Page 103 of The Shape of Your Heart
‘All of them?’ Turning back, I study the plants, memories come flashing back – of my childhood, of playing with my sisters, of the many family occasions for which these and many other flowers were the well-tended backdrop. As my objections fade, there’s a lump in my throat. I’ve been so hellbent on doing it my way, or the way Liam and I had planned. But it doesn’t matter any more. Life moves on; these plants represent family, friendship, love. It’s impossible to be anything other than grateful for them.
‘It’s perfect.’ My voice wavers as I turn to hug Tanith.
‘I’m so glad you think so.’ Sounding relieved, she hugs me back. ‘It wasn’t my idea – though I have to say I did totally agree.’
I look at her quizzically as she goes on.
‘It was Nathan’s. He spoke to your mum about it and she dug up the plants. He and I planted them – according to her strict instructions, obviously.’ Tanith rolls her eyes. ‘By the way, Sasha thought it was a good idea, too.’
Wondering what else I’ve missed, I open my mouth to speak, before closing it again as I take in how all these people in my life have been planning this together. ‘You’ve met Sasha?’ I say at last.
‘She’s great, isn’t she?’ Tanith smiles mischievously.
‘You’re saying this was Nathan’s idea?’ I’m puzzled as to why he’d go to all this trouble. ‘How is he?’
‘He’s really good. By the way, if you still want to plant Santiago de Compostela, there are a couple of other ideas you might like to consider. But we can talk about those later. Why don’t you have a shower and get changed? There’s something I need your opinion on.’
I’ve no idea what she’s talking about, but I do as I’m told and after a blissfully hot shower, I put on the first dress I’ve worn in weeks, a little make-up, too. Gazing at my reflection, I try to discern if I look different. But as I already know, the change I’m feeling is more on the inside.
‘You’re being very cryptic,’ I say as we get into Tanith’s car. ‘I’ve walked hundreds of miles, I’ve spent all day travelling – and all you want to do is drag me out?’
‘Don’t expect me to be sympathetic.’ She starts the car. ‘You could have flown back. You didn’t have to take the train.’
‘Actually…’ I glance sideways at her. ‘Believe it or not, that’s what I did. All the way from Spain to Bristol. I only got the train for the last bit.’ All through the airport, I had to stop myself chickening out and as I boarded the plane, my legs were shaking. But however scared I was, I was mesmerised by the view of the coast as we flew over it. Gazing out, I wished it a silent farewell, promising I’d soon be back. Then I’d ordered a gin and tonic and simply told myself that now I was up there, there was nothing I could do about it.
The car judders to a halt. ‘Fuck me.’ Tanith’s jaw drops. ‘After everything you said about flying… What changed your mind?’
I shrug nonchalantly. ‘Just a friend, who told me I was brave.’
38
NATHAN
It’s a perfect Cornish early evening, the air still warm with the softest of breezes and after a hectic afternoon, I can’t believe how easily things are coming together. Standing there, I survey the almost finished café, the awning we’ve put up in case of rain; upcycled chairs and tables are arranged underneath it, the long table shortly to be filled with food.
Thanks to Tanith, there’s bunting strung across the car park and jars of flowers on all the tables, with cutlery rolled inside brightly patterned napkins. While I’ve had my eye on the large scale, as I’m finding out, it’s details like these that make all the difference.
Noticing people start to arrive, I feel nervous all of a sudden. This isn’t just an opening party. It’s a chance to showcase what this project is about and impress people; it’s a major milestone in the life of Wyld, too. And by chance, the timing has worked perfectly to welcome Callie home.
Coming over, Emily mops her brow. ‘My uncle’s just arrived. He’s going to be really impressed. What else do you want me to do? Those kids, by the way…’ She nods towards Tanith’s boys. ‘They’ve been helping me.’
‘They’re great, aren’t they? Maybe you can you finish setting up the bar. And see if the band wants a drink?’ I’ve noticed she has her eye on one of the musicians. ‘Tanith texted me. They should be here in five minutes or so.’
‘Cool.’ There’s been a noticeable change in Emily since she talked to her parents, and at long last she’s starting to sort her life out, to the extent that it was her idea rather than mine to help out today. ‘I’ll just come over and see my uncle with you.’
We go to find Emily’s uncle. When she arranged for us to meet, he had already flagged up a lack of local childcare. After agreeing to subsidise places, he gave the idea the green light. And there’s more to do but at least we’re over the biggest hurdle.
After talking to him briefly, Robin and Max wander towards us. ‘This is fantastic.’ Robin kisses me on the cheek. ‘Emily…’ She glances at me quizzically. ‘I didn’t know you were going to be here.’
‘Hi. Well, I thought I’d make myself useful. Contrary to popular belief, I’m not a bad waitress.’ She disappears for a few seconds.
‘Looks great.’ Max shakes my hand.
‘Thanks,’ I say just as Emily reappears with a tray. ‘Would you like a drink?’
Taking a couple of glasses, after she’s gone, Robin looks at me again. ‘So, are you going to give us a tour?’
I watch another car pull up before Callie’s parents get out, followed by Sasha and another girl who’s presumably another of Callie’s sisters. ‘I’m kind of tied up just now. Why don’t you help yourselves?’
