Page 102 of Someone For Everyone

Ah, so that’s why they were all congregated in here. They were expecting an announcement. He looked around the room and realised they were collectively holding their breath. It was time to put them out of their misery.

‘I have come to a decision,’ he said, moving into the room. ‘I’m staying in Kent permanently. I want to make a go of managing Rose Court.’

The room exploded with cheers and clapping. Everyone jumped up out of their chairs and rushed towards him, swamping him as though he’d just scored the winning goal in extra time.

‘Oh, thank God!’ Esme said, hugging him.

Geraldine landed a kiss on his cheek, and Rowan yelled, ‘Hooray! He’s staying!’

Larry slapped him on the back, and Hanna and Alex started letting off party poppers. It was carnage. Made worse when Suki started barking and Jacob started crying.

‘You don’t know how happy you’ve made us.’ Esme kissed him on the cheek. ‘My beautiful boy. You have no idea what this means to us.’

‘We couldn’t be happier.’ Rowan kissed his other cheek.

With Geraldine’s arms around his waist, Suki licking his hand, and Esme and Rowan hanging off his arms, he felt somewhat overwhelmed. Celebrations hadn’t been this exuberant whenhe’d scored a last-minute equaliser in the FA Cup semi-final one year.

He was dragged over to a chair and plonked onto it. There was a loud pop when a bottle of champagne was opened, and the next thing he knew, he was seated in the middle of the huddle with a glass of fizz in his hand.

Rowan wiped away a tear. ‘What made you change your mind?’

Good question.

It had been an odd week. Returning to Leeds had evoked a host of emotions he hadn’t expected. As great as it had been catching up with everyone, it had also felt uncomfortable, like he no longer fitted into their world, and he hadn’t expected that.

His family had been delighted to see him and relieved to find him looking better than when he’d left, but when he’d confessed his uncertainty about his future, they hadn’t begged him to return to Yorkshire, as he’d predicted. Instead, they’d encouraged him to explore the opportunity in Kent, even if it wasn’t long term.

‘What have you got to lose?’ his brother had pointed out. ‘If it doesn’t work out, it’s no big deal. Sell the business, chalk it up to a bad experience and move on.’ Wise words from his youngest sibling.

He realised everyone was waiting for his reply. ‘I suppose I was unsure about taking on this place because I didn’t want to let anyone down,’ he admitted, deciding honesty was the best policy. ‘I wasn’t convinced I was in the right headspace to make a success of it. You deserve nothing less than complete commitment from whoever’s running it. I had to be sure I could offer you that.’

‘And can you?’ Hanna’s stern expression was back in place.

He nodded. ‘But I can’t do it alone. I’m going to need help.’

‘We’ll help you,’ Natalie said, trying to pacify Jacob. ‘You have our complete support.’

‘Hear! Hear!’ Rowan knocked back a swig of champagne. ‘We’ll all pitch in.’

Calvin smiled. ‘That’s kind of you, Rowan. But I don’t expect the residents to help run the place. We’re supposed to be looking after you, not the other way around.’

‘We’re not past it yet,’ Esme said, giving Calvin one of her looks.

‘I never for one moment thought you were,’ he said, laughing.

Hanna folded her arms. ‘You have money to fix things?’

‘I’m getting there. Probate has been granted, so the funds will be distributed to the beneficiaries soon, and I’ve put my house in Leeds on the market. This means I’ll be in a position to start paying regular salaries and investing in the business.’ He turned to Nelson. ‘You still want that full-time job?’

‘Hell, yes.’ Nelson gave Calvin a high five. ‘Cheers, mate. Can I continue to live in?’

Calvin shrugged. ‘Sure, if you want.’

Nelson glanced at Natalie, who avoided eye contact. ‘I do, yeah.’

Calvin looked between them. Nelson and Natalie? But he couldn’t dwell on his shock, because Hanna shoved Alex in the back, sending him stumbling forwards.

‘So the thing is,’ Alex said, clearing his throat. ‘You’re going to need an office manager. I’ve recently completed an online course in payroll and business management, and combined with my accountancy qualifications, I feel I have the necessary attributes to fulfil the role.’ It sounded like he’d been rehearsing his speech. ‘I’d like to apply for the position.’ He glanced at Hanna, who nodded, confirming he’d done a good job.

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