For the next ten minutes we review my work and whilst I already have a signed purchase order for her Inn, I am confident she’ll spread the word of my creativity; she is full of positive praise. She has also given me plenty of ideas to consider for rooms at her own pub. I break off to meet and greet other interested parties during our tour and advise them to take a company brochure from the ones near the door. The Suite, in particular has gone down a storm, which was always going to be the case and I finally can begin to breathe again.
“Lucia, this is my daughter, Dawn.”
As I escape an overzealous gentleman, who’s had far too many Grey Goose vodkas, his hand determined to test all textured surfaces of the Suite, my pearl beaded butt included, I see that a woman of a similar age to myself, perhaps a year or two older, has joined Carolyn Walters; the similarity between them is striking. “Well, I can see that - you are like two peas in a pod. Pleased to meet you, Dawn.”
I hold out my hand and she shakes it rather formally. Carolyn’s tinkly laugh is contagious but whilst Dawn smiles she is far more reserved and it certainly doesn’t reach her eyes. She has long dark hair, worn in a similar style to mine, hazel irises that would be striking if she wore a little make-up to enhance them and quite possibly, a good figure underneath her baggy top and trousers. She didn’t draw attention to herself, in fact did quite the opposite.
“Nice to meet you, Lucia. My Mum has talked a lot about you.”
“Ooh, all good I hope.” For some reason I feel a little off - like I’m having to put in more effort here. You already have the job and she’s a silent partner, so don’t beg.
“Of course.”
“I’m glad we’ve met - I did say to your Mum if there were any parts of the design plans you were not happy with, we could discuss them…”
“No no, I’m much more of a silent partner right now, as I’m sure Carolyn has already mentioned.” I nod encouraging her to continue; the woman interested me, she was definitely an enigma. “She did.”
“Well, I like your plans and my Mum likes you, oh and red velvet cocktails it appears.”
We laugh together and Carolyn tuts. “Leave an old lady be - I’m allowed to indulge at my age.”
“You’re only 68 mum! Well, anyway I saw your work when I stayed over at a hotel in The Lake District…”
“The Queen’s Head!”
“That’s the one. I loved it and did my research and the owner gave me your name. The rest is history.”
“Well thank you, that’s a real compliment. I worked on The Queen’s Head a couple of years back.”
“I only went the once.” I watch Carolyn put her arm around her daughter and consider their behaviour.
“If you liked that, I also did Rooks Hill, B & B in the Dales. You must stay - it’s lovely and if you mention my name, they’ll give you 10% off. Maybe try and have a romantic getaway.”
“Not for me. Never again.”
I lower my head, slightly embarrassed at her dramatic statement - it all seemed a bit much for a first meeting but each to their own. Jim Carey’s words ring prominently in my mind - All … righty then! Just as she seems to become more normal - she turns all psycho again.
Carolyn attempts to make up for Dawn’s bluntness and in a bubbly voice natters about romance and her dearly departed husband and as if on cue, I look up at the doorway to see my own love leaning, watching, drop-dead-gorgeous. His timing could not have been better. He’s always there to rescue me, even when I don’t need it.
“Any chance of a tour?” his drawl could melt butter.
“Will you excuse me, Carolyn, Dawn?”
“Of course dear. We’ll be in touch.”
“No probs. Nice to meet you, Dawn.”
“And you, Lucia.”
I make my quick exit and head over to Seb but Dawn’s voice halts me in my tracks. “Lucia? Just be careful ok?”
I turn to face her. What a strange thing to say? “About what, Dawn?”
“Who you spend time with.”
“I’m not sure what you mean?”
“It doesn’t matter - I’ve said too much already.”
I glance across to Carolyn but she has already moved towards the door and is out of earshot. “Ok, then, Dawn. Night.”
Cuckoo!
I walk straight into Sebastian’s outstretched arm, feeling it wrap round my waist and release the breath I’d been unknowingly holding. My safe haven. The woman had given me the heeby-jeebies, something I’d experienced a lot of late. I feel sorry for her; she’s obviously unhappy but definitely got a screw loose. What the hell had that all been about?