‘Could we not carry her or something?’ Liv whispered.
‘What, in a backpack like Yoda?’ Fraser gave her a pointed look.
Liv shrugged. ‘It’s not the worst idea and she’s small enough. She’d look kinda cute.’ Liv mimed her peeping out of a backpack. Fraser snorted his derision. Maybe it was too soon for jokes. ‘Look I’m sorry about…’ She twirled a finger behind the line of old people heading for the hotel kitchen. ‘I was only trying to help.’
Fraser took a very deep breath and Liv waited for the verbal backlash. ‘It’s not your fault.’
‘It kinda is.’
‘Okay, yes it is but it’s Lizzie who’s caused all of this. The problem now is do I cancel and call a halt to everything or do I go ahead and…’ He sucked his lip. ‘Who am I kidding? I can’t go ahead. My dad is selling the place. Come spring the hotel will likely be sold, so it’s all pointless.’
‘Really? You’re going to cave in just like that?’ Liv gave him the side-eye.
‘What?’
‘I just thought you were a bit more maverick, the do-or-die type. Are you more Jim Carrey than Mariah Carey?’
‘Mariah’s formidable so I’d happily be compared to her…’ He wobbled his head as if questioning his own words. At least the bit about him being a fan appeared to have been true.
‘Me too,’ said Liv. ‘I love her. Some people just don’t get her but…’ He was starting to frown. ‘Sorry, I’m getting carried away. Back to the issue in hand.’
‘Thanks,’ said Fraser.
Liv put her hands on her hips. ‘Okay, Mariah. What’ll it be?’
‘You really expect me to go ahead with the cast of a Victoria Wood sketch? How do I explain that away?’
‘You could be honest and tell the truth. You didn’t get yourself in this situation, but showing that you’re doing all you can to get out of it shows what you’re made of.’
‘And what if it goes spectacularly wrong? That’s what I’ll be remembered for.’
‘True but I think the Fraser I thought I’d got to know would at least channel his inner Mariah and give it his best shot. Because what if it actually works? What if the showcase dinner goes well and the great and the good are interested and want to back you? That could open up the doors you need to get another premises if your dad does sell this place. I mean, I don’t know what he’s asking for it but it needs a heck of a lot of work doing. I’d be amazed if it was snapped up. More likely it’ll be on the market for ages and in that time you could build your business. And deep down don’t you want to show Lizzie that she’s no longer working your strings?’ Liv gave a little smile at the end of her speech.
‘You are so…’ Fraser clenched his fists ‘…bloody annoying.’
‘Thank you,’ said Liv sensing a victory of sorts.
28
The next morning Liv tapped on Effie’s bedroom door. She figured she would give her overnight to calm down and think things through. Liv wasn’t holding out much hope that Effie would have come around to her way of thinking, but she wanted to smooth the waters all the same. Liv didn’t like that she’d upset Effie but, she still felt she’d done the right thing by flagging the potential issues with John. In the cold light of day Liv felt slightly less certain about her convictions. John hadn’t directly asked for money so perhaps he was genuine and just unfortunate that his profile screamed fraudster.
There was a long wait before the door opened a crack and Effie’s unsmiling face came into view.
‘Good morning, I brought a peace offering.’ Liv held up a breakfast tray. ‘It’s to say I’m sorry for upsetting you yesterday.’ And shewassorry for that. She liked Effie and didn’t like to see her upset. ‘Shall I put it down here or can I bring it in?’
Effie stood back and let Liv inside. Liv went in and placed the tray on the bed. ‘Shall I pour you a cuppa?’
Effie wrapped Liv in a hug and she hugged her back. ‘Let’s not argue again,’ said Effie releasing her.
‘I mean it wasn’t an argument as such,’ said Liv. ‘But okay. And just look out for yourself. I hate to think of anyone taking advantage of your kind nature.’
‘I will. I’m okay with John.’
‘Hmm.’ Liv had heard the expression biting your tongue and she feared she may have to do exactly that in order to stop herself from commenting. She took a breath instead. ‘I find my mum is always good to talk to when I’m having man trouble. Can you speak to your mum about John?’
‘I would love to,’ said Effie. ‘But she moved to France and I don’t hear from her very much. She’s busy. I imagine her like an older Lara Croft; venturing into ancient, booby-trapped tombs and crumbling ruins searching for priceless artefacts.’
‘Is she a rebel archaeologist?’ asked Liv already impressed.
