Page 4 of Not Just for Christmas

Hey Jack, I finally made it home to the States and wanted to say thanks for everything. I had the best time in Devon, and it was great spending time with you. Thanks for all the surf lessons, inviting me to stay on the farm, educating me on English beer, and obviously, I’ll never forget that night in your pub – I can’t believe you made me borrow a guitar and play with the band! But most of all thanks for all your help when my stuff got stolen, lending me money, helping me to organize a new passport, booking flights – I’d probably still be there trying to earn enough to pay for a flight back to NYC if it wasn’t for you. Say hi to Lucy and if you guys are ever in the States, you will always have a place to crash. You’re the best, Dylan

Text from Jack

It was great hanging out with you. And don’t mention it, always happy to help out a fellow surfer. We couldn’t let you miss that audition with the record label, could we? Honestly, mate, just play like you did at The Otter and you’ll ace it – everyone’s still talking about how amazing you were that night. Lucy sends her love. Come back and see us soon.

Text from Dylan

Hey Jack, so … the record label said YES! I’ve got myself a new manager and a deal with Phoenix Records! Dylan Wilde is going to be HUGE!

Text from Jack

OF COURSE they said yes – you’re brilliant! Well done, mate. PS You should see the waves down here at the moment, the surfing is off the scale. I got caught in a rip tide this morning and couldn’t break the surface to breathe for ages – didn’t dare tell Lucy or she’d kill me.

Text from Dylan

You crazy adrenaline junkie – be careful! I want you alive to listen to my first album!

Text from Lucy

So, so proud of you, Dylan! Don’t forget us when you’re famous! Luce x

Text from Dylan

I’ll never forget you. That’s a promise. X

Text from Jack

I downloaded your album and have been playing it non-stop while doing the milking. Wow. Seriously. Just wow. I think even the cows probably know all the words by now. I’m super proud of you, mate, well done. You’ll be playing Wembley before you know it!

Text from Dylan

Keep this to yourself for now, dude, but I’ve just had confirmation that I’m going to be playing on Saturday Night Live. That is like THE best TV show in America for launching music careers. I can’t believe it, it’s really happening.

Text from Lucy

Hi Dylan, THIS IS CONFIDENTIAL! I’ve planned a surprise trip to New York for Jack’s birthday. How exciting is that?? Will you be around for dinner? Would love to meet up. x

Text from Dylan

Hey Lucy, no way! That’s such a cool birthday present! He’s a lucky guy. Of course we can meet up, and we can go one better than dinner, I’ll get my PA on it. D x

Email from Dylan Wilde’s office

Dear Lucy, this is Dylan’s PA. I’m sending you two tickets to his concert in Madison Square Garden. You will be collected to join him backstage in the green room after the gig for drinks. I’ll send you dinner reservations nearer the time.

Warm regards, Janet

Text from Jack

Dylan, just wanted to say thank you for the tickets. Best birthday of my life – best night of my life! Promise me, if you get any time off when your tour comes to the UK this year, that you’ll come and stay with us. Jack

Text from Dylan

You’re so welcome, dude. It’s the least I could do. And Lucy masterminded the whole thing. You guys are great together. And you bet I’ll come visit; save me a place on the beach! Dylan.

Text from Lucy

Wow, what an amazing summery week that was! Can’t believe you turned up at the farm to surprise us. Jack was so pleased to have a surfing buddy – in the rare moments he actually stopped working – and Heather is still raving about the ranch dressing you made for the beach barbecue. And THEN JACK PROPOSED!!! So glad you got to share that moment with us. A week I’ll never forget. Luce x