I look up for her reaction and encouraged by her placid façade, I run through my ideas in further detail, showing her some of my sketches, the swatches of fabric I’d brought along and mood board I’d already created on Pinterest, via the iPad. The sparkle of excitement glinting within her fading blue eyes is a total giveaway – I’m on the money with this one.
“The Gilded Fox needs to feel like an exclusive tavern, with luxury fabrics, in tartans and corduroys for hardwearing purposes and lots of textures. Downstairs, I’d add some modern stags heads and lots more cream to balance the colour we will introduce, greys, greens, burnt oranges, heathers and the upstairs in the rooms we will have a new name for each room, something cute like ‘the fox and the hound’ etc. and continue the masculine hunting lodge theme, with luxury textures and fabrics to feminize it. Lighting should be subtle.”
“What about the Bathrooms?”
“I visualize copper bathtubs… but if the budget can’t take one in every bedroom we can adapt and continue the theme but with a white suite and save the copper baths for the larger rooms.”
“I love it all. I can’t wait to see it all take shape.”
Before we know it we’ve chattered away for over an hour and confirmed, design ideas, deadlines, budgets and a second meeting to measure up with the first site visit.
“Right, I better head back to the office. Thanks so much for the tea and treats.”
“No, thank you, Lucia – I can’t wait. My daughter is going to be very impressed we’re moving into the next century upstairs… you’ll meet her next time. We bought the Inn together when she left her lousy ex, to you-know, give her something-to-do, and never looked back.”
I look up as the tone in her voice alters - I sense there’s more to this tale but choose to remain quiet. It wasn’t my place to delve. “No probs – well if she has any questions, just get her to give me a bell and I’ll go through things with her too.”
“That would be great. She’s had a very difficult time the past few years and this project is just what she needed to focus on the future and rebuild her confidence.”
We say our goodbyes and I head out to my car. I do love it when you have a successful meeting and get a buzz from the brief at the outset - what an interesting, and eccentric lady Carolyn Walters is.
Switching the engine on, Lana Del Ray fills the Audi and only adds to my good mood. After this morning’s good start, things were on the up. I need to sort so many things before I leave.
So that’s it you’re going then?
Of course you are - was there ever any real doubt?
My phone bleeps and a quick glance, makes me smile further at Abby’s silliness.
Do buy or not Dubai?
That is the question?
We need to shop babe and we have to strategise.
Hurry up and make your mind up - don’t leave a girl hangin,
not when she’d rather be bangin! ;) Xx
She’s right I do need to go shopping; I need new swimwear, summer gear and all the paraphernalia that comes with a beach holiday. A trip to Boots was in order. I also need to sort work and it’s imperative I make an appointment with Sophie my hair stylist for a colour treatment, I needed to for The Ashton party anyway; oh and Amy at the salon for a wax, spray tan and mani and pedi. I need all my girl parts bringing their A game to the party and most certainly to any Beach, not that I think it’s that type of break but surely we’d be swimming at some stage - Dubai is supposed to be boiling hot? I’m sure there would be a great beauty expert in Dubai but I prefer to stick with what I know.
Woah - slow down girl, enthusiastic much!
I raise my shoulders with an excited thrill and decide to be proactive, spending the next few minutes booking those necessary appointments in before I forget; then head off to Finn’s Crèche to collect him early. It’s time to treat my little boy and talk to him about things - he has final say. Then and only then I’d text Abby and Seb with my answer.
“Look at me, Mummy - I’m like Tarzan!”
I watch as my son swings from his death rope, one hay bale to another with squeals of delight. He’s having a whale of a time; I on the other hand have never been more on edge!
“Don’t worry he’s safe enough - those mattresses underneath will cushion any fall!”
WTF?
I can’t turn around. Every hair on the nape of my neck is alerted, my skin skimmed with goosebumps from the shivers running down my spine. What was he doing at Jungle Jim’s Ice-cream parlour?
“Don’t worry I’m not stalking you - although I quite fancy that as a career change. You’re a lovely study.” I jerk as he brushes back a loose tendril from my face. “I wanted to see you.”