The trick is to not look at them.
“Let us keep our land!” I shout, with more confidence. “We don’t want your concrete jungle!”
A huge cheer breaks out, and I can’t help darting a triumphant glance at Luke. His brow is furrowed and he looks furious.
But there’s a twitch at his mouth, too. Almost like he wants to laugh. Our eyes lock, and I have this awful feeling I’m about to start giggling hysterically.
“Give up!” I yell. “Because you won’t win!”
“I’ll go and speak to the ringleader,” Luke says gravely to one of the men I don’t recognize. “See what I can do.”
Calmly he walks across the grass to the stepladder and climbs up three steps until he’s level with me. We’re only inches apart. The breeze is carrying the scent of his aftershave. And now he’s so close, I’m longing to throw my arms around him. I want to tell him how much I missed him. How scared I was on the mountain. How much I love him.
On the other hand, he may not be in the mood for a hug right now.
“Hello,” says Luke at last.
“Oh! Er… hi!” I say as nonchalantly as I can manage. “How are you?”
“Quite a party you have here.” Luke surveys the scene. “Is this all your doing?”
“Er… I had some help.” I clear my throat. “You know how it is… ” I catch my breath as my gaze lands on Luke’s immaculate shirt cuff. Nestling beneath it — only just visible — is a tatty plaited rope bracelet.
I look away quickly, trying to stay cool. We’re on opposing sides here.
“You do realize you’re protesting against a shopping center, Becky?” Luke says.
“With crap shops,” I retort, without missing a beat.
“Don’t negotiate, Becky!” Robin yells from down below.
“Spit in his face!” chimes in Edie, shaking her fist.
“You realize the Arcodas Group is my biggest client,” says Luke. “That has crossed your mind.”
“You wanted me to be more like Jess,” I reply, a little defiantly. “That’s what you said, isn’t it? ‘Be like your sister.’ Well, here you are, then.” I lean forward to the microphone and shout into it, “Go back to London with your fancy ways! Leave us in peace!”
The crowd erupts in an approving cheer.
“Go back to London with my fancy ways?” echoes Luke in disbelief. “What about your fancy ways?”
“I don’t have any fancy ways,” I say haughtily. “I’ve changed, if you want to know. I’m really frugal. And I care about the countryside. And evil developers coming and ruining beauty spots like this.”
Luke leans forward and whispers in my ear, “Actually… they’re not planning to build a shopping center on this site.”
“What?” I look up with a frown. “Yes, they are.”
“No, they’re not. They changed their plans weeks ago. They’re using another site. In fact, they’re redeveloping an existing office complex.”
I search his face suspiciously. He doesn’t look like he’s lying.
“But… the plans,” I say. “We’ve got plans!”
“Old.” He raises his eyebrows. “Someone didn’t do their research properly.” He glances down at Robin. “Him, by any chance?”
Oh God. That actually has the ring of truth.
I can’t quite take this in. They’re not planning to build a shopping center here after all. We’re all here, shouting and yelling… for no reason.
“So.” Luke folds his arms. “Despite your extremely convincing publicity campaign, the Arcodas Group are not in fact villains. They have done nothing wrong.”
“Oh, right.” I shift awkwardly and glance past Luke at the three scowling Arcodas Group men. “So… I don’t suppose they’re very pleased, are they?”
“Not exactly,” agrees Luke.
“Er… sorry about that.” I sweep my eyes over the restive crowd. “So I suppose you want me to tell them. Is that it?”
Luke tugs his earlobe, the way he always does when he’s got a plan.
“Well,” he says. “As it happens, I have a better idea. Since you have helpfully gathered all this media together…”
He takes hold of the microphone, swivels to face the crowd, and taps it for attention. There’s an answering roar of boos and hisses. Even Suze is shaking her banner at him.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Luke says in his deep, confident voice. “Members of the press. I have an announcement to make on behalf of the Arcodas Group.”