Madison pondered the information for a few seconds. ‘What did Jesse say?’
Amy shrugged. ‘He wants to get back together. He’s no idea what he’s done wrong. He thinks it’s about missing our anniversary but it’s not. I deserve more, Mads. I want someone who adores me more than sport or a bloody car. Who can’t wait to see me at the end of the day. Jesse spends most of his free time under a bonnet – I just need more.’ A tear slid down Amy’s cheek and she swiped at it with the back of her hand before taking another gulp of her cocktail and finishing it. ‘Sorry, I needed that. It’s been a long day. I feel like things are falling apart around me and I hate not having control over it.’
‘Have you told Jesse how you feel?’ Madison rested a hand on Amy’s.
‘No.’ Amy’s amber eyes filled with tears. ‘In some ways this has been going on for years, Mads. The car’s just replaced the sport. I think if he really loved me he’d figure it out.’
‘What are you going to do?’
‘Finn’s asked me out a few times.’ Amy smiled sadly as the man in question blew her a kiss from the bar. ‘I’m really not sure, but it could help take my mind off things – getting back out there again just to feel wanted. We’ve known each other for years, so neither of us would take it seriously. Besides, it’s Finn – and maybe a fling is just what I need?’
‘You don’t sound that sure.’ Madison took another sip of her cocktail. She knew all about not taking relationships seriously and it was a lot more complicated than it sounded.
‘I’ve been with Jesse for a while. It’s not going to be easy moving on. But I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone.’ The bar door slammed and Amy made a distressed sound. Madison looked around. Jesse was standing at the pub entrance, staring at them.
‘He’s not meant to come in here on a Tuesday. That’s my night. We agreed,’ Amy squeaked. ‘Typical. Ignoring my needs and doing exactly what he wants regardless.’
‘I’ll talk to him.’ Madison pushed her chair back.
Jesse was still standing by the doorway staring at Amy when Madison approached. He dragged his eyes away to greet her, but his handsome face barely stretched into a smile. Jesse was tall with dark brown hair that ended at his chin. On some, the style would be effeminate, but Jesse had always managed to pull it off. He studied Madison, looking miserable. He’d lost weight and his usually bright brown eyes looked dull.
‘It’s good to see you again, Madison,’ Jesse said without smiling. ‘It’s been a while. I’m guessing Amy’s filled you in.’ He jerked his head in the direction of their table.
‘Pretty much.’ Madison gave him a quick hug. ‘I’m sorry to hear it. I thought you two were made for each other.’
‘I still do.’ Jesse blew out a long breath. ‘I don’t understand what I’ve done and Amy won’t explain. She says if I can figure out how to fix a car, I should be able to figure her out. But I can’t.’
‘Want to talk about it?’
Jesse shook his head. ‘Not unless you can explain it. Why’s Amy here anyway? She made these stupid rules about us not being able to go to the same places. Tuesday’s supposed to be my night.’
‘She says it’s hers.’
‘Ahhhh.’ Jesse looked even more miserable. ‘Perhaps she’s right. I can barely remember anything anymore.’
‘Are you keeping yourself busy?’
‘I’m working with Connor in the cafe and a few other jobs. I try not to come into The Hideaway – I’m hoping some distance will help us both. Perhaps while you’re back you could visit? I’d love to catch up.’
‘I’ll bring you both a sandwich. I’m under orders from Dee to keep Connor fed. I checked on the cafe earlier. The place is looking good.’
‘It was my day off. Perhaps I’ll see you tomorrow.’ Jesse frowned at the bar. ‘I’ll buy some beer and crisps and head home. I’m staying with Connor,’ he added. ‘Amy wanted me to move out.’ He swallowed before giving Madison a goodbye hug. ‘I won’t keep you. I don’t want you to get in trouble for talking to the enemy. Especially if I’m not supposed to be here.’ He headed for the bar as Madison returned to Amy.
‘Jesse’s not staying,’ Madison explained as Amy began to rise. ‘He thought Tuesday was his night. He’s buying some drinks to take away.’
‘Good.’ Amy’s mouth set in a mulish line as she watched Jesse.
‘He’s unhappy,’ Madison said quietly.
‘Aren’t we all. Besides, it’s all of his own making,’ Amy snapped. ‘I’m sorry. I’m bored of hearing about my sorry excuse for a life. Distract me with your adventures. Have you got a boyfriend?’
‘I travelled with someone in Thailand, but it was never serious. And there’s a man I see off and on.’
‘What’s he called?’ Amy sat straighter, looking interested.
‘Seth. It’s not what you think. Our relationship is more of an open thing. I know he sees other people…’ Madison paused at Amy’s shocked expression. ‘Me too, and don’t look at me like that. It suits us both.’
‘Maybe I should take a leaf out of your book. It sounds so much simpler than falling in love. Tell me about him.’
‘Seth works for Greenpeace and travels all over the world,’ Madison explained. ‘Sometimes we meet up. I saw him at Christmas – he popped over to Thailand.’ They’d had fun, but Seth had to leave after a couple of days and for the first time, Madison had begun to feel a sense of emptiness before he’d left. Not because she’d miss him, but because being around him made her feel lonely. Which was odd.
‘Perhaps I should try the same with Finn.’ Amy sighed. ‘I was looking for love and commitment for so long, it might be better to just have fun.’
Madison didn’t get a chance to tell Amy not to follow in her footsteps, because her friend stood suddenly and waved at someone. ‘Stanley Banks!’
‘Amy, darling.’ A man in his mid- to late fifties, with peppered grey hair and a well-groomed beard, walked towards them. He wore dark chinos and a chunky cable-knit sweater that, despite his leanness, made him look cuddly. ‘I didn’t realise you weren’t working this evening. I wanted Dee to accompany me for a drink, but she turned me down. I’ve been trying to get her apple pie recipe for months – I thought a couple of wines might loosen her tongue,’ he confessed. ‘And who are you?’
‘This is Madison. Jack and Sandy’s niece,’ Amy replied. ‘She’s been away and we’re just catching up on news. Mads, this is Stanley. He’s been staying at The Hideaway for the last three months. Why don’t you join us?’
‘I’d love to. I might pass on the cocktail and have a beer. Would you like a refill?’
‘Definitely,’ Amy answered for both of them, and Stanley headed back to the bar.
‘I hope you don’t mind?’ Amy asked Madison. ‘Stanley’s wife died a couple of years ago and his daughter moved to Australia in October. After that he said life got lonely at home. He rented out his house in Dorset and moved in with us. He goes out walking and paints incredible pictures, and I think he’s got a secret crush on Dee.’ Amy winked. ‘Not that she’ll acknowledge it. Mind you, I think she likes him too.’
After a few minutes Stanley returned with a pint of beer. ‘Finn’s going to bring you both a refill.’ He pulled up a chair. ‘Madison, your aunt mentioned you’re a yoga teacher?’
‘I was,’ Madison replied, feeling embarrassed. ‘I’ve been a lot of things.’
‘Madison wanted to be a lawyer,’ Amy added. ‘But it didn’t work out.’
‘I didn’t like the course,’ Madison lied.
Stanley sipped his beer. ‘I had my own business for years, consulting. You wouldn’t believe how many people I met who told me they wished they were doing something else. It’s hard to find your place in life sometimes.’
‘Have you found yours?’ Madison asked quietly.
‘I’ve had a very happy life.’ Stanley looked thoughtful. ‘But to quote that famous song, I’d say my home was wherever my wife laid her hat. I was
adrift for a while after she died, but I love The Sunshine Hideaway – we used to holiday here together. It’s peaceful and beautiful and I’m enjoying my painting.’ He leaned forwards. ‘It would be nice to have a few more guests to chat with though. Dee mentioned last week you had new people arriving today. Are they coming later?’
Amy blushed. ‘They cancelled. We’ve had a lot of people doing that lately.’
‘Any idea why?’ Stanley looked serious.
‘We’re just a guesthouse with lovely food, welcoming staff and amazing views. That used to be enough – but now people want swimming pools and massages, gyms and non-stop activities,’ Amy grumbled.
‘And The Hideaway can’t provide that?’ Stanley asked.
‘We’re revamping the cafe which should encourage more visitors, but I’ve no idea if a new paint job will be enough.’ Amy’s forehead crinkled as she stared at her drink. ‘We’ll need to do something soon, or I’m worried The Hideaway won’t survive. And I shouldn’t have told you that. Too many of these loosen my tongue.’ Amy pointed to her cocktail just as Finn took the empty glass and handed her a full one.
‘Don’t worry, dear.’ Stanley patted Amy’s hand. ‘I’ve suspected as much. It’s been dinner for one for a couple of weeks now and I’ve been wondering how the place manages.’ He sighed. ‘I consulted with a lot of companies before I retired, some of them hotels. I’ll do a bit of research and see if I can come up with a few ideas. It would be a shame to see the place close. You understand that might mean changes, don’t you?’
‘It’s okay, I’m resigned to the fact that I might need to move on. I just want to see The Hideaway survive.’ Amy lifted her glass and tapped it against Stanley’s, and Madison did the same.
‘The Hideaway wouldn’t be the same without you, Amy. I’m sure we can all think of something… Perhaps in return you could persuade Dee to agree to have a drink with me?’ Stanley teased. ‘The woman’s stubborn, but I’m hoping to wear her down.’
‘It’s a deal.’ Amy laughed.
Madison sat back and watched as they chatted, her feelings mixed. Perhaps with Stanley on board, The Hideaway would survive, but it didn’t look as if her dream of a new beginning here would become a reality after all. She’d spent too much of her childhood feeling in the way, surplus to requirements. She wasn’t about to let it happen again.
Six
Connor paced his kitchen holding the mobile phone to his ear, wondering if this time his sister might answer. He let it ring a couple of times, expecting it to cut to answerphone, but instead she picked up. ‘Georgie,’ he grumbled. ‘Where the hell have you been? I’ve been trying to get in touch.’
‘Here… I mean, working.’ His sister sounded groggy, as if she’d been sleeping. Connor checked the clock. Okay, so it was after eleven thirty at night. He’d been working on the cafe and hadn’t realised the time.
‘Sorry it’s late,’ Connor mumbled, feeling guilty, but not bad enough to hang up. Georgie had been avoiding his calls, not ringing back, and now he finally had her on the line they were going to talk. ‘How’s the studying?’ Georgie’s second-year exams were fast approaching but Connor knew his sister sometimes lacked focus. Although if she’d been working until late she might finally be taking the whole thing seriously?
‘Connor…’
‘What? Have you run out of money again?’ Connor grimaced. Keeping track of finances wasn’t one of Georgie’s gifts either, and he didn’t have a lot of spare cash to send. Still, if she needed money he’d find it. Somehow.
Connor rolled his shoulders, trying to ease some of the tension that never seemed to leave, then leaned on the oak counter just in front of the kitchen window and looked outside. A thousand stars twinkled in the black sky and a full moon threw strands of white light, illuminating the fields and trees beyond. The effect was almost magical. Had he missed the whole thing on his journey home from the cafe tonight – too distracted calculating how much varnish he was going to need for the wooden counter? Was he in danger of turning into his father? A man who’d built a house ensuring the windows were carefully positioned for the best views – with sunsets in the kitchen and sunrises in the sitting room – but who’d never taken the time to sit back and watch even one?
Connor moved away from the view and grabbed himself a beer from the fridge, before putting it back in favour of water. He hadn’t eaten since Madison’s sandwich and banana and couldn’t be bothered now. Alcohol on an empty stomach wasn’t a good idea, especially as he planned to go into town to pick up supplies early tomorrow.
‘I… Connor, look, I need to talk to you about something.’ Georgie yawned. ‘I’m sorry, I was asleep – can we do this tomorrow?’
‘I’d rather do it now,’ Connor answered, feeling irritated, which was never a good thing. Getting annoyed with Georgie generally resulted in her becoming upset, which meant he wouldn’t hear from her again for weeks. ‘Please,’ he added, because for some reason he had a need for connection and she was the only other person awake.
‘I… Connor, I’ve been talking to Mum.’
Dammit. Connor clenched his fists. Georgie had been raised by her mother, Jo Grayson, in her hometown near Norwich. At the age of twelve, Georgie had found out about their dad and had insisted Jo help her find him. She was his half-sister, the result of a dalliance Charles Robertson had enjoyed years after Connor’s mother had died. In truth, Connor could hardly imagine it. His dad had barely managed to crack a smile in his life – how he’d attracted a beautiful woman to his bed was a mystery. Mind you, Charles hadn’t managed to keep Jo for long – she’d fallen pregnant and then disappeared without telling him.
‘What did your mum say?’ Connor asked, already knowing he wouldn’t like it. His sister was an interesting combination of her father and mother. Yin and yang personified. Where Jo was all light, Charles had been shadows, and Georgie spent much of her life fighting an internal battle with both of them.
‘She’s not sure this course is right for me…’ Before Connor could respond she added, ‘I’m not sure either, Con. I thought I’d come to see you, so we could talk. I love the idea of working together, but I’m only twenty and there are so many other places and things I’d like to try first.’
‘But you’re almost halfway through it,’ Connor said, feeling exasperated. ‘Can’t we talk when it’s done?’
‘There’s so much work – and I was thinking I could defer,’ Georgie whined. ‘Take a trip, see the world, decide what I really want to do.’
Connor closed his eyes, fighting his impatience. He’d already spent six grand on Georgie’s fees, not to mention living expenses. Wasn’t it just a little late to be having this conversation? ‘Last time we talked, you couldn’t wait to come and live on Sunflower Island. I thought the idea of working here in the business with me was something you wanted. As a legacy to Dad?’ he added, even though he knew it was beneath him.
‘I do… did. Hell, I don’t know, Con. It feels more like your dream than mine. I’m just not sure anymore. I’ve seen how hard you work. I’m not sure that’s the future I want. And I’ve met someone and he wants to take me travelling, but he’s leaving soon and well, you’re only young once…’
Were you? If so, Connor damn well couldn’t remember it.
‘I know you’re determined to prove Dad wrong. What he said in the will was… well, so very him. But we both know you’re more than capable of making a success of the business, despite what he predicted. And it’s not your fault the company is in debt. That’s down to Dad and his ability to piss everyone off, so in the end no one wanted to hire him. You’re so capable, you work so hard, and you will make this work – you really don’t need me. I’m not sure you need anyone.’
Didn’t he? Connor got the beer back out of the fridge and opened it before taking a long sip, examining the food options. Jesse had obviously been to the pub, because there was a whole shelf of beer. Aside from that he found three slices of dried-out pepperoni pizza he’d picke
d up in town a few days before, a jar of extra-strong pickled onions and two packets of salt and vinegar crisps. Connor grabbed the pizza and took a bite, wincing at the dry texture. Still, it was better than lunch – even if he did have to put up with the barest layer of cheese.
‘I thought I could come for a weekend. Stay for a few days. It’s been yonks since I’ve seen you and we could talk properly. You know you didn’t have any time when I popped over at Christmas.’
‘Sorry,’ Connor muttered through a mouthful of pizza. He’d meant to take some time off, but he’d been working on one of the guest rooms over at Lake Lodge and the manager had said it was urgent. And it wasn’t like he could afford to turn work down, not if he wanted the business to stay afloat. ‘The week after next is great. But don’t drop out of the course in the meantime, Georgie. Give yourself time to make a decision, give me time to understand it.’ Or to talk you out of it. ‘You owe me that.’ Making his sister feel guilty wasn’t the way to win her over, but he was desperate.
Connor had been relying on Georgie working with him in a couple of years to ease some of the pressure on finances – because she’d be cheaper than hiring contractors – and to maybe allow him to take on more jobs. If she decided to drop out… well, he had Jesse, but the two of them weren’t enough. Not if he was going to prove anything to his father. Not if he was going to pay off the company’s debts and stop the business from sinking into bankruptcy.
‘Okay, sure.’ Georgie sounded tired. ‘I really need to sleep, Con. I’ll book my ferry in a few weeks and let you know which one I’m on. Sleep tight and don’t work too hard, big brother. I miss you.’
The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with Page 4