Page 105 of The Shape of Your Heart
At one point I’m aware of Max talking to Diana, as Robin comes to find me.
‘You OK?’ She sounds slightly anxious. ‘Not overdoing it, are you?’
I shake my head. ‘I have a lot of help.’
‘So what’s eating you?’ She follows my gaze. ‘Callie?’ Patting my arm, she confirms what I’m already thinking. ‘She’s been away a while. If I were you, I’d give her time.’
An hour into the evening, before the band starts playing, there are one or two things I want to say. Going to the makeshift stage, I pick up a microphone, tapping it. As it crackles, the hum of voices dulls to a hush.
‘Good evening to all of you. And welcome to Wyld.’ As applause breaks out, I wait for it to fade. ‘Thank you. And thank you so much for joining us tonight. We’re very proud of what we’re building here – not just in terms of providing wonderful holidays, but we’re trying to be an example of how a business can succeed without damaging the environment. Everything here is sourced from sustainable materials. We’ve upcycled. We also aim to be zero plastic. We’ve brought in the most skilled craftspeople this part of Cornwall has to offer. Our café is another example of our philosophy. We’re not even going to try to give you the same food every week of the year. Instead, our menu will vary according to what we’re growing in our vegetable garden. Oh – and our chickens are already in residence! In time you’ll be able to buy our eggs.’ I pause as a murmur of laughter goes around. ‘The inspiration behind this isn’t mine, though. It came from a friend. I’ll be honest with you. Before I heard her idea, I was planning to put up a handful of eco-homes, which presumably would have sold at inflated prices to second home owners. But… that isn’t what Cornwall needs.’ I clear my throat. ‘It needs us to be more mindful of the lives of people around here, and of this beautiful environment we’re blessed to call home. And that’s what this is all about. A way of life that respects this landscape. I’d like you to join me in raising your glasses.’ I pause again. ‘To Wyld.’
As I raise my glass, I register the shocked look on Callie’s face. Catching her eyes, I think I see her lips form the words,thank you.
* * *
Having said what I want to say, I feel a weight lift from me. Grabbing a beer, I notice Callie walking towards me.
‘Great speech.’ Emily’s voice comes from behind me.
I turn around. ‘Thanks. And thanks for your help tonight.’
‘No worries.’ She grins at me. ‘It isn’t entirely unselfish on my part. I needed to feel a little less like I owe you.’
‘Hi.’ Stopping in front of me, Callie looks at Emily. ‘You’re Emily, aren’t you?’
‘That’s me.’ Emily gives her a breezy smile. ‘Anyway, I have work to get on with. I’ll leave you to it.’
As Callie turns to look at me, there’s confusion in her eyes.
I try to explain. ‘Emily offered to help. That’s all.’
Distracted, suddenly her eyes grow wide as she sees the house. ‘I can’t believe I haven’t noticed that before.’
‘I’m pleased you said that! Right now, it looks a bit new, but it’ll blend in better as the wood weathers.’ I pause. ‘Tanith and the boys are moving in in the next few days. She’s going to be helping to run this place. Actually, I’m hoping she’ll be doing most of it, if I’m honest! I could do with a break.’
‘It’s great.’ Callie looks puzzled. ‘I feel like there’s something I’m missing.’ A frown furrows her brow. ‘Anyway, I came over to say I loved what you said just now.’
‘Thanks. You know the friend I mentioned…’ I pause. ‘It’s you.’
Her cheeks tinge with pink. ‘I wondered if it was. I really like what you’ve done here.’
‘Thank you. But I meant it. It wouldn’t have happened without your vision.’
‘Maybe it would have.’
‘There’s so much more to tell you about.’ My eyes search hers. ‘The tepee is going to host community events – and when the campsite is closed, we’re going to offer affordable childcare that gives children the experience of being in nature. It’s another reason for keeping the chickens. We have the support of the council now and it’s going ahead.’
Her face lights up. ‘You’ve found your way to give something back.’
I hesitate. ‘I hope so.’
A small smile flickers on her lips as she changes the subject. ‘You wouldn’t believe how tired I am. At this time of night, I’d usually be horizontal on the grass stargazing. My feet…’ Looking more like the Callie I remember, she shakes her head. ‘They’ve walked hundreds of miles these last few weeks. You have no idea how much they ache.’ She smiles, slightly wistfully. ‘This has been really lovely, but would you think me rude if I left soon?’
‘Not at all.’ Taking one of her hands, I raise it to my lips and kiss it. ‘Maybe we can catch up when you feel more rested. I’d love to hear about your trip.’
A look of uncertainty crosses her face, before she nods. ‘I’d really like that.’
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