Dee placed a cup of tea the colour of a dark swamp in front of Connor and a plate filled with omelette and salad in front of Madison, before heading for the dining room. ‘I won’t be long,’ she sang as the door slid shut, leaving them alone.
Connor picked up his cup. ‘I’m not good with people. I’d say it’s my father’s curse but that would be too easy,’ he added quietly. ‘I’m a grown-up, I make my own choices and take responsibility for them. Sometimes I say the first thing that comes into my head without thinking.’ He blew out a long breath. ‘And I rarely care – or notice – if I hurt the person I’m talking to.’ He paused to take a sip of tea, perhaps because he wasn’t sure what to say next. Stunned, Madison picked up her fork so she could dig into the omelette, but curiosity got the better of her.
‘You care that you hurt me?’ Hope bloomed in her chest but she tried not to show it. Was this the new beginning with Connor she’d been hoping for?
‘Yes,’ Connor said simply. ‘And I have no idea why. Perhaps because I was unfair the other night and that reminds me of my father. Whatever I am, I’ve never set out to be like him.’
‘Seems to me you’re following your own path.’ Madison stabbed at the omelette again, feeling lighter. ‘And I’d be happy to pick up your sister – do you want to tell me which subjects to avoid first?’ she joked.
‘Oh.’ Connor’s blue-green eyes turned serious. ‘Travel… countries you’ve been to… the world?’
‘My whole life then?’ Madison choked. ‘I guess we could talk about you?’
Connor paled. ‘I’m not sure what you’d say.’
Madison laughed. ‘Oh, I’ve a fair idea. Your obsession with pies for a start, then there’s that phobia of vegetables and the deeply disturbing colour of your tea. Perhaps if I get Georgie on board, I might even persuade you to try some yoga?’
‘I may be regretting my change of heart.’ Connor shook his head, looking more amused than upset, which inexplicably made Madison want to smile. ‘That said, she might open up to you.’
‘Why?’
Connor frowned. ‘For some reason, people talk to you.’
‘Perhaps because the corners of my mouth aren’t constantly turned down?’ Madison chuckled. ‘Tell me about her.’
Connor looked thoughtful. A slight crease marred his perfect forehead and Madison ached to stroke it away. ‘Georgie’s a little directionless. I find her difficult to figure out. She’s smart, but unfocused and easily led. She sometimes applies herself, but doesn’t put her soul into what she does, which I don’t understand. She’d rather go out partying than put her head down and do a good job. It was her idea to do a degree, to come and work with me, but sometimes I wonder if it’s because our dad told her not to. Whatever, she’s almost halfway through, dropping out now…’
‘You think I’d encourage her to do that?’ Madison stabbed the omelette with her fork, none too gently.
‘You dropped out of your degree. I think you’ve done the things she’d like to do – perhaps I believe that talking to you might encourage her to go in a direction I don’t approve of.’
‘Which is?’
‘Away from Sunflower Island. Georgie has a chance to be something here, to work alongside me and build a business and career. I don’t want her to waste the opportunity.’ Connor’s knuckles whitened as he clenched his mug. ‘If she’s here with me, we can work together. I can show her everything I know. There’s so much to learn and so much to do. If she leaves…’
‘What if it’s what she wants?’ Madison asked quietly.
‘Then I want her to wait. She’s only a year and a half from graduating. What’s the rush?’
‘I don’t know,’ Madison said. ‘But perhaps that’s what you need to find out.’
* * *
Madison unwrapped the first of her new blue yoga mats and placed it on the freshly hoovered carpet. The room looked good – the paint job had refreshed the space, helping draw attention to the incredible views from the large windows. She’d opened them earlier to help clear the smell of paint, and placed a couple of incense burners in the corners.
She put another mat on the floor and stood back to admire the landscape. There was a huge hill, which in summer bloomed with yellow sunflowers, and beyond it rolling green fields made their way to cliffs and dark, choppy waves. In Thailand, Madison’s yoga studio had looked over a white sandy beach, but that view wasn’t a patch on this one.
The Hideaway guests weren’t arriving until three, so Madison had plenty of time to get the room ready, pick up Georgie from the ferry and be back in time to lead the first yoga session. She unwrapped another mat, considering whether she had time to stretch. Then her mobile buzzed in her back pocket and she pulled it out.
‘Seth,’ she answered, surprised. Her sometimes-boyfriend rarely called unannounced and they’d texted recently about his ship docking in Amsterdam. She hadn’t admitted she wasn’t going to meet him. After their last few meet-ups, she’d decided it was time for them to become just friends, forgoing any benefits – she just hadn’t told him yet. She knew Seth wouldn’t be upset. Their relationship had always been open, and he had plenty of friends – most of them women.
‘How’s The Hideaway, are you bored yet?’ Seth laughed, launching straight into conversation without any small talk, which was normal for them.
‘Not yet,’ Madison replied, her voice light. She held the phone to her ear. ‘How are you?’
‘Bored. We’re docking today and I wondered if you’d given any thought to meeting me in Amsterdam. We could go cycling, do some galleries, check out the odd cafe? You’ve been on the island for three days now – I figured you’d be tearing your hair out.’
‘Not exactly.’ Madison frowned at the mat on the floor and adjusted its position. She’d put out four – would that be enough? Perhaps if she unwrapped the others, she could pile them in the corner ready for more guests? Her tummy fluttered with excitement as she imagined the room full. With Stanley in charge of drumming up guests, it was looking like a very real proposition. And she could only imagine her aunt and uncle’s delight when they returned to find The Hideaway booked up. This was the first time Madison had ever felt that her presence actually made a difference to somewhere she cared about – it was a revelation. ‘I’m loving it here. I’m in the process of setting up a yoga studio – we’ve got guests arriving today and I’m planning on running classes,’ Madison explained, her voice all excitement.
Seth cleared his throat. ‘Are you thinking of staying long enough to make that worthwhile? There’s no point in getting your aunt and uncle’s hopes up.’
‘They’re not even here.’ Madison fiddled with a stray curl of hair that had fallen into her face. ‘But I’m thinking of staying,’ she added tentatively.
Seth barked out a loud laugh. ‘I’ve heard that before, and I think we both know it won’t happen. Give it a few weeks and you’ll be back on the road again. We’re the same, you and me.’ His voice deepened. ‘We weren’t built to stay put. You’ll never be truly happy unless you’re moving on, seeing the world. It’s how you’re made.’
Wouldn’t she? Madison frowned at the mats, unsettled. She had tried to stay in places before, to put down roots, but after a few months she’d always found a reason to move on. But none of those places had been The Hideaway – none of them had ever felt like home. People cared about her here, and in many ways she already felt like part of the furniture.
‘Besides, I’m sure no one will miss you if you disappear for a couple of days. Come out to visit, it feels like ages since we caught up,’ Seth continued, oblivious to her feelings.
‘I honestly can’t leave.’ Madison surveyed the room again, her good mood evaporating. ‘I’m sure there are plenty of other people you can meet up with instead?’
‘They’re not you,’ Seth replied softly, something odd in his voice. ‘Give me a call when you’re travelling again and we’ll get together.’
They said their goodbyes,
but even after she hung up Madison felt uncomfortable.
Was Seth right: would she be bored of The Hideaway in a few months? Was the need to travel ingrained into her DNA, a design flaw embedded during her nomadic childhood? She looked at the mats, at the view out of the window, shaking her head. Seth was wrong. She’d been working up to this for years and was definitely ready to settle down. So she’d stay and stick things out – whatever Connor, Seth or anyone else thought.
Sixteen
Madison watched as the ferry docked and a multitude of people began to stream off, spilling onto the busy walkway. She’d borrowed Dee’s old Renault Clio, but hadn’t thought to ask Connor what his sister looked like. Madison had never met Georgie, because Connor’s sister had only visited Sunflower Island in the holidays – exactly the time of year Madison had gone travelling, trying to ensure her aunt and uncle had some space. But she’d seen her from a distance once and could still remember a mass of blonde hair, a colourful dress sense and a smile so out of place with the Robertson men.
Madison waved at a couple of people she recognised as they exited the ferry and watched a young blonde woman, who looked about twenty, wander onto the dock, pulling a small purple suitcase behind her. The woman glanced at the sea of faces a few times, looking confused.
‘Georgie?’ Madison asked, marching up and holding out a hand, taking a few moments to study her. Connor’s sister was pretty, with clear skin and large blue oval-shaped eyes. She looked small – around five three – and was pale and very slender. In short, she’d inherited very few of the Robertson genes – although she was stunning. ‘I’m Madison Skylar from The Sunshine Hideaway. Are you Connor’s sister?’ Madison asked, when Georgie looked at her hand quizzically.
‘My brother didn’t come?’ Georgie sounded irritated.
‘He had a meeting that he couldn’t get out of. He’s dying to see you though,’ Madison added, because she knew how horrible it felt to arrive somewhere and feel out of place and unwelcome. ‘And Jaws is in the car if you’re in need of a familiar face.’
‘I’m thinking I should be grateful. Once, Connor got caught up at work and forgot me entirely.’ Georgie sighed, shaking her head, before smiling. ‘He felt awful when he remembered. I’m not sure he’s ever forgiven himself. Thank you for stepping in. I don’t think we’ve ever met, but I have heard of you. Do you work with my brother now?’ Georgie followed Madison as they slowly headed for the ferry car park.
‘No. You probably know my aunt and uncle own The Sunshine Hideaway – he’s working there at the moment, redecorating and doing up the cafe.’
‘Really? How’s it going?’
Georgie’s expression was warm and friendly, and Madison felt an instant connection with her. ‘Okay. Good.’ Madison nodded, opening up. ‘We’re trying to appeal to some of the guests who’ve defected to Lake Lodge. They’ve been undercutting our prices, and business at The Hideaway has been dropping off.’
‘Connor hasn’t mentioned any of it, obviously.’ Georgie sighed, pulling her trolley alongside her as they walked. ‘What are you doing, aside from decorating?’
‘We’re offering yoga lessons and afternoon walks now. Plus, a Grand Opening of the cafe will be a big part of making it more appealing.’
‘I visited Lake Lodge when I was over last. It’s a little sterile for me, but there’s a lot for guests to do. You should see if there’s anything up there you could copy,’ Georgie said, as they entered the car park and Madison guided them towards Dee’s car.
‘One of our guests has been spying on them – it was his idea to offer yoga,’ Madison admitted. ‘We probably need to take another trip there soon, just in case it sparks off any more ideas.’
‘You should invite Connor,’ Georgie suggested slyly. ‘I’m hoping you’re friends. I’m only asking because he doesn’t have many, so that would be good news. If you’re a girlfriend, I might even do a cartwheel. Connor has a bad habit of dating tourists, I’m guessing because he knows the relationship will be transient and won’t interfere with his work. You’ve probably noticed he doesn’t get out much?’
‘He’s very dedicated,’ Madison murmured, wondering how much more she might learn from Georgie about the man who kept himself so closed off. ‘We’re friends, I think. Actually, sometimes I wonder. Your brother can be difficult to read.’ They got to the car and Madison unlocked it before putting Georgie’s suitcase in the boot. Jaws sprang from the back seat as soon as she opened the door and spent the next few minutes jumping up and down, licking Georgie’s face.
‘If Connor were a book it would be an ancient Greek tragedy – impenetrable, dark and incredibly hard work.’ Georgie flashed a smile that lit up her face, instantly reminding Madison of Connor. ‘Despite that, he’s loyal and lovable – once you get to know him, which you obviously have. He must think a lot of you if he’s let you look after Jaws. This dog is a handful and – much like Connor – the people he takes to are few and far between.’
‘I think Jaws was for your benefit. He really was sorry he couldn’t come himself.’
Georgie shrugged as she jumped into the car. ‘I appreciate you lying for him, but I think we both know Connor would rather be at a meeting than here. In many ways he’s exactly like our father – except even when Dad was alive he didn’t have a beating heart. It’s not Connor’s fault – he grew up spending almost every waking hour with Dad at work, and he’s never learned how to do anything else.’
Madison started the car, wondering what to say to that, but she didn’t get a chance because Georgie began to chatter again. ‘Can we go via the beach? I feel like I’ve been gone for ages and there’s something about seeing the sea that makes me feel at home.’
‘I feel the same,’ Madison admitted, feeling like she might have met a kindred spirit. She pulled the Clio out of the car park and took a right so she could get onto the coast road. The drive would take longer than the direct route, but she had plenty of time before the guests arrived. Besides, a few more minutes might teach her a lot more about Connor Robertson.
‘Are you from the island originally?’ Georgie asked, making conversation as she looked out of the window at the view. To the right a green lawn of lush grass framed the edge of the road, leading about a hundred metres to the edge of a steep cliff, beyond which two red boats bobbed on the sea.
‘I’m from all over,’ Madison answered carefully, unwilling to break her promise to Connor. ‘But I went to school on Sunflower Island from the age of fifteen and lived with my aunt and uncle, which is probably why you’ve heard of me.’
‘I grew up in a small village in Norfolk,’ Georgie admitted. ‘My mum still lives there. I found out about my dad and Connor eight years ago. I’d been an only child and discovering I had more family was exciting. I insisted on meeting them, despite my mother’s reservations. I fell head over heels with Connor – I’ve always wanted a brother. My dad was harder work.’ She stopped talking abruptly.
‘I didn’t know Charles well…’ Madison said, non-committal. ‘But I’ve heard he was difficult.’
Georgie shrugged. ‘I’ll never understand what my mother saw in him. I do understand why she left. He had no need for a daughter, told me as much when I arrived on his doorstep. Connor was kinder – he insisted I was allowed to stay and embraced me into the family. Gave me a place in the business which he still wants to share. I’ve no idea how a man like Connor came from someone like Charles. My mum calls it the miracle of genes – how all the good ones club together.’ She laughed. ‘I wish that were true, but I’m fairly certain I have some of the evil ones in me.’
‘Why?’ Madison asked, curious. ‘Does your head spin when you get annoyed?’
Georgie chuckled. ‘Not that I’ve noticed… It’s a long story.’
‘We’re doing the longer drive, so there’s time,’ Madison probed.
Georgie looked out of the window for a few moments. ‘Connor’s spent the last eighteen months paying my way through university. He’s got
this fantasy about us working together, and he needs the help. He wants to make a success of the family business – a legacy, I think, for both of us. He’s working day and night to turn things around. If I was here, that might be possible. More importantly, he might actually get to take a day off.’ Her gaze slid towards Madison. ‘Or find time to have a girlfriend.’
‘I’ve been trying to persuade him to do yoga.’ Madison changed the subject. ‘I got the feeling he could do with taking some time out, but he’s not keen.’
‘Oh, yoga – hot rooms and barely any clothes…’ Georgie nodded. ‘Most males would jump at the chance. I really do despair of my big brother.’ She sighed. ‘The thing is, I don’t know what I want to do. I fancy travelling. I went along with Connor’s plans because… well, he’s my big brother and I love him. He needs help and I want to be there for him. But I’m only twenty and I want to see the world. I’ve met someone and he’s off on an around-the-world trip next month. He’s offered to pay my way. I plan to drop out of uni, or see if I can defer…’
‘Can’t it wait?’ Madison asked gently, imagining Connor’s face when Georgie told him she’d definitely decided to drop out. ‘The world is there whenever you want to see it.’
Georgie sighed. ‘I really like this guy… I might not get another chance. Besides, I really don’t think Sunflower Island is the place for me to live permanently. I’m not even sure I want to work in the building trade. But Connor’s paid for everything and he’s expecting me… See what I mean about evil genes?’
‘Sounds more like a case of difficult choices and being honest to me,’ Madison answered carefully.
The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with Page 10