‘When were you thinking of starting to put your ecotourism plan into place?’ Gareth asked.
Lettie held out a hand in Melody and Patsy’s direction. ‘We’re already doing it, Dad. Melody and Patsy are staying here as guests but also getting a flavour of what living on an organic farm entails by helping out with the work.’
Gareth nodded thoughtfully. ‘I hadn’t thought of that. Yes, I suppose that is what these hardworking ladies are doing. But what I really meant to ask was when you’re going to try and make a going concern out of it?’
‘I hadn’t got that far,’ Lettie answered. ‘Once this festival is over with I’ll put more thought into how to go about it and what to charge.’
‘So you’re still thinking of doing it in the future then?’ He seemed impressed with the notion.
‘I think so.’
Melody saw her grandmother’s expression change. She knew that look. ‘What were you thinking, Gran?’ she asked, intrigued to hear what she had to say.
‘Only that I have quite a few contacts,’ Patsy replied. ‘Well, friends, mostly younger than me who I’m sure would be interested in trying something like this. I would be very happy to mention it to them when I go home. Spread the word for you, if that’s what you’d like me to do.’
‘You’re both thinking of leaving soon then?’ Gareth asked, looking surprised.
Pasty seemed surprised by the question. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure we’d both much rather stay here than return home.’ She sighed. ‘In fact, I know Melody would probably move here in a heartbeat if she was free to do so.’
Melody saw Zac give her a quizzical gaze.
‘Then what’s stopping you both?’ Gareth asked. ‘I’m sure Lettie and Zac could do with the extra help.’
Gareth’s eyes focused on Melody, making her wish her grandmother hadn’t said anything about her being unable to stay. ‘I don’t understand. What’s stopping you from staying here if you wanted to?’ he asked.
Melody cringed. She wasn’t ready to divulge more about Rhys. Thinking quickly and aware that the family knew that she had been in a relationship that had ended badly, she said, ‘It’s just that Gran and I have this next book to finish working on, and I need to sort everything out with my ex. Finalise things completely.’
Gareth didn’t look as if he understood but was clearly too polite to say as much. ‘I see. Well, you’re both always welcome here.’
‘That’s very kind of you, thank you,’ Melody said, grateful for his kindness even though Lindy had already made the same offer to them.
Or maybe she was simply overthinking things after having to be on high alert with Rhys for all those months. She shook the thought away, deciding to focus instead on the Torel family. She went to find Lettie.
‘I was thinking that maybe I could finally give you all a yoga lesson on the beach this evening?’
‘Yoga?’ Lindy asked, walking into the kitchen to join them. ‘Tonight?’
Melody smiled. ‘Only if you want to. It occurred to me how busy we’ve all been and I thought it might help calm us all before the event to have a go if you’d like to.’
‘On the beach?’ Lindy asked, looking unsure.
Lettie clasped her hands together and beamed at each of them. ‘I think it’s a great idea. We could make an evening of it and take a picnic down with us. I’m sure the tide is on the way out by now and it would be exciting to try something like that.’
Lindy pursed her lips. ‘I think I’ll keep an eye on the food and watch you do it,’ she said, making Melody and Lettie laugh.
‘Fine, Mum. You do that.’
‘You don’t mind, do you?’ Lindy asked, resting one arm on Melody’s.
‘Of course not.’ She shrugged. ‘If we’re going to do this, I’d better go and let Gran and Zac know.’
‘And I’ll tell Dad and Brodie,’ Lettie said.
23
ZAC
Zac sat on the towel waiting for Melody to roll up her yoga mat and join him.
