be one of those on-the-edge type of days.
‘That means a lot, Cher. It’s not cheeky. You feel what you feel. Dad was a powerful presence.’ He could see his father chuckling proudly at him, at how far gone he was for Cherry. Because, far from it being a weakness, his father saw being in love with a strong woman as an achievement in life.
‘A powerful presence, like his son,’ Cherry said, palm warm through his shirt.
And there she was, lassoing his heart with her words.
He pulled her into an embrace, arms across her chest, so they were both gazing out to the beach.
In silence he held her, always wanting it to feel like this.
Like she was his to love and protect. Cherry might be an independent firecracker of a woman, but she needed him. He knew that.
‘Sean, listen.’ Foreboding laced Cherry’s imperative, like when his mum was about to tell him that an old person she knew had died.
‘Mmm,’ he mumbled into her hair. ‘I’m listening.’
‘Connor is confirmed for the tourney today. There’s no clause in his advertising contract that says he can’t be seen gambling at the distillery.’
‘Great. He’s a massive name. Thanks for getting him on board, Cher. It’s going to mean a big deal for the charity.’
‘Och, it was mainly Alicia. There is one other thing I have to tell you.’
He wished he could see her face to check for a sign of what was going on. ‘Aye? You alright?’
‘I’m fine. It’s Campbell Duff.’
‘What about him? He’s not dead, is he?’
Cherry laughed. ‘No, he’s not dead. I didn’t tell you this yesterday because I wasn’t sure how to broach it, but when I met him, he said he wants to take us out to dinner after the tourney, in exchange for money to the MND charity.’
Sean broke from her, and she turned to face him. He was aware he wasn’t exactly radiating happiness, but he needed to hear more about this.
‘It’s in Edinburgh, at the Balmoral,’ she said, clearly knowing this add-on was not going to soften the blow.
‘The Balmoral?’ Of course. ‘Is he flying you there in his helicopter?’
‘Yeah, that’s the idea. But he’s invited you, too.’
Sean laughed, but it was hollow and mirthless. ‘The fuck he wants me there. And the fuck I am going.’
Cherry moved so that her back was to the window and she faced him, a little tense, as if she was about to reveal the kicker. ‘The thing is, the amount he’s willing to pay is ￡150k.’
‘Aye, right. You believe that?’
‘Yes, I do. He’s honourable when he needs to be.’
‘When he needs to be. Like when he wants something.’ Sean moved to walk away then spun back almost immediately.
‘Cherry, this is all manner of fucked-up. I’ve spent the last two months being pulled through the wringer and back again by my wife, who maybe did but probably didn’t, but actually did, want to be my wife.
Yes, it was my choice, and yes, I want to raise money, but I have to draw the line somewhere.
Not even for a million quid to the charity am I flying to Edinburgh in that guy’s helicopter so he can wish I wasn’t there while he takes my wife out to dinner. ’
Cherry nodded her understanding. ‘I get it. But do you want me to go? It’s a lot of money.’
‘You know the answer to that question.’ She knew. She had to know.
‘Alright, good.’ Cherry visibly loosened. ‘I’m actually quite relieved. If you’d said you were happy for me to do it, I would have gone, but it wouldn’t feel right.’
Sean went to her, still recovering from the half heart attack he’d had for nothing.
‘Cherry, if you don’t want to do a thing like that, then you don’t do it, end of story.
’ He tipped her chin up to meet him. ‘The tournament is enough. Duff Campbell can find another dinner date or cry into his expensive soup alone.’
‘Campbell Duff.’
‘Aye, I know.’ He examined her. ‘Let him spend as much money as he likes on the tourney and the raffle and whatever, but don’t do something you’re not comfortable with. It’s not what my dad would have wanted, and it’s definitely not what I want.’
The main function room in the distillery, where Sean had often thought his wedding reception would be held, was doubling as the casino. If his dad’s presence was powerful in the house, it was cask strength here – in the business he fortified and gave the oak-solid reputation it boasted today.
Round tables draped in green baize were arranged across the polished wooden floor as if for a function with an edge.
Stacks of coloured poker chips sat in neat towers next to illuminated brass lamps, and decks of cards still in cellophane lay ready to be unwrapped.
Locals Sean had known all his life were dressed in the customary white shirts, waistcoats and bow ties of croupiers. Cherry had outdone herself here.
And there was no casino in the world with a backdrop like this one. Ceiling-to-floor windows proudly framed the craggy Kintyre coastline. The churning waters of the sound stretched out to where smokey clouds hung perilously low, bruising the horizon.
A storm was on the way.
By mid-morning, people were filtering in and filling the space. Locals arrived bubbling with excitement. The most action this wee village got was when someone got married. There had never been a poker tournament where members of the public would mingle with celebrities.
Two Hollywood stars, no less.
Less recognisable were the poker players, whom Sean identified by the way they greeted Cherry.
Hugs were shared, handshakes given, laughs filling the air.
Gone was the vulnerable Cherry he’d embraced this morning.
She was back to the glittering, vibrant scene-stealer.
The worst was over. She was settling and letting herself be happy in Kinshore.
Some familiar faces arrived: snooker players, reality TV personalities, DJs, Scottish TV presenters and soap stars.
The latter were courtesy of his actress sister, Cara, who was now getting smaller roles in movies.
She lived between Edinburgh and her latest filming location, but came home to Kinshore as often as possible.
‘Did I do well?’ Cara swept her hand out as if to present the band of players to her brother.
‘Of course, Car’. You did incredible. You’re playing, right?’
‘Absolutely. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Can you remind me what’s better, a straight flush or four of a kind?’
Sean grinned. ‘Straight flush. Want me to sit with you and keep you right? It’s a free service.’
‘No, thank you. I’d rather lose than be that lame. Who else is coming?’ Cara scanned the room like security detail, not anything out of the ordinary for someone who liked to keep her finger on the gossip pulse. But Sean had his suspicions about what was on her mind.
‘He’s been staying with Jamie and Alicia, so he’ll be here.’ He eyed his sister with amusement. She and Alicia’s brother, Connor, had met at family occasions a handful of times. The energy between them was tangible.