“Not if you ask Victoria.” Vanessa joined her.
“I’d actually rather not know anything about my brothers and their sex lives. That includes yours and Jackson’s. Remember I see them as irritating creatures I have to put up with.” She rubbed her stomach. “Although the most irritating of all is my husband for getting me like this.”
I found myself smiling. I should be jealous – I was single and the chances of me having children were slim, unless I wanted to go it completely alone and I wasn’t sure that was what I wanted.
I wasn’t sure what it was I wanted at all. Apart from a relaxing break and the chance to properly consider opening up my first spa outside of England.
* * *
The building across the lagoon from our hotel was empty and soulless. No one had lived there, although it had only been completed about eight months ago. The external windows were floor to ceiling, huge panes of glass that afforded the people inside privacy and a view over the lagoon and beyond to one of Iceland’s glaciers. There were three acres of surrounding land, most of which had begun to be landscaped, the work ending when the owner’s husband had suddenly died and their retirement plans had ceased.
I walked the perimeter, looking into large lounges and a kitchen that was kitted out as well as Simone’s – my chef friend who had skipped the hen party as she was rather pregnant. I had visions of offering high end treatments for clients who were looking for an exclusive getaway in an environment that was secluded and special. The place where we were staying had a spa, but it’s menu of treatments was limited to massages and facials, nothing that delved deeper into aesthetics. There would also be the option here to offer specialist therapies and longer stays. There was planning permission to add extra buildings which could house clients and staff.
I felt myself grow with excitement over the prospect, peering through windows that weren’t set with privacy glass and envisaging each room. This was the sort of project I needed; a challenge. Something exclusive and different.
Footsteps pounded nearby, getting closer. I turned around and braced myself because I’d read far too much Nordic Noir crime fiction and there were many ways around here to dispose of a body.
“Max has a got a black eye.” Seph’s voice rang out crystal clear. “Victoria would probably give him another if we were close to their actual wedding day, but no one knows when that is yet.”
I turned around. He was wearing clothes for skiing or at least outdoor activities and looked like he should’ve come off a photo shoot.
“How did he manage that?”
“His head hit a tree. Branch caught his eye. Could’ve been worse and it’s not like he was that good-looking anyway. What are you doing over here?” He pushed his hands in his pockets, completely unconcerned that his brother was probably quite injured.
This was Seph.
“Next venture.”
“Seriously?” He looked up at the building. “I can see it. How much is it on the market for?”
I gave him the figure. “The board is looking to invest further, but out of the country and something more unique. This place would be spectacular if it was done right.”
“You’d attract celebrities and by that I mean A-listers.”
“It would. That would be the target market. The people who visit the spa in Mayfair who want a longer experience, maybe some treatments that need a bit more anonymity.” Nobody wanted to be papped in the three days following a vampire facial.
“Is this place available to buy or rent?”
I could see his lawyer brain starting to tick. Seph was a commercial litigator, acting for businesses, and he dabbled in commercial property too. For the last twelve months, he’d been my go to solicitor, so if this venture worked out, he’d be dealing with the legal side from England.
“Buy. Apparently a husband and wife had it designed as their retirement property. Just before it was due to be finished, the husband died suddenly. She doesn’t want to live here, understandably, as it’s a place they thought they’d live together, so it’s just come on the market. However, it’s limited in terms of planning permission – another hotel wouldn’t be allowed, but a retreat would.” I was now choosing the décor in my head. Simple clean lines, making the most of the light. Lots of plants. Big on water and the benefits of hydrotherapy.
“Complicated but I’ve had more awkward. I was involved in the purchase of a property in Reykjavik earlier this year. It was interesting.”
“If you can call that sort of thing interesting.” We carried on walking, Seph looking at the building, pointing out things I hadn’t spotted, little features that had been added to what was an understated building. I couldn’t wait to see inside.
“How’s Lainey been? I haven’t had a chance to speak to her much.” Seph paused at a window that looked in over an indoor pool.
From what I’d read, the water was sourced from the hot springs that also fed the lagoon.
“Quiet. When did she move over here?”
“About three months ago. She was never this quiet when I knew her before. I spent a few summers with her when we were growing up and she was like this action-adventure hero with what she’d do on horseback or climbing. She’s seemed a bit off since she’d moved here.” He looked concerned.
As much as Seph was the joker out of all the Callaghans, he had a sensitive side that he didn’t bother to hide. His brothers – and Claire – would sometimes call him out on it, but on the whole he was relied on more than they realised. He was a good guy.
“Was she in America before?”
