Despite our rocky introduction, by the end of the week I have let my guard slip a little and feel comfortable in Jeff's company.  Watching them both interact, it is apparent why they get on so well.  The amount of hilarity and piss taking that passes between them is madness but when work calls, they are both studious in their pursuit of perfection.

For the majority of their time together they have been combing through every small detail of Harry's solo launch and promo.  At times, it seemed so involved that I have kept my distance, instead sinking my teeth more into my own business plans.  Consequently, I have not been privy to more than a few snippets here and there but can tell by the sheer intensity of discussions that Harry is going to be immersed and it is going to be immense.

Early evening on Friday, Harry comes in from the kitchen with a bottle of red in his hand.  He carefully shifts my legs and slouches at one end, then props my feet onto a cushion on his lap.  My tired feet and ankles are treated to an intense massage.  His repeated kneading is heavenly fuzzing my mind and relaxing me weary. 

The front door bell interrupts us and Harry asks Jeff if he would not mind answering it.  When he disappears Harry looks at me with a knowing smirk as he sensually strokes my foot.  I flop my forearm over my eyes, desperately trying to withstand his tickle torment but only lasting about three seconds before I kick his fingers away and scratch his lingering touch with my big toe.

There is a prolonged period of silence in the hallway that is suddenly followed by sounds of jubilation.  Of course I know what the deal is.  As soon as Jeff arrived, Harry sensed something was wrong.  His persistence finally paid off and Jeff opened up that he is worried about his relationship with Glenne because they have not been spending enough time together.  With one culprit being work, Harry felt partly responsible and had to put it right somehow.  My Handsome big-hearted man has organised for Glenne to fly over from LA for a short visit.  If it is possible to look at him with any more fondness than I already do, I feel so proud to simply know him.    

Anne, Robin, Gemma and Michal arrive Saturday morning and Summer Haze is full of life once more.  Long conversations that begin over morning coffee, continue to flow over lunch and spill through a long walk in the early afternoon. After her long flight the previous day, Glenne disappears for a much needed sleep whilst Anne drives Gemma and I to the local farm shop to stock up on fresh meat and bread for the barbeque.

Whilst we are out, Harry and Michal move the bulky gas barbecue from the garage to the poolside, with Robin directing the tricky manoeuvre up the garden.  Harry trips up the first set of steps causing Michal to drop the metal grill on his foot.  Luckily no bones are broken but Gemma cannot resist the urge to rib her brother for being so clumsy, much to his disagreement. 

Like marching ants we walk in single file each carrying a contribution to our evening gathering.  The pool is the perfect spot at this time of day because it is relatively free from tall trees and allows uninterrupted enjoyment of the sun's warmth. 

The group sits around on a mishmash of faded deckchairs, aged wooden garden chairs and even a worn pink velvet sofa that Harry found in the garage.  We enjoy Margarita cocktails and more plentiful chatter.  The happy contentment of this group of seven people, some of whom I had only just met this weekend, is comforting.  I have instantly been made to feel welcome in Harry's family and that is a great testament to them. 

Jeff and Robin wrestle for the title of Chief Barbecuer Supreme but Robin just pips Jeff to the post with his spicy yoghurt marinated chicken kebabs.  Gemma's roasted peppers, courgette and tomato salad is delicious, courtesy of my garden vegetables.

Despite catching up with everyone's news on work and play, hardly any conversation today has centered on Harry.  I wonder if there is an unspoken rule about it when family gets together until Anne asks about his week and the conversation opens up.

"We've had a successful week, haven't we?"  Harry glances in Jeff's direction and he nods in agreement.  "I needed this time together to pin down the finer details.  All aspects of the promo are exactly what I envisaged to go alongside the music and everything is simmering nicely."

"Well you both look relaxed which is always a good sign," Glenne smiles taking a sip of her wine.

"It's the calm before the storm but I am ready and really excited about sharing my music.  I think the turning point was deciding the final track list; that has played a big part in focusing my mind on getting back out there." 

"So, am I allowed to ask if my favourite, 'Fables', made the cut?"  Robin holds up his crossed fingers.

Harry screws his nose up.  "Sorry Robin, it didn't."

"What!  I love that one."  Gemma agrees.  "You said you were thinking about calling the album the same name."

Jeff sniggers knowingly, "oh he had lots of album names."

"Come on then, share some of them," Gemma coaxes.  

"No," Harry replies firmly but looks embarrassed.

Jeff jumps straight in, "I think the list went something like Kaleidoscopic Mind, Eccentricity, No Expiry Date, Pictoar-."

"Shut it, Jeff!" Harry interrupts. 

"Eccentricity!  Sounds like a pompous 80s synth album," Gemma mocks, "and Kaleidoscopic Mind?  Is it the 70s, are we all high on drugs?"  She holds up a peace sign. 

"Oh ha, ha!  They were written in my journal but discarded quickly.  I like No Expiry Date though; the analogy that I am trying to produce music to last.  It sounds like quite a hard expression and I wanted to go with something softer.  It feels aggressive, like a punk band of the 70s." 

"So, what makes Fables so special?"  Michal drops-in, tentatively.  We have both been fairly silent; he is just as new to all this as I am.  Gemma sucks air in between her clenched teeth at his question.

"Am I not allowed to ask that?"  Michal retracts as though he has committed the ultimate sin.     

"Absolutely not.  An artist never reveals the true meaning of their songs, eh Harry?!"  Gemma teases. 

"Ignoring my sister's sarcasm, music is influenced by personal experience but I prefer to leave it up to the listener's own interpretation.  Who am I to tell you what it is or is not about?"

"But it's just us so you can be honest.  I really like the story behind Fables, please share it," Anne lovingly requests.     

"Alright."  Harry blushes at his Mum.  "So a few years ago, I'd been writing all day with Johnny McDaid..."

"As in from Snow Patrol?"  I ask as Harry nods coyly.  "Wow, okay."

"We started early and finished late, only stopping to inhale a takeaway.  The following day I needed to get out.  I drove my car to the nearest pizza place and spent the day delivering them to the homeless of LA."

I sit in awe of the way he brushes over his good deed like it is nothing.  My contemplation is met with Anne's eyes and she beams fondly at me.   

"I chatted to some real characters that day but none as fascinating as Jerry.  He was old and weathered from life on the streets.  He had shoulder length black hair and a big beard, both laced with streaks of grey.  For some reason, it reminded me of a lion's mane.  His breath smelled of whiskey and his fingers were stained brown from cigarettes."

"He had a 'woman' as he called her, Louisa, who was brash and lively.  They fought like cat and dog but it was actually endearing to watch.  She told me not to believe anything the old fool said because his mind was a fantasy of the never happened.  I offered her some of the pizza but she said she didn't eat cheese.  Jerry argued she had a cheese sandwich from the deli bin down the road the previous day.  She went off muttering and shouting obscenities back at him!" 

"After she left, I spent a couple hours sitting on the kerb listening to his life story.  He captured my attention from the moment he spoke.  He worked in films during the '50s and '60s; sometimes as an extra but mainly behind the scenes.  He met all the stars – James Stewart, Kim Novak, James Dean, Natalie Wood."

"He asked me what I was doing there and I explained I was just a singer in the band, delivering pizza on my day off.  He shrugged and said he'd never heard of us!" 

Harry pauses to chuckle at the memory before continuing.  "He said to me, 'you have an aura about you son, a rare sparkle.  With a face and an accent like that, Hollywood would love you.  You should act.  Tell them Jerry sent ya to become a star.'"  That was the first conversation that piqued my interest in acting.

"The sun was shadowing down and he said it had been nice to meet me but I should get off as the area wasn't safe after dark.  I offered him to come back to my house and shower, have clean clothes and sleep in a bed.  He winked at me but declined.  When I walked away, he shouted after me, 'kid, when you get your star on the Boulevard, remember me.'  I looked back at him waving and smiled.  I watched a couple of the films he mentioned and sure enough his name is there hidden amongst the credits, long forgotten." 

"So there you have it.  Jerry is the inspiration for 'Fables of a Wayfarer's Heart' to give it its full title.  'People have fascinating stories to tell if only we would stop for one moment and listen."

"That's amazing, so why not go with the track and the title?"  Michal asks.

"Because the song just doesn't feel the right fit for this first album.  Plus, it's an acoustic track of purely a guitar and me.  I will probably include it on the promo tour."

"How are the arrangements for those?"  Glenne asks.

"There are five small venue shows initially in London, New York, LA, Sydney and Japan opening up to a bigger tour next year."   

"Small?"  Gemma looks shocked. 

"First solo music and album, that's what I'm comfortable with right now.  I want to strip it back and get more intimate."

"Brace yourself for a deluge of disappointed fans."  Gemma snorts.

Jeff exaggerates a wink; "he's got a feather in his cap on that one."

"The London, New York and perhaps the Sydney show will be streamed live online for a small fee.  The money is going to be split between charities close to my heart."

Anne places her hand over Harry's.  "That is a lovely thought.  I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mum." Harry smiles. 

"Right, that pool isn't going to wait any longer."  Jeff whips off his top and runs to dive in.  Michal follows suit, whilst Gemma and Glenne use the summerhouse to change and then join the boys.

Anne settles on the side and sinks her legs into the water.  She is so elegant in her big floppy straw hat, dark sunglasses and turquoise sundress.  Meanwhile, Robin reclines on the lounger with the newspaper.

I begin to pack up the leftovers when I sense Harry behind me.  His hands gently rest on my upper arms and I glance round at him.

"That is a beautiful story about the Fables song."

"Thank you."  He reaches round me to take the bowl I am holding out my hand and places in back on the table.  "Leave all this, we'll do it later.  Come in for a dip."

I focus on the cluttered table as his chin finds my shoulders.  "No, I'd rather not if you don't mind.  You go in though, have fun with the others."

He spins me round and gathers my face in his palms to study me for answers.  "I know you are conscious at the moment but no one is looking, I promise.  Wear my t-shirt if you like."

I pull my lips into my mouth.  "It's not that, it's-.  Oh nothing, I would just rather not," I dismiss.

"O-k-a-y, talk to me."  He takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles.

I close my eyes before I utter, "I cannot swim."

Harry's expression turns to one of astonishment.  "Your grandparents owned this beautiful pool and you never learned to swim?" 

"I fell into the water when I was five and nearly drowned."

"OMG, I'm so sorry."

"No amount of coaxing, one-on-one lessons or even talking to a therapist could get me back into the water."

"So how phobia is your phobia.  I mean, can you sit on the side, can you get in if you can touch the bottom?"

"I can just about sit on the side and dangle my legs in, yes." 

"My new mission for next week is to get you in that water."  He stands tall, eager at the thought of his new, self-appointed challenge.

"Hate to disappoint you but it's all been tried before and has failed every time."

He kisses the end of my nose.  "Harry magic, remember!" Then he legs it towards the pool, throwing his shirt that lands on a nearby bush as he bombs into the deep end, causing a tidal splash that soaks the entire vicinity. 

I laugh at his adorableness and sit crossed-legged by Anne at the poolside.  She stares out at the frivolity going on in the pool as she gently pats my hand.  "This place really is so enchanting, Lily."

-*-

On Sunday, Mum and Dad request we all be at home for lunch but minus boyfriends, which suits me as Harry wants to spend the last few hours with his family before they leave.  

Harry drops me off and I find Mum has gone all out.  She has even laid the table and is fussing over not plating up but putting all the vegetables in Grandma's proper serving dishes. 

Her efforts reward us with delicious roast chicken but with a serving of tension in the air that can be cut with a knife, not eased by the helping of awkward small talk.  We patiently sit through three courses and full mugs of coffee before Dad finally speaks. 

"This is nice isn't it, spending time together as a family," he says, sheepishly. 

Nathalie side eyes me and my eyes go wide in anticipation of whatever is coming next. 

"Sometimes when things happen, it gives us an opportunity to review what's important in life." Mum reaches her hand over mine and squeezes it.  "Your Dad and I aren't getting any younger but we still have so much we want to do and see.  What with work and everything, I know I wasn't around for you girls as much as I should have been but," Mum sits tall, "that is about to change because I have decided to reduce my full time hours at work to three days a week."

We all reply in unison with 'good for you Mum, that's great news, really happy for you' but it seems that is not all because Dad carries on. 

"Your Mum deserves some time to herself and she wants to spend more time with each of you.  Also, it's always been our wish to buy a second home.  Mum and I have been talking and we want to do it sooner rather than later."

"Wow, that's a great idea."  Thomas enthuses.  "UK or abroad?"

"Oh definitely sunny climes.  Initial thoughts are leaning towards Spain or South of France."

"Have you started looking yet?" Nathalie asks.

"Not yet but it's important it's close enough that we can go for the weekend.  We thought 1-2 hours flying time max.  This is for the whole family though.  We want to go for holidays plus you girls can take your friends and boyfriends whenever you like."

I watch as Nathalie and Thomas excitedly chat it over with Mum and Dad.  I cannot help that I overthink and have more questions I cannot bring myself to ask.  Mum and Dad both know though as they glance at me and I look between them.

"Everything okay, Lily?  We thought you'd be pleased."  Dad asks.

"Yes, I am pleased. I am surprised though that you are buying a second home when you are reducing your hours at work, Mum?"  There, I said it despite it really being none of my concern. 

A hush falls around the table as Dad takes a deep breath in.  "Well, that's the other thing," Dad hesitates. 

"Yes, Uncle needs the money for his business and Auntie would really like to pay her mortgage off and us, well it has been our dream to own a holiday place in the sun," Mum adds.

I know what is coming and I brace myself. My insides drain and it feels like all my organs have fallen into a heap at the bottom of my stomach.  I never thought this day would come but it has.

"You're selling Summer Haze aren't you?" Natalie spouts.

"Yes." Dad confirms. "It's time to sell it. We all have things we want to do in our lives and we need the financial means its sale can provide to do those things." 

I sit very still whilst the chatter carries on.

"You okay Lily?" Mum whispers to me under her breath.

I am not so diplomatic. "Okay, okay? No I am not okay.  How can you even think about selling Summer Haze?  Mum, your parents, our grandparents, designed and built that house.  It's our family house.  You cannot let this happen, please." I plead. 

"Sweetheart, I know how much you adore it and how hard you would take the news but it's decided." In Mum's attempt to be firm her words come across as callous. 

"Well, Harry still has over two months to run on his rental lease, so you won't be offloading it anytime soon." I counter, rising up to leave the table.

As I walk away not wanting to discuss it further, Mum delivers the final blow. "Lily, I assumed he would have told you but Harry gave notice earlier this week.  He's leaving in a couple of weeks."