Conflicted by her loyalty to her mother but wanting to be honest, Melody shrugged. ‘I would like to think so, but there’s a part of me that didn’t have the energy to cope with anyone else’s angst.’
Zac stood and pulled her into his arms. ‘Thank you for sharing this with me, Melody,’ he said quietly, kissing the top of her head and holding her tightly against him, her head resting on his chest comforting her in a way she couldn’t recall ever feeling before. ‘You deserve love. Everyone does, but you are such a wonderful person and it upsets me to think you didn’t feel you could turn to your own mother about this.’
‘I did have Gran, don’t forget.’ She sniffed, clinging to him, unable to halt the tears coming to the surface. Within seconds she was sobbing as if her heart was breaking, which she thought it possibly might be. She heard him making soothing sounds and felt his hand stroke her hair lightly and knew she was safe to give in to her sorrow.
She had no idea how long it had been – only that she felt wrung out. She realised she was sitting back on the chair with a light blanket around her shoulders and a fresh mug of tea on the table in front of her. There were several tissues in her hands and Zac had sat down opposite her again, his eyes not leaving hers.
‘Better?’ he asked gently.
She sniffed then blew her nose. ‘Yes. Thanks, Zac.’
‘No need to thank me. I’m just relieved you’re feeling a little better.’ His face clouded over. ‘And that you were brave enough to get away from that man.’
It was good to hear someone remind her that she had been brave. At least she still could muster up some strength. ‘That’s kind of you to say.’
‘I’m only speaking the truth, Melody. Having met him, twice now, and seen him in action, I can only imagine how terrified you must have been leaving your home, then your mother’s to come here.’
He stared at her without speaking for a moment and she sensed he had something he wanted to say but was wary about doing so.
‘What is it, Zac?’
He hesitated. Trusting that he had her best interests at heart, she urged him to tell her what was on his mind.
‘I know you’re concerned about your mother’s friendship with Rhys’s mother and about how she might react to your situation, but I’m sure she would be more upset if you kept this from her. I really believe she deserves to know.’ He shrugged. ‘And who knows, she might even surprise you.’
She didn’t have to think about what he had said. Melody nodded. ‘You’re probably right.’ A thought occurred to her. ‘And having been here for the last few weeks, I do feel much stronger mentally again,’ she admitted.
‘Good – that makes me happy.’
‘My mother is going to be upset about unwittingly leading Rhys to me though.’
‘Just remind her that she had little reason not to give him your contact details. Now I’ve seen him in action I believe she needs to be made aware of everything you’ve been dealing with, for both your sakes.’
‘I know you’re right.’ She sighed. ‘It’s going to be a difficult conversation though.’
‘But a worthwhile one.’ He leant forward slightly. ‘I also think everyone else at Hollyhock Farm needs to know what he did toyou in the car park.’ She went to argue but he shook his head. ‘You don’t have to give details. That’s your business, but I do think they need to be aware of what he’s capable of doing.’
Melody picked up the mug and took a sip, swallowing. ‘I understand what you’re saying,’ she said, ‘but I can’t bear the thought of anyone feeling sorry for me.’
He seemed confused. ‘Melody, I’m sure no one will do that.’ When she gave him a doubtful frown, he stared at her. ‘You’re among friends and they will want to support you. Surely your safety is what matters most?’ He reached out and took her hand. ‘You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to though. These are only suggestions.’
She groaned and pulled the blanket further over her shoulder, aware it had slipped down. ‘No. You’re right – I know you are. I’ll call my mum after the festival and speak to everyone else over supper in a little while.’
‘I’ll be there with you. All any of us want is to look out for you.’
She smiled at him. ‘You are a special man, Zac Torel. I hope you know that.’
29
MELODY
Melody and Lettie were crossing the yard when she heard a car. Tensing, Melody stopped and waited with Lettie to see who was arriving that early.
‘Callum?’ she said, surprised to see him there and relaxing instantly at his smiling face as he stepped out of his car. He walked over to Melody, giving her a kiss on the cheek before doing the same to Lettie. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘Hi, ladies. I’ve come to offer my services, like I said I would. I gather from Brodie, who I bumped into last night when he was on his way home from supper here, that Day One was successful.’ He gave an impressed nod. ‘Congratulations. I knew you’d make this work.’
Lettie laughed. ‘I’m glad you were confident in our efforts.’ She looked at Melody. ‘I’m not so sure we were.’
