‘That’s a rubbish consolation prize,’ Nic sulked, offering Theo a small smile. ‘There’s nothing I can say to make you stay?’
‘Afraid not. So, what now for you? Go hell for leather to get the site ready and sold off?’
‘Have to.’
‘Including the show home?’ Nic could feel Theo’s eyes on him. He couldn’t bear the idea of being apart from Aria for more than a night. But the Lake District project was a puzzle that was almost solved. If Theo went ahead with quitting, he’d have to return to London and wouldn’t have time for more than the odd weekend away. His dilemma must have been written all over his face as Theo jumped in. ‘The fake engagement? You’ve fallen for her. I knew you would.’
Nic sighed. ‘I don’t think anyone was faking it. I do have all these feelings for her. But I should have deeper feelings for the company, right? I’ve thrown everything at it for years.’ Nic realised Theo looked happier when he spoke of his new life and he didn’t want to take that away. ‘I’ll be fine, you go and sniff the salt air and relax, while I work myself into a grave.’
‘Let’s face it, you were always going to do that.’
***
‘OK, I’m going to give you some final instructions,’ Theo said at six in the morning. The small hours had ticked by in brotherly companionship that had at times tipped into argument. ‘Firstly, you cannot phone to talk me out of resigning, no matter what a shitshow it feels like at the beginning. Secondly, you can quite capably turn this company aroundwithout me. You need to keep a close eye on the finances, and I will help you interview candidates to replace me.’
With one ear on Theo, Nic clicked on a message from his case officer who told him they were bringing forward the planning meeting at the district council and he was likely to be able to crack on with things soon.
Theo looked over his shoulder at the email. ‘What are you doing about Aria’s hut?’
‘I’m on it,’ Nic repeated what he’d said to his father at the swim, clicking on Uber and ordering a cab to the station.
‘And one last thing,’ Theo said as if reading his mind. ‘Keep a close eye on Dad. I still think it’s a mistake involving him, but it’s your company. He will interfere in everything.’
‘I know.’ Nic started gathering his stuff together.
‘Where are you going?’
‘Home.’
‘Now? But you’ve had no sleep.’
‘It’s the only place I do get a good night’s sleep these days,’ Nic replied, thinking about how well he’d slept the night Aria was in his bed.
***
Arriving back in the Lakes, Nic parked in town and popped into the supermarket for some bread and milk. When he couldn’t decide what to buy for dinner, he loaded his basket with convenience food for an easy meal. In the shop, he found Cal Lawson enquiring if the trainee manager would consider stocking his beers once the brewery was up and running. Henodded hello at the till and exited the supermarket with the barman.
‘Your ales sound great. Put me down for a crate.’
Cal clapped him on the back. ‘You’re on. Now I just need to put a bomb up the builders. I hoped to be open by New Year, and it’s already June.’
‘Oh, I know that feeling,’ Nic sympathised.
‘Want a quick tour of the old barn?’ Cal asked. ‘See where we’ve got to with the building work? You can buy that beer from me too.’
***
Nic grabbed a cab back home in a fine mood. He’d been able to advise Cal on how to cut corners and costs without compromising the look of the building. He’d also made some suggestions for décor, advising his new friend to save the barn’s existing brick, stone and wood wherever possible to preserve the authenticity of the place. Cal had charged him mates rates for the beer and they’d sampled some together. As he walked up his drive, Nic smiled at a text from Theo.
Gr8 to see you last couple of days Nico. Thanks for not trying to talk me out of it. Happy to see u finally falling in love. When u going to make that engagement real bro?
Opening the front door, he called Aria’s name but was met with silence and a very tidy house. She was unlikely to be at work at this time, but maybe she was putting in the hours. That would explain why his texts had gone unanswered apart froma brief thank you for the fruit. Peering down at the beach, he saw Tiger lolloping around and knew his owner wouldn’t be far away. So, he grabbed some of the beer and a bag of crisps, ignoring a bunch of WhatsApp messages about getting things in place in advance of the planning meeting. As he wandered down to the lake, Tiger announced his arrival with three woofs.
He tickled the dog’s chin. ‘Thanks for the welcome, buddy. I missed you both. I think your owner must be a fish, the amount of time she spends in the lake.’ The pug barked his approval, picking up his favourite toy and placing it at Nic’s feet. Understanding the dog’s request, Nic threw it into the bushes, scalping a plant in the process. Tiger disappeared after it with a happy woof.
‘Actually, I come from a long line of mermaids.’ Aria walked out of the water and pulled on her dry robe. A much longer gown than the other day – a crushing disappointment to the male population, Nic thought. He flashed her a wide smile she didn’t return. Instead, she looked around for the dog.
‘In the bushes chasing after a duck,’ he answered her unspoken question. ‘I brought beer and snacks so we can watch the sun go down together.’
