‘Yes way. They are not only the management team, but also the owners.’
‘I don’t get it. Why are they getting married at Starcross Manor when they’ve got their own venue?’ asked Libby.
‘I’m assuming because they want to discover how it works here and sabotage my business at the same time, or perhaps they’re hoping to steal my contacts and undercut my contracts with suppliers, so that they have exclusivity and become the number one venue in the area.’
Guy raised an eyebrow. ‘The sly dogs. That would explain changing the invites and feeding the story to the newspaper.’
‘Exactly. And I suspect it’s no coincidence that their application form went missing because I don't think they ever even entered the competition. Based on what you’ve seen, Lib, I think they got to Jenny. There’s only one way to find out. We’re going to pay her a visit.’
‘I’ll get my coat,’ Libby replied, grabbing it from the coat stand.
Flynn looked over at the black wedding dress on the mannequin. ‘Is this Miranda’s dress?’
Libby nodded.
‘You can stop working on it. Their contract is void and there will be no wedding. Starcross Manor and its team had nothing to do with anything that went wrong. We have the evidence that Miranda and David are competitors and that Miranda tampered with invites. My guess is they started the rumours about the skating incident. In fact, I’m going to call a meeting with Aidy. He can write an article exposing their scheme using the video evidence. They aren’t getting away with this.’
Libby agreed. ‘Good idea. Give them a taste of their own medicine.’
‘In the meantime, let’s go and pay Jenny a visit and see what she has to say.’ Flynn was clearly rattled by the discovery of the new wedding barn and Miranda and David’s deception.
‘I’m ready. Looks like we’re going to be in for an interesting afternoon,’ Libby said before turning towards Guy and taking his hands in hers. ‘And I hope all goes well with you this afternoon. I’ll be thinking of you. Let’s catch up later?’
‘Sounds good to me,’ Guy answered, leaning in and kissing her on the lips.
Taken by surprise, Flynn cocked an eyebrow and pointed at the pair. ‘What am I missing here? Is something going on between you?’ His face broke into a smile. ‘There is, isn’t there?’
‘Never mind us, I’ll fill you in later,’ Libby replied, gently shoving Flynn towards the door.
‘Just when I think nothing else can surprise me,’ Flynn marvelled, still with an astonished look on his face as he stepped outside.
Libby gave Guy a warm smile over her shoulder. ‘See you later,’ she mouthed.
ChapterNineteen
Climbing into Flynn’s car, which was parked outside the main entrance of Starcross Manor, they set off towards the High Street, Flynn repeatedly taking sideward glances at Libby and smiling.
‘Do you know how you can sense that someone wants to say something? Come on, out with it!’ Libby playfully rolled her eyes.
‘Damn right I want to say something! You’ve kept that quiet.’ Flynn indicated left and the car bounced across the track before reaching the bridge that led them into the town. ‘What’s going on?’
‘We just kind of fell into each other… I don’t know what it means or even what is happening between us. It’s a tricky one. I’m meant to be leaving soon…’
‘Meant?’ questioned Flynn straightaway.
‘Figure of speech. My plan is still to go. It’s been something I’ve been working towards for a long time.’
‘It is and it’s something you truly deserve after everything you’ve been through and all your hard work.’
‘But I was never meant to start falling for someone; that wasn’t part of the plan. It’s still early days but it’s just so easy. It feels so right when I’m in his company.’
‘That’s how it should be. What does he think about you going away?’
‘That I have to do what I want to do, chase my dreams, live my best life…’
‘There will be a way to make it work if it’s meant to be.’
‘I’m having a chat about it with Dad tonight when the cruise ship docks. I’m hoping with all his wisdom he has a suggestion for how I could make this work. I just keep hoping there’s a way to have both the job and the … Guy.’ They both laughed. ‘But Guy has Holly. It’s not as though he can just take a few months off work and come and stay with me in New York. He’s also got a number of things going on in his life at the moment. At least one of them is good though: he’s made an offer on Weathervane Cottage and it’s been accepted.’
