Chapters (28)
- Cover
- Dedication
- Prologue
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Chapter Sixteen
- Chapter Seventeen
- A Letter from Christie
- Acknowledgments
- Thank you for reading…
- You will also love…
- About the Author
- Also by Christie Barlow
- One more chapter...
- About the Publisher
The tiny bay was packed with people as the boat approached The Lakehouse. Ella saw Nancy and the TV crew alongside numerous press, whilst the villagers and diners were all waiting patiently behind the cordoned-off area. A red carpet trailed up the jetty all the way to the entrance and as soon as the boat docked Ella could see Dolores and Charlie already speaking to the fans gathered outside.
Ella beckoned Dolores over when she spun round. Dolores and Charlie hurried towards the boat and were greeted by the cheers of the artists on board. Dolores was overwhelmed, dabbing her eyes with a tissue but also smiling widely. ‘Blossom, Blossom – I can’t believe it!’ She hugged her old friend and held her hand before turning towards Frank and Ritchie. ‘This is just surreal.’
Reunited with her old management and friends, they all enjoyed a glass of the good stuff on board before stepping off the boat and walking the red carpet all together. They were instantly hit by the continuous flashing of bulbs from all the cameras. ‘So this is what it’s like to be famous,’ Ella whispered in Roman’s ear.
Ella saw Felicity and Isla and the rest of the villagers cheering as everyone walked past. Hamish and Wilbur were standing at the entrance waiting to escort Dolores and Charlie inside. All the stars stopped to sign autographs and have their pictures taken.
‘Ella!’ Ella spun round to see Nancy beckoning her over to where she was already chatting to Dolores.
‘Ella, how are you feeling? You made all this happen.’ Ella knew the camera was rolling – the whole arrival was being televised for the late-night news – and placed her arm around Dolores’ shoulder. ‘It wasn’t just me who made this happen, there’s a long list of truly fabulous folk to thank, including this special lady.’ She squeezed Dolores. ‘And all the wonderful artists who are walking this way. Each one has a connection with Dolores and we have a special night ahead of us watching all those special moments tonight on stage. And can I just take this opportunity to thank Gianni, who has been slaving away all day over the most exquisite menu.’
The atmosphere was electric and Ella clung to Roman’s hand. She wasn’t expecting the paparazzi to take her picture but each and every one wanted to know how she’d managed to pull such a successful star-studded evening.
The star-studded line-up finally began to make their way inside The Lakehouse and were greeted by Flynn.