Page 92 of The Only Way Is Up

‘I brought you a cup of tea.’ Melanie appeared behind Tom in the churchyard, carrying a blue-and-white-striped mug in each hand. He turned to face her from his kneeling position in front of Tessa’s gravestone, using his hand to shield his eyes against the glare of the sun on the snowy ground. Henry was lying on a waterproof picnic blanket nearby, his head on his paws as his eyelids flickered in a dream.

‘Thanks.’ Tom stood up and took the mug gratefully. ‘Just so we’re clear on your job description, you’re not obliged to make me tea during office hours, let alone on a Sunday.’

Melanie smiled. ‘I saw you from the window and thought you looked like a man in need of a hot drink. I’ve got some gardening tools if you want them.’

‘No, it’s fine. Tessa never liked things too tidy.’ He sipped his tea and looked across the churchyard to the road as a tractor rumbled by.

‘When’s Daisy leaving?’ asked Melanie.

‘Tomorrow.’ Tom kicked a few stray pieces of gravel off the grass and back onto the path. ‘Which one of us is going to miss her more, do you think?’

Melanie laughed. ‘It sounds silly to say it out loud, but she’s changed my life. You both have.’

‘Stop it,’ Tom teased. ‘You’ll make me blush.’

‘I mean it, Tom. Tessa was my friend, and you and I have never really connected in the same way since she died. But you’ve done such a lot for me and Gerald. I really can’t thank you enough.’

‘Tessa was very fond of you, and I’ve always had time for Gerald. And Will, of course. I’m just glad things have worked out for you. For all your family, current and future.’ He gave Melanie a significant look.

‘Oh.’ Melanie’s eyes widened. ‘Did Daisy tell you?’

Tom shook his head. ‘She didn’t have to. You have the same glow that Tessa had. Like you’re carrying around the most wonderful secret.’

‘I’m sorry I didn’t say anything. I was going to tell you soon. I just wanted to be sure—’

‘Don’t be silly.’ He held up a hand to silence her. ‘I want you to know that I’m delighted, and we’ll do whatever we can at the school to make things easy for you. Whatever you need.’

Melanie glanced at Tessa’s gravestone. ‘Thank you. I can’t tell you what a relief that is. What names did you and Tessa choose, for your baby? If you don’t mind me asking.’

Tears pinpricked the corner of Tom’s eyes, but he blinked them away. ‘Daniel for a boy. Elizabeth for a girl. Why do you ask?’

‘No reason.’ Melanie smiled gently. ‘Gerald and I were just wondering.’

Will walked past a few minutes after Melanie headed back to the house, his hands deep in his pockets. Tom gave him a wave, then wandered over to the wall by the road to say hello.

‘Hey, Mr Clark.’

‘Can we agree on Tom at weekends?’ Tom smiled. ‘Nobody needs to know.’

‘Bit weird, but sure.’ Will shrugged. ‘I’m just off to the pub to meet Justin and Stella. They want to have a brainstorm.’ He rolled his eyes, like brainstorming with adults was a colossal drag.

‘Got to earn your ten per cent.’ Tom bumped his shoulder. ‘Keep the clients happy.’

‘Yeah,’ Will smiled. ‘It’s turning out to be a pretty good gig.’

‘A word of advice, if you’ll take it,’ Tom said, leaning on the wall. ‘Lots of people are going to try to take that gig away from you. Professional video people, social media experts – the bigger and more successful Cook with Justella gets, the more others will try to muscle in.’

‘Really?’ Will’s brow furrowed with worry. ‘What should I do?’

‘Look after them. Justin and Stella. Keep them ahead of the game. Know their audience, be the expert in everything there is to know about social media, online cooking trends, building a YouTube brand. You need to be all over the details. And if they want a brainstorm, give them a brainstorm.’

Will’s eyes glazed over thoughtfully. Tom could see the cogs whirring in his brain.

‘Don’t just be on their team, Will. Lead their team. You’re the perfect man for the job, but it’s a cutthroat business and you’re going to have to keep your wits about you. I’m always available if you need help or advice. As is Daisy.’

Will nodded, his eyes blazing, his mouth set into a determined line. Tom felt a pang of paternal pride for this clever, shy, awkward boy. So much had changed for him in the past couple of months, and now the future was his for the taking. What a remarkable thing it was to be excited about what was around the corner – it had been so long for Tom, he’d almost forgotten what that felt like. But Daisy . . . she was a world of possibility.

‘Thanks, Tom . . . OK, that feels weird.’