Ocean Blue 43

Deke’s mom is delighted to help the guys with their gym project, with the agreement that they make the space useable for locals after the summer. On old apple store has been identified as being big enough and Spence and Gervais throw money at the project. They’ve floated the idea with Ocean and Garrett and they are both up for is, whether Blue is around or not. Training up in the mountains away from distractions is exactly what they both want and a couple of other guys who are at a loose end for summer training approach Spence and Will about joining them.

Larry volunteers to head on up to the lake to oversee the project, he is fed up with the lack of news and wants to be constructive, and away from his dad. Willow and Heidi welcome him and set him to work on jobs that need doing around the retreat.

Larry is blown away by the scenery and understands why Blue and Chris loves the place. Willow loves that he is company for Heidi when she is busy. Roe gives Larry the keys to Clara’s truck and tells him to use it until she returns. He is soon fully integrated, dividing his time between the gym project and the retreat and putting in a shift in the café. For his food contribution he bakes cookies in the main house, using Willow’s kitchen, they’re rough but tasty and as usual people are just happy to have a different face to talk to behind the counter.

Heidi has a similar welcome, though her treats only last seconds in the cafe and she can’t keep up with demand for bread at the local store from the retreat kitchen.

Heidi is happy and relaxed. She was worried she would miss her work but she doesn’t and can see how she can use all the skills she has gained at the retreat. Baking workshops and cooking classes will help those who come to the retreat to escape their troubles with skills and confidence. Birch suggests she also does a one pot cooking class for the artists as so many are like him and useless at taking care of themselves.

She just needs to build a bakery.

After a week setting everything in motion Spence heads home.

Andy is in bed with Nick.

“Well I was going to be nice in this divorce but fuck that. You get your share of the house and farm and nothing else. I am so glad we had an infidelity clause.” Spence says snapping several pictures.

“I’ll buy you out. I can sell my share of the ice-cream business.” Nick says looking Spence straight in the eye.

“Make all offers through my lawyer.” Spence says flicking a card at them and walking out.

Gervais is worried. He thought there would be news by now. Ocean is fine and doesn’t really need him around. Ocean would never tell Gervais to leave but Gervais knows he should let things get back to normal.

“Tell Nick he is no longer welcome in my house and change the locks. I don’t want Andy going there either.” Ocean says, he is mad as hell at Andy for hurting Spence again.

“Okay. I’ll get a few sets made, and give them to your mom to look after. I’m half tempted to go up to the lake. I am going mad waiting for news but I don’t want to be two days away when he gets back.” Gervais says.

“Try and call Heidi, I spoke to Willow yesterday and it sounds like Heidi is ready to commit to the lake, she might need some help sorting out the bakery and her apartment. Then you could drive up together if Blue isn’t back yet.” Ocean says.

“You want us all there for the summer.” Gervais grins.

“l am so excited. Mom is talking about coming up with Marsha for a few weeks too, just like we used to. Mom and I have been a lot closer since I came to school and I think this summer could heal us completely.” Ocean says.

“l am so pleased. I never knew if I was helping or hindering your relationship. I love your mom she has been there for me a lot over the years. I hated how things fell apart.” Gervais says.

“Well she has Marsha and she’s finally over Willow, only took forever. She’s happy, I am happy. Things are good. I just need Blue to come back so you two can be happy together.” Ocean says.

“You always hated it when we broke up.” Gervais says.

“Even when I was 8.” Ocean grins.

“Aled wants another chance with Will.” Gervais says.

“No way. Be great for the kids but no way. Will needs this summer away just as much as you and Blue. I cannot wait to party at the lake and take Garrett camping and fishing. I am super excited. All my family together having fun, relaxing and no stupid business talk. Plus we get to see Bea get married. I bet Heidi and Willow will too, maybe not a real wedding but a ceremony of some sort outdoors with lots of flowers. I’m so excited G.” Ocean grins.

“l can’t wait to see you and Blue coming back from a day’s fishing where you’ve barely said a word to each other but have had a long mental conversation. He needs that, we’ll have to make sure Garrett is okay with letting you two having some time away together.” Gervais says.

“He’ll be fine with it. He’s excited to make his awesome rice krispy treats and do a stint in the café. He’s really, really on board with a summer away and he loves having time alone to decompress, so I think he’ll be happy to be able to read a book on the shore.” Ocean says with a smile.

“He really is the one for you.” Gervais says.

“Yeah he is. We have so much in common and I don’t think he is just saying he likes the things that I do. I mean we have differences.” Ocean says.

“Your eyes light up when you talk about him or when he’s around. He’s the same with you. Enjoy every minute of it.” Gervais says.

“l will, I really, really will.” Ocean says.

“I’ll head home tomorrow. Call me any time and I can be here in hours if you need me.” Gervais says.

“l have loved having you around. Not going to lie, you taking us out for dinner so much has been awesome.” Ocean grins.

“Spence asked me to give you these. Gift cards for a few restaurants around here. He said fill up on lobster when you’re fed up of canteen food.” Gervais grins.

“So nice of him to think of me, when he’s going through so much. I am so mad at Andy, Tad and Nick. All of them are meant to be Spence’s friends and they have all been recipients of his good fortune.” Ocean says.

“Just how we all have treated Blue. Not you but the rest of us. Spence is amazing, he is being so strong.” Gervais says.

“Give him a bug hug from me and a big kiss for the gift cards.” Ocean grins.

“I will now you better get going so your bodyguard can get away on time. I’ll be back soon.” Gervais says giving Ocean a big hug.

“Miss you like crazy.” Ocean says and heads off to bed with Garrett.

Chris is sulking after Bea has beaten him five times in a row on a driving game. Blue is fascinated by the dynamic, knowing he is useless at video games he doesn’t quite understand Chris’s reaction. Especially as Bea isn’t crowing or even celebrating much.

Blue nudges Chris with his elbow.

“Wanna make brownies?” Blue asks.

Chris smiles and pulls Blue into a headlock with one arm and tickles Blue with his free hand. Blue is squealing and wriggling and Bea is laughing so hard at the pair. Chris eventually lets Blue go and the three head to the kitchen to bake.

When Chris goes to the bathroom Bea turns to Blue and smiles.

“Thanks for before. We were meant to be a three. We all diffuse each other. You are so good for us and we would have been good for you, I firmly believe that now.” Bea says.

“Me too. I thought it could have gone either way but I can see how we all throw lifelines to each other in different situations. You two would still have had fights but we’d have worked it all out. I was a gap for you two and you were what was missing for me. This has been amazing, shit but amazing too.” Blue says.

“Agreed.” Chris says coming back in and hugging and kissing each of them.

Gervais, Spence, Will and Robin are sat in the kitchen eating big bowls of pasta that Gervais and Robin have made. They are all still in shock that Andy and Spence are headed for an acrimonious divorce.

“I’m going to ask Ella if I can take the kid to the lake for a week or two while you’re there. It might be too long away from her right now but I have to try.” Robin says.

“Sounds good. I am so looking forward to the mountain air and working less.” Will says.

“What is next for you?” Robin asks and before he can answer an exhausted looking Blue, Bea and Chris walk through the door with Aled behind them.

Blue’s eyes flash around the room and on seeing Will his heart skips a beat, before he can process it Gervais has his arms around him and his heart fills with love.

“Where is Larry?” Chris asks.

“I’ll call him, he should be home with wifi at this time.” Gervais says.

Larry’s face appears and Gervais and Larry fill the triplets in on their plans.

“Oh that sounds perfect, just what we need.” Blue grins.

“I am so glad I will have some people to talk with. There are only so many conversations on art I can have with Birch and Roe.” Bea says smiling, her eyes falling on Robin.

“We are super mad at you guys.” Blue says.

“We sure are.” Chris says.

“What?” Spence asks.

“How could you guys let our sister get engaged to such a boring man.” Blue and Chris say together and they all laugh at the twinning on display.

“He’s a nice guy.” Gervais says confused.

“He wants salmon at the wedding.” Chris says shaking his head.

“Spence, we are so sorry about Andy.” Bea says deflecting.

“Thanks, its hell. But never mind me. Are you guys free now?” Spence asks.

“They are back to being themselves. The group were rounded up. They may have to lie low if there is a trial but they are free and will have their old identities back shortly.” Aled says.

“I’m calling Ocean. Aled, can his security end now?” Gervais asks.

“He’s safe.” Aled nods.

“Larry don’t tell anyone. Not even Willow.” Chris says.

“Yeah we want some space from momma.” Bea says.

“Yeah she can’t find out yet.” Blue says.