BUTTERFLIES FLY AWAY Page 7
CHAPTER SIX
Glasgow Central train station was bustling with activity as Carrie walked along the platform. The handle of the suitcase trolley in one hand, handbag in the crook of her arm and a coffee in her other hand. She was also clutching newspapers, magazines and a Danish pastry. Her travel essentials. She had already located which platform her train would depart from and that it was currently running on time. The heels of her boots clicked on the platform until she stopped at the carriage where she had pre-booked her seat. With minimum effort she was soon settled drinking her coffee, the Danish pastry nothing but crumbs and catching up on the latest celebrity gossip.
The train pulled into Birmingham New Street station and Carrie had about 20 minutes before she caught the connecting train to Newquay. The journey so far was uneventful and without incident. Her Mum and Claire had both sent numerous texts checking in that she was ‘okay’. After getting another coffee she located the platform of her next train and sat on one of the benches.
“Hi Mum, I’m at Birmingham, just waiting on the next train.” In less than sixty seconds her Mum had updated her on the weather now in Glasgow even though she had only left five hours ago. The house next door that was up for sale and no one had told her. How this piece of gossip had escaped her Mothers notice she would never know. Her Dad was meeting up with some friends from university for a few drinks and she was babysitting for Claire. Phew! She promised to text when she arrived and call in the morning. Time to call Claire.
“Ryan got the job. Woo hoo! We are going out for dinner tonight to celebrate. Mum and Dad are having Harry”
“That’s great news Claire. Pass my congrats to Ryan. Enjoy your night!”
They chatted for a few more minutes and Carrie also promised again to text when she arrived and a call in the morning.
She could hear the relief in Claire’s voice that Ryan had steady employment lined up again. This would take some of the pressure of her sister returning to work. She hoped this was the start of things improving for her sister. If only their neighbours would co-operate with the noise.
Almost ten hours after leaving Glasgow she arrived in Newquay. A short taxi ride and she was at her Aunt’s apartment on the outskirts of town. The apartment overlooked Fistral Beach with a view that you would never tire of. Carrie had visited many times in the past with Rob as the apartment had two bedrooms with plenty of living space. She loved it. It only took about ten minutes to walk into the town centre. She knew the exclusivity of the area and the views came at a price but although her Aunt travelled for work Newquay was her base. She buzzed the intercom and was soon enveloped in the arms of her Aunt.
Carrie hadn’t seen her Aunt since Rob’s funeral and his loss felt stronger if that was possible hundreds of miles from home.
“Hello Auntie Belle” and promptly burst into tears.
“Oh Carrie, my poor, poor girl”
Almost a box of tissues and a brandy later Carrie had calmed down.
“Now darling, put these tea bags on your eyes. They will take some of the puffiness out, if that’s at all possible!” Carrie lay back on her Aunts pristine white leather sofa, boots off of course and a tea bag on each eye.
“Are you sure this works?” she said doubtfully
“It does, I’ve cried my share of heartache darling and it works too well. The times I’ve had to ask room service to make some tea and keep the tea bags for me. Too many to say, oh and a glass of champagne always helps with the troubles too!”
Feeling silly and completely in the dark with the tea bags obscuring her vision she couldn’t continue a sensible conversation.
“Belle, I’m going for a shower if you don’t mind and then to bed. I’m so tired”
“That’s alright darling. Your room is ready. You know where everything is”
She returned the tea bags to the bin and gathered her belongings.
Twenty minutes later she was ready for bed after showering the aches and grime of travelling away. The texts sent to her Mum and sister confirming her arrival. She got Rob out of her bag and positioned him on the little chest of drawers. Carrie was a bit of a neat freak and had unpacked the remainder of her clothes. Case stowed away. She picked up her boots and put them in the bottom of the wardrobe. What was that under her boot? Another shiny penny. Strange she didn’t remember seeing it when she took her clothes off but she supposed it could have already been there. She placed it next to Rob and was soon ensconced under the fluffy duvet. Almost asleep before her head hit the below. “Night, night darling wherever you are” she whispered.
Carrie couldn’t remember when she had last slept so soundly. She pulled on a towelling robe and slippers that her Aunt had left. It was ten-thirty am. Wow she had slept for almost ten hours. That was some brandy her Aunt had given her. Maybe she should take some home for when her insomnia struck?
Her Aunts years in the hospitality industry were a give-away. A little tray on the counter with a continental breakfast ready for her and a note to accompany it.
“Good Morning Carrie,
I hope you had a lovely sleep and enjoyed the Cornish air. I have a client to see this morning but will be back sometime this afternoon. OJ in the fridge. You know where everything else is. Make yourself at home. I’ve left my spare keys for you if you go out.
Love
B x”
Carrie poured some juice and opened the balcony doors taking in the views. Belle had some plants on the balcony to offer some privacy and a little table and chairs. She unwrapped one of the croissants and a little pot of jam. After clearing up and putting the dishes in the washer as she couldn’t find any washing up liquid she contemplated what to do until Belle came home. Time when Belle was working was elastic as it stretched and stretched depending on the task. This she knew from when they visited as children and sometimes didn’t see very much of their Auntie. But first she had to make some calls to her Mum and sister confirming her safe arrival.
That took up a fair amount of time and after showering it was almost lunchtime before she ventured out. Her hair pulled back in a ponytail, jeans and t-shirt. She tied a sweater around her waist in case it turned cold later. No boots this time but her converse for comfort. She didn’t need to take much out as she only intended going for a walk along the beach. Some money, the spare keys and her phone.
The beach was crowded with surfers but that wasn’t unusual for Fistral beach. Carrie found a spot near the Headland Hotel. Her sweater she folded and sat down to use for padding. She stared out into the sea and wrapped her arms round her legs. Almost hypnotised by the rise and fall of the waves. The sea breeze ruffling her hair reminding her that it needed cut as her fringe was now outgrown. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear and her phone began to ring, it was Belle.
“Hi Carrie, where are you darling?”
“I went for a walk, just out at Fistral”
“Okay, it looks like I will be stuck here for the rest of the day. Crisis talks darling.”
“Oh don’t worry. We can catch up later.”
“I don’t know when I will be back. I feel terrible, I’ve invited you here and now I can’t even spend any time with you!”
“Belle, I will be fine. I understand you have to work. Remember I’m not rushing back home. You are stuck with me for the next couple of weeks!”
“Got to go. The meeting is restarting. I was planning in taking you out for dinner this evening too.”
“I’m a big girl Belle .. I can get some shopping. Let me know how your meeting goes. Good Luck!”
“It’s not luck I need darling .. the Devanti group are planning a take-over and it’s a bloody miracle that’s needed!”
Devanti? That name sounded familiar but at that time she couldn’t place where.
Carrie stopped off at a deli on the way back to Belle. It was one that they had used many times before. She stocked up on some salad, bread, little dishes of antipasti and a bottle of Chablis that was a favourite of Belles. All food that could
be eaten whatever time Belle made it home.
Back at the apartment she unpacked the shopping and made some tea. Sitting on the balcony she flicked through one of the magazines that she hadn’t read fully on her train journey.
Ah there it was …
“Billionaire playboy Nico Devanti heads to the UK. Nico 34, head of the Devanti International Group quashed rumours that he was in the UK to spearhead the take-over of Forest Hotels. Forest Hotels has been vulnerable and ripe for a take-over following the death of founder Alex Forest and the infamous family squabbling. Nico stepped out with glamorous supermodel Lea his current squeeze for a cosy dinner but his people declined to comment on the reason for his visit to the UK. Sources say that Nico has been spotted with the Forest siblings at their family hide away in Devon. Watch this space folks. You heard it here first!”
The article went on to list the history of the Devanti Group. Self-made by Nico’s father in the 1970’s they regularly featured in the top 20 companies of the Forbes billionaire list. The company was 100% family owned. Gino Devanti retained the title as Chairman but his son Nico was the CEO of the group. Their interests ranging from retail, communications to the hotels that they were visually known for. A brief note on the work carried out by Gino’s wife and Nico’s mother Dorothea on her charity foundation. Pictures accompanied the article of Gino and Dorothea with their children. Gino an older version of Nico with greying hair and his Mediterranean looks dark looks. She couldn’t tell his build as he was seated outdoors and Dorothea stood by his side. Statuesque and very elegant in a black and white trim Chanel suit with her hair in a chignon she looked years younger than she was. Nico stood opposite his Mother along with his brother Paolo and sister Chiara. The children grown up mini me’s of their parents. They looked every inch the dynastic family that they were.
The picture taken captured the couple walking mid stride. Lea with her trademark pouts for the camera whilst holding Nico’s hand. They made an attractive couple. Her glossy tousled blonde hair, oversized sun glasses even though it was evening and miniscule black dress showing off her long tanned legs. Nico wore a dark jacket over a crisp white shirt, jet black hair a little long over his collar and a day’s stubble on his face. He too wore sunglasses. Screening his eyes from the paparazzi. Yes she could see why he was the billionaire playboy and why Lea was clinging on staking her claim. Good luck to her!
The remainder of the day she caught up on some TV but didn’t take in much of the latest plot lines in the soaps. Despite not having watched them in almost six months it didn’t take long to figure out who was getting married, pregnant, having an affair or died! She even managed to speculate to herself who had committed the latest murder storyline that would go on for months and months. If she were back in the office she could now participate in the soap chat.
She must have dozed off on the sofa, the TV still on and looked at her watch. It was seven thirty. Poor Belle must still be in the meeting. She checked her phone and there was a text from Belle apologising but the meeting was going to run for the remainder of the evening. She replied that they would catch up later and for her to remember to have something to eat. Carrie prepared her meal in the immaculate kitchen that was part of the open plan living area. The olive bread still soft despite being baked fresh that morning and she contemplated taking some back home when she returned it was that moreish. The antipasti selection just enough to tempt her taste buds and a glass of wine. She left the Chablis to enjoy another evening with Belle. It seemed her Aunts fridge only had room for wine or champagne. Was this what single living would bring to her?
Again she adjourned to the balcony to finish her wine and people watch. The sun was setting the sky swirls of burnt orange and pink. Mother Nature was amazing at times. In her cloak of grief it was difficult to let the joys of a beautiful sunset set pierce through, but she was glad she could appreciate it tonight.
At the beginning of the year when she had been full of promise and plans for getting pregnant with her usual zeal she had decided it was time to lose a few pounds in weight. All the self-help books advised to be at your optimum weight for the best chances of conceiving. She had gained a little weight and her sister had joked that was because she was in the comfort zone having bagged her man. Nights of eating and drinking well had added love handles. But grief had robbed her also of her appetite and food had held little interest. She was now a couple of dress sizes lighter.
The news at ten had just finished and no sign of Belle. She sent her a text letting her know she was going to bed and again slept soundly.
When she woke the next morning Belle had been and gone again. Carrie could hardly believe that she had slept through her return and subsequent departure. She left a note again with a lovely selection of croissants and pastries. At this rate Carries love handles would be back. She was still amazed as to where Belle would have found them.
“Good Morning Carrie,
Another manic day ahead I’m afraid. Can you fend for yourself again?
I feel dreadful that I haven’t spent any time with you. But hopefully light at the end of the tunnel with the negotiations!
Will call you later when I’m back up for air.
Love
B x”
It was a repeat of the previous day for Carrie as she went for a walk along the beach and stared out to the ocean. She spoke with Belle whilst she was on a break from her meeting. It would appear that things were drawing to a close or so she hoped. Carrie didn’t mind having the time to herself as sometimes it was like being in a whirlwind when she spent too much time with her Aunt.
“Now Carrie darling. I think you should let me book an appointment with my stylist.” They had finally got round to opening the bottle of Chablis. Belle was on a break from the negotiations. The Forest family had yielded and the take-over would be completed in principle tomorrow. She anticipated a couple more days to close things up then they could spend some quality time together. “When did you last go to the salon?”
“February” Carrie replied taking a large gulp of the wine. She thought she was coping as the last two days she hadn’t cried or needed to take any medication.
“Oh darling .. you can’t keep punishing yourself or your hair! I will make that appointment tomorrow.”
Carrie conceded as she knew Belle would go on and on and on until she did.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The news was full of the Forest take over and it even covered the press conference announcement. The screen had the disclaimer .. warning flash photography.
Click, click, click and the accompanying flashes. Nico Devanti was every inch the business man for the cameras. No five o’clock shadow or sunglasses. Dressed smartly in a dark navy blue three piece business suit but no supermodel girlfriend adorning his arm this time.
“Devanti International Group is proud to welcome and include Forest Hotels to our portfolio. We will be working closely with the management team at Forest for the integration to our family of businesses. We would like to quash any rumours of job losses. We want to bring back the glory days to the former Forest hotels. It’s an exciting time for us all. Join us for the journey.”
The newsreader referred to the millions of pounds that had been exchanged in the take over and speculated over potential job losses despite the claims of Nico Devanti. Click and Belle turned off the TV.
“Mmm. What a man Carrie? Oh I didn’t have many dealings with him. Forest had asked my opinion just a little too late in the day but I did my best to pitch in with a rescue plan. Did I tell you he told me he was part Scottish too. Oh I wonder what part?? Very sexy … now if I was twenty years younger!”
“Oh Auntie Belle! You are incorrigible!”
“I speak the truth child! My love life is distinctly lacking at the moment. A fact I need to remedy. All work and no play? A new man could be just what I need!”
Carrie spat her wine in shock and snorted with laughter.
“Auntie Belle!”
“Yes Car
rie? I may be older than you but I’m not ready for joining your Granny Reynolds at the retirement home just yet!”
Belle had never married although she had told Carrie that she had come close once or twice. She was her mother’s younger sister and in her mid-fifties but could easily shave ten or twenty years off that in looks. Short brunette hair and the thin but petite build of the women of Carries family but was curvaceous with it. In the past Belle and Carrie were often mistaken for mother and daughter. Although Carrie was in need of some tlc at the moment they still were very similar in appearance. Carries hair was much longer but she had the same ‘generous bosom’ as her aunt!
“I don’t have regrets Carrie. As you know life really is too short for regrets.”
“Would you do anything different?”
“Maybe, maybe not. I reinvented myself Carrie. I didn’t want to be Isabelle Hamilton from the east end of Glasgow. I had dreams, wanted to do something with my life. I wanted to travel and see the world! That’s how I became Belle Hamilton, much more exotic wouldn’t you say!” she laughed.
“Belle you’ve always been my exotic Auntie”.
“I would have liked to have a child but I wasn’t ready. I was chasing my dreams and having a ball or chasing a man! Opportunities came and went. Then when I wanted out of the hospitality industry, felt a bit jaded I supposed but I didn’t know what to do with myself. I re-located to Newquay. Not ideal in my line of business but then I was chasing a man. It didn’t work out obviously but I decided to stay here. Then BAM what do you know? Ten years have gone by and I’m still travelling the globe doing what I do. I envied your mum. She is so settled with your father and satisfied with her lot. But that kind of domesticity was not to be for me. Oh I’ve got you my darling god-daughter I think of you as the daughter I never had, but better not tell your Mother I said that! You know what she is like.”