‘Yes, and that they can contact us that way and book a stand for their business, or to sponsor us.’
‘That’s right. We can also mention the programme and that you’ll be giving a yoga class among other things we have planned.’
She gave his hand a squeeze. He turned so that he could take her hand in his and his heart raced when she smiled at him. Reminding himself she was only trying to comfort him andcalm any nerves he might have, he focused on their impending interview.
‘We’ve got this,’ she said. ‘Anyway, Callum knows why we’re here today and I’m sure he’ll mention anything he can think of that we might forget.’
She was right. ‘I think I’m aware how last minute this festival is,’ he admitted. ‘I’d hate for us to come across as being shoddy.’
Melody frowned. ‘I think we can safely say that won’t happen. We’ve all done a lot of work to make this festival the best we can and all of us, especially Lettie, have worked tirelessly to bring things together. It’ll be fine. Don’t worry.’
The door next to the reception desk opened before he had a chance to respond and a young woman smiled at them. ‘Hi, I’m Kiera one of the producers here at the station. They’re ready for you now,’ she said, holding the door open.
Zac’s nerves increased as he followed Melody and the producer upstairs to a side room filled with sound equipment above a desk where a pair of headphones now lay. There was a large window on one side. Through it he could see Callum, looking every part the professional radio host. He listened as he introduced the next record before waving for them to go and join him in the studio.
‘Great to see you both,’ he said, motioning for them to take a seat at one of three high stools. ‘Kiera will be setting you both up. How are you feeling?’
They waited while Kiera arranged microphones in front of each of them and then, after checking they were fine, left them to it.
‘I’m good,’ Zac said, having to force his cheerfulness and try to dispel the image of his best friend homing in to kiss Melody two nights before.
‘Yes, me too.’ Melody cleared her throat.
Callum smiled at her. ‘You’ll both be great,’ he said. ‘Right, when the record ends, I’ll introduce you and then ask a few questions. Lettie kindly forwarded some information about your festival earlier today, so we shouldn’t forget anything. How does that sound?’
‘Great,’ Zac said, certain he couldn’t recall the first thing he was there to talk about now he was seated opposite Callum.
‘Sure.’ Melody patted his leg and gave him a reassuring smile. ‘This is going to be fun.’
He hoped that once he started speaking he would somehow relax enough so that his voice didn’t quaver. The record ended all too soon and Zac clenched his fists and rested his hands on his legs. He tried to calm himself, aware that he was breathing too fast and that it would come across over the microphone. Then, taking a long slow breath, he exhaled just as Callum introduced them.
‘That was one of my favourite records and I hope you enjoyed hearing it. I mentioned earlier that my guests today were Zac Torel and Melody from Hollyhock Farm here on the island. Welcome, both of you.’
Zac opened his mouth to speak, but found it was completely dry. What the hell was wrong with him? He shot a terrified look in Melody’s direction.
‘Thank you for inviting us,’ Melody said.
Zac saw Callum give him a confused look when he didn’t speak. ‘They’ve joined me this afternoon to talk about the wellness festival being held there in a couple of weeks. I know I try my best to look after myself but sometimes am overwhelmed by all the information that’s out there. Zac, Melody, I’m interested in attending this festival and was wondering what you can tell us about the event and who it might be for.’
Melody gave him a reassuring smile and he realised she was checking to see if he wanted her to reply to Callum’s question.Zac could see her smile was slightly forced but was relieved when she began talking.
‘That’s right, Callum,’ she said, her voice clear and confident. ‘I’ve been to wellness events in the past and they’ve always been interesting, but the setting for this one is exceptional. Hollyhock Farm is a beautiful place, surrounded by rolling fields and views out across the bay.’
‘Sounds incredible,’ Callum said, grinning and tilting his head briefly on one side. ‘I’ve noticed that the forecast is suggesting bad weather coming our way from the south. We could have showers, but they will be a bit hit and miss thankfully. What are the plans in case that happens? Can you explain about that, Zac?’
This was something Zac didn’t want to think about. Realising his concern about the bad weather had dispelled his anxiety about speaking, Zac went to respond. ‘We have two barns at the farm, a larger and smaller one, so will utilise those for the event.’
‘Sounds good.’ Callum smiled at him. ‘And what can those of us attending the festival expect to find there?’
Feeling more confident, Zac continued, ‘You can find out much more on our website, which you’ll find at HollyhockFestival.org, but essentially we will be showcasing various businesses, each of which will have their own stall. There’s an area where Melody, who is a trained yoga teacher, will be giving classes and answering any questions about yoga. We also have other complementary therapies that attendees can try out, like sound baths, ice baths, talks by experts in crystal therapy, aromatherapy and experts in herbal remedies to mention just a few.’
‘Yes,’ Melody said. ‘We still have a couple of stands available, so any businesses wishing to hire one for the two-day event can find our contact details on our website. And if anyone wishes to sponsor the event, there’s still time for us to addtheir information to our website, where you’ll also find a market directory for each of the businesses taking part that will link directly to their own website.’
‘It sounds incredible,’ Callum said, and by the look on his face Zac saw that he meant it. ‘I’m definitely coming along,’ he said. ‘So any of my listeners wanting to say hi to me will be able to find me there at some point too.’
Zac noticed lights flashing in the corner of his eye and saw the producer’s workstation was busy and Kiera was indicating the phone and giving Callum the thumbs up.
Callum seemed impressed. ‘I was wondering if this will this be a one-off festival, or are you planning another next year?’
