Page 74 of Summer at Harbour View House
They went up Eddie’s path and Natasha knocked on the door. The sound of voices came from inside, then the door swung open to reveal Eddie in a dressing gown with Carly draped around his shoulders. He smiled at them, while Carly giggled.
‘What do you … want?’
The Curve stepped forward. ‘Ed,’ he said quietly.
Even the wind seemed to drop, the waves of the nearby sea to fall still.
‘Curve,’ Eddie said.
‘I heard about a concert,’ The Curve said, again his voice little more than a low whisper, like a gentle forest breeze. ‘Without the Curve there is no Cowslip. I ask you to desist. It is not too late to call it off.’
Eddie frowned. ‘Cowslip is my band,’ he said, eyes narrowing.
‘There is no band without The Curve,’ The Curve said. ‘It’s merely Eddie James Willard, formerly of Cowslip. I suggest you change your advertising posters to more clearly represent what the audience will receive and to avoid possible future lawsuits.’
‘How does he speak like that?’ Ben whispered to Natasha. ‘It’s like he’s not breathing or anything.’
‘Shh,’ she hissed back.
‘You’re not going to spoil this, Curve,’ Eddie said. ‘I’m the soul of Cowslip—’
‘You’re a washed up has been trying to recreate past glories. Without The Curve—’
‘Enough of this!’ Natasha shouted suddenly, stamping her foot as Hannah might have done for extra effect. ‘Eddie, show him Elizabeth.’ When Eddie stared at her in dismay, she summoned her best teacher’s voice. ‘Do it …now!’
She was vaguely aware of both Ben and Carly clapping as Eddie slunk back into the house, eyes lowered.
‘Elizabeth?’ The Curve said, turning to Natasha.
‘I’ll let Eddie explain,’ she said. ‘It’s time this feud was put to bed … for good.’
Eddie came back, carrying the guitar case. He set it down on the ground between them, then unclipped the catches. He looked up at The Curve.
‘I found her,’ he said. ‘And I made her right.’
He lifted the lid to reveal the shiny, twin-necked guitar.
The Curve let out a gasp and sank to his knees. ‘Elizabeth,’ he said. ‘Like … new.’
Eddie looked about ready to cry. ‘You’re my brother,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘And I’m sorry too,’ The Curve said.
Eddie leaned forward and pulled The Curve into an awkward hug over the top of the open guitar case. Carly and Ben clapped, while Natasha grabbed Ben’s arm and gave it a squeeze.
‘We can do this together,’ Eddie said into The Curve’s ear. ‘Cowslip, back at last.’
‘We will rock,’ The Curve said ‘Just like old times. I saw that Col had died, though, so I brought the drummer from my solo band, The Crescent.’
‘Who?’
Standing behind everyone, The Crescent lifted a hand and gave an awkward wave. ‘Hello,’ he said. ‘I’m The Crescent.’ He grinned beneath his sunglasses. ‘I’m actually The Curve’s son, but he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s old enough to have children. My name’s Danny.’
28
A Nervous Build Up and the Return of the Masters
Lizzie hadtears in her eyes as people continued to stream through the gates, holding up printed tickets to Albert’s daughters, Ebony and Cassandra, who had volunteered to work the entrance gates.
