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“Oh and do you have any extra mozzarella?” James puts in. Neither looks up from the Xbox.
“Coming up. All ok today? With your Dad?”
“Yep,” he says, popping the ‘p’, “all done. Just some trust stuff he’s set up for me. And he’s done one for Bucky.” He nods his head in Bucky’s direction, adding, “He’s got to go next week.”
Bucky and I look at each other. “Very nice. As it should be.” I smile, although I’m a bit bewildered. I did not expect that. Maybe Kellen has been paying attention. They’re both my sons. Fair enough Bucky is not his or mine biologically, but he’s James’s brother and my son in every other way.
We sit outside on the terrace in the early May sunshine and eat dinner while I regale them with tales of Pinky and Mr. Tubbs.
“Marshall called today. Pinky’s causing havoc pushing mares away who have come to feel the love with Mr. Tubbs. Herding them into the corner of the fields so they can’t have him. It delayed proceedings by quite a bit, and Mr. Tubbs had to up his game to fit everyone in.”
The boys are in hysterics at the thought of Marshall and his henchman, Gerald, chasing Pinky away from the other ladies. She put up a good fight, and Gerald has a few love bites to show for his efforts. Bucky is defending Pinky—as ever, that pony can do no wrong in his eyes. I suggest he tackle her next time, and then see if he still thinks she’s ‘soooooo cuuuuute.’
I push them both in the direction of their bedrooms. They need sleep and I need space and a bit of quiet. As I clear the dishes, I’m smiling, imagining Gerald and Marshall trying to tame the wild pony. I inwardly chuckle at the memory of my boys’ faces as they planned out how to tame Pinky, how happy they both seem. How content. God this could have gone all wrong, but we all seem to be rolling fine with the punches.
Picking up my bag to ensure I have everything I need for the morning, my mind wanders to the meeting with Kenny. It’s a bit impromptu, it all feels a bit rushed, my spidey sense kicks into high gear. But no point in worrying, it’ll be what it it’ll be. I’ve just got to keep my head. Easier said than done, if Kell is involved somewhere. Images of him here, playing cards and faffing with my dishwasher spring unbidden to mind. What is he up to? The man is a magnet, for trouble definitely, for me? Not sure.
I head into town for my breakfast with Jude, deliberately leaving the ‘meeting’ bit off mentally. Jude doesn’t usually function much before 10 a.m. But he asked for this meeting, and I made sure that even though I agreed, it was on my terms. I know I’ve been keeping them all at arm’s length, but I’m also really conscious of how I’d felt after the cards and whiskey night.
Same goes for Kellen. Although he tries to talk to us all, keeping me engaged, I’ve deliberately tried to not get involved with calls when he’s on the phone with James and Bucky.
“Brown, you look dashing this morning. What’s going on with all the Greystone men? James was in a suit yesterday.” I kiss the top of his head as he cracks an eye open at me. “Heavy night?” I query.
“No, early morning. You know I don’t do mornings.”
“Well, I do. Today, anyway. I have things to do after you, so what do you need me for?” I’m all business.
“I’ve had four enquiries from your former clients,” he raises a brow at me, “to find buildings. You’d think they grow on trees the way they talk about them. One even asked to find them, and I quote, ‘one with personality and attitude.’ They’re fucking buildings. They’re bricks, mortar, and concrete. How much attitude can they have?”
I start to laugh at him. “Well, one I saw last week had serious swagger going on. It shouted, ‘Fuck you, Evie,’ as I tried to ignore it. I’m sure it sent a poof of brick dust just to get me to come back.”
“See, that’s what I mean. Your crazy bunch. I don’t want to lose them to someone else, so I’ll pay you to find buildings for them—for me. Unless, of course, you want to come back in with me. We can divide the company between the four of us.” He tries to hide the plea in his voice, and the desperate look in his eye.
I ignore the plea. “I don’t think I’ll have time to run it. I’m busy with the development. And as soon as the boys end their exams, I’m off to Devon. I’ll be there all summer. I can look for you whilst I’m here, I may already have seen some, but that’s it. Are they buyers or renters?”
“Either. They said for the ‘right’ building, they would rent.”
“Let me guess. The Croziers?” I say with a laugh.
“You’re a witch. Yes, Gloria. She said she’d tried you, but your Bowman phone said to call me.”
“It does. Sorry about that. I don’t want everyone to know our business. I’ll help out. Let’s get food and you can tell me who wants what.” I smile and wave over the waitress.
We spend the next two hours covering everything. I think I have at least three buildings in mind, and a couple on my development which may fit, but that would be a wait. Jude calls the clients whilst I’m there to make arrangements to get them over to my development. Best to let them see finished ones to see if they want to wait, or want to press on with others. The others he phones and makes the appointments. He’s asked me to go with him, to show a united front. I agree, but again make it clear I won’t be back full time.
“I’m off to NSM to meet Kenny next. They’ve taken the building next door to my beloved. They want a flat put in, and rooms for short overnight stays due to studio times. I’ve asked Carrie to come in with me on the designs.”
“Wow, that’ll be a pretty penny. Is Kellen picking up the tab?”
“Don’t know. Not bothered as long as we get paid. But they’ll be approved by them first. I’m obviously not just going to go crazy without say so. In fact, I better dash. We’ve got all the dates, so I’ll see you.” I go to sort out my dress and coat and kiss him on the cheek.
“Can I come over at the weekend? As they’re at yours now, we don’t see James and Bucky as much. It’s quiet, Evie. Fucking weird at times.”
I look at him—he looks better, brighter in his eyes—and nod. “I’ll let you know times. I think I’m about all weekend, but I’m sure the first exam is really soon. So, no whiskey. It’ll be tea all the way.” I grin at him.
I start to move, as he’s definitely going to ask something else, and I really don’t want to hear it. “Ready?” I wave at Tommy, and we move off.
“All good?” Tommy asks as we pull into traffic. He’s watching me closely.
