Frowning, Madison picked up her Pink Flamingo and sipped. ‘Are you still mad about Seth?’ she asked suddenly. ‘If you are, I understand why. But you have to know he’s gone and… well… we really are just friends.’
Connor gulped his drink as words – conversation – escaped him. He wasn’t mad. He wasn’t sure how he felt.
‘And I don’t regret what happened,’ Madison continued, a line appearing on her forehead that Connor suddenly wanted to smooth away. ‘I just hope you feel the same way.’
‘How are the bookings coming along?’ Tom appeared back at their table, trying to make conversation.
‘Good, thanks.’ Madison cleared her throat. ‘You might have seen the leaflets we’ve been distributing for the Grand Opening. I’m guessing the cafe will be ready in time?’ Instead of looking at Tom, Madison fixed Connor with a searching gaze. His eyes dropped to her mouth but he jerked them up as Georgie elbowed him in the ribs.
‘You need to concentrate,’ Georgie whispered. ‘Next round’s on science and nature, and the rest of us are crap at that.’
Connor pulled a piece of paper towards him as Finn asked the first question. ‘Who can speak to the dead?’ At the bar, Finn grinned.
‘That’s not a science or nature question,’ Georgie grumbled.
‘It is in my quiz,’ Finn laughed.
‘Fine, it’s a medium,’ Georgie whispered to the team.
Connor wrote it down as someone passed the table, patting him on the back. ‘Good to finally see you out,’ the man said, before taking a seat three tables down. When Connor looked closely, he recognised his postman, Sid Sutton. He looked around the room, taking in the people at the tables, eating, drinking, laughing. His father never went to the pub – all his drinking had been done at home – so Connor hadn’t either. Once again, he wondered why.
‘Name three hormones that are released in your body when you’re attracted to someone,’ Finn asked loudly, winking at Connor. At the back of the room, near the entrance, there was a loud laugh as a group of women from The Sunflower Island WI began to whisper. Connor recognised Clara Devine, a local woman who made gin in her back garden, because his father had fallen out with her once.
‘Oh, I know that.’ Georgie grabbed the paper and began writing. ‘There’s testosterone, dopamine… I can’t remember the others.’
Stanley beamed at Dee. ‘How about serotonin?’
Georgie wrote it down. Across the table, Amy glared at Jesse, who was drinking his pint, seemingly oblivious. Stanley patted Dee’s hand before pecking her on the cheek, making Dee giggle. Had Connor missed this romance, too intent on work again to notice what was going on around him?
‘They make a cute couple,’ Madison observed. ‘I wasn’t expecting Dee to fall so fast – she’s never been a romantic – but I think it might be the real thing.’
‘I’m not sure I know what the real thing looks like,’ Connor admitted, his voice dropping.
‘Respect, admiration, attraction, chemistry…’ Madison sounded wistful.
Connor swallowed but didn’t look at her. ‘Have you felt that with a lot of people?’ he probed, mentally kicking himself for asking.
‘Not… until recently.’ Madison fell silent – was she talking about him? Connor’s heart thumped deep in his chest, arousing feelings he’d spent his life trying to suppress. Around them, the room buzzed and Connor watched Tom work the tables, taking orders and delivering drinks, glancing at Madison now and then, looking a lot like Jaws did when he followed her. Connor hadn’t wanted to come tonight, had no idea why he had. But somehow – despite the headache and sore throat – he was glad he was here, even if he still didn’t know what to do about Madison. Was Finn right – was he scared?
The round finished and Finn stood on the chair again. ‘Next set of questions are on sport. I know we’ve got some experts in here, so this one’s going to be difficult. Pens at the ready.’
Amy frowned at Jesse, pushing the paper towards him. ‘You might as well do this one by yourself – I’m not sure any of us are as qualified.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Jesse looked puzzled.
‘Which 100–1 outsider won the 2009 Grand National?’ Finn shouted from the bar.
‘That’s Mon Mome.’ Jesse quickly wrote down the answer.
‘You know that, but after five years together I’ll bet you don’t even know my favourite colour.’ Amy rolled her eyes and finished her Pink Flamingo as Tom arrived to replace it.
‘It’s green.’ Jesse didn’t look up from the paper.
Beside Connor, Madison sighed. ‘I’d forgotten how much I love these quizzes. I used to come with my uncle when I was home. He’s really good, and of course he knows everyone.’
‘I’ve never been,’ Connor admitted, finding his eyes drawn to Madison’s hands. He remembered her sliding those nails down his back when they’d been in the yoga studio, and briefly closed his eyes, trying to get his wayward body back on track. The round finished with only Jesse contributing answers, and Finn rang a bell, indicating everyone should settle.
‘Next round’s my favourite: pot luck. There’s something for everyone – music, geography, general knowledge, even politics. Good luck, teams.’
Amy took the paper and a pen as Finn began. ‘How many flavours of ice cream does Laura serve at Sprinkles?’
‘Oh, I know that.’ Amy scribbled ‘forty-three’. ‘Finn asked Laura the other night, on our date.’ She ignored Jesse as he glowered at her.
‘Now I’m going to play a piece of music from a movie,’ Finn continued. ‘You need to name the song, film, composer and what happens when this song is played – there are four points up for grabs.’ The pub fell silent as the music began. Someone turned it up and Connor recognised the song.
‘That’s “We Love to Laugh”,’ Madison whispered. ‘It’s from Mary Poppins, the composers are Richard and Robert Sherman and when they sing Uncle Albert and Bert levitate towards the ceiling. It’s one of my favourite scenes.’
‘How the hell do you know that?’ Georgie asked, incredulous.
‘I love that film. My aunt used to put it on whenever I was sick.’ Madison’s cheeks reddened at the memory. ‘She was always so incredible to me.’ The mood changed as a boppier song began playing. Amy snatched the paper and Connor watched Madison slowly sip her cocktail, looking thoughtful.
‘Are you okay?’ He leaned closer – he couldn’t seem to help himself. No matter how many times his brain told him to move in the other direction, his body kept pulling him back again. Was this the Madison effect? Like the pull of gravity, was she impossible to break free from? And did he really want to anymore?
‘When was the Morgan 3-Wheeler first built?’ Finn asked. Jesse grabbed the pen and wrote down ‘1909’.
‘Tell me the date we first met?’ Amy asked suddenly.
‘Um.’ Jesse looked thrown. As he tried to remember, Connor recalled the moment he’d first seen Madison. It had been the summer, sometime in June. Her eyes had been lively, her skin tanned, and she’d looked like something from a faraway land that simply didn’t belong on Sunflower Island. She’d come to talk to him and he’d told her to go away – perhaps he’d been afraid even then?
‘The third of December.’ Amy stood suddenly, glaring at Jesse. ‘I’ve no idea why I expected you to remember. It’s been a long day. I hope you lot don’t mind if I call it a night.’
‘I’ll walk you.’ Jesse pushed back his chair, but Amy shook her head.
‘I’ll come.’ Madison stood too. ‘You’re staying at mine so we can go together.’ When Connor began to rise, Madison shook her head. ‘You stay and finish the quiz, we’ll be fine.’
But after Madison left, Connor couldn’t settle. He could still smell lemongrass, remember the softness of her skin, how her laughter had filled the pool at Lake Lodge. A thousand memories filled his head and he closed his eyes, wondering if he’d ever be free of these feelings – and if that was really what he wanted after all.
Connor’s head hurt – really hurt – and his legs felt like jelly. Something licked his face, and he opened one eye and groaned as Jaws whined at him.
‘You’re hungry?’ Connor grunted, trying to turn onto his side so he could get out of bed. Dammit. What was the time? He checked his bedside clock and moaned when he saw it was almost half past six. Connor swung his legs over the side of his double bed onto the wooden floor. The heating was on but he shivered, feeling cold and sick. What time had he got home from the quiz last night? The pile of clothes by his bed suggested it was late. He hadn’t eaten at the pub because his head had been throbbing, and the thought of food made his stomach churn. Still does.
‘Another ten minutes,’ Connor whispered, lying back on the bed and pulling his duvet up and over his feverish body. ‘Then I’ll feed you, we’ll go for a run…’ The words trailed off as he fell back to sleep.
* * *
‘He didn’t get out of bed and he’s boiling.’ Jesse’s voice filled Connor’s head and he squeezed his eyes tighter. He’d only been asleep for five minutes – what the hell was the boy doing here?
‘Why are you in my bedroom? It’s still early.’ Connor moaned. ‘Is something wrong?’ He tried to sit up, but his body wouldn’t cooperate.
‘Stay where you are!’ A voice demanded. Was that Georgie? He must be delirious because even after last night she was barely talking to him. God, his head hurt. Connor tried to roll his shoulders but they ached too much.
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ Connor’s throat felt raw. ‘I’ve got to run, then there’s all that painting.’ All that painting. For a moment he remembered. They had days of it, had hardly made a dent. Plus, someone at Lake Lodge was getting in touch soon about a new contract.
‘You’re not working today – you’re not fit to go anywhere,’ Georgie soothed. ‘Dee’s made you some lemon and honey – it’s got a dose of paracetamol in it. Drink up and go back to sleep.’
‘Jaws needs walking and I have to get to work.’ Connor tried to sit up. Why did he feel so weak and why did everything hurt?
‘You’ve got the flu.’ Georgie read his mind. ‘Dee said it’s been going around, and remember when you arrived home soaked to the skin from your run last Friday? It’s no wonder you’re sick, considering that and how hard you’ve been pushing yourself. Forget Jaws, I already walked him. Jesse’s going to start work at the cafe and I’ll help. You need to rest.’
‘I need to get up.’ Connor tried to lever himself into a sitting position and failed. Beside the bed Jaws whined, then eased himself onto the floor. Connor had never felt so bad – his body didn’t feel like it even belonged to him. He closed his eyes. If he had a quick nap he’d be fine.
* * *
A door closed downstairs and Connor woke, checking the bedside clock. It was almost eleven. Jaws jumped to his feet, wagging his tail, ready to play, but all Connor could do was groan as he tried to move. His bedroom door opened, and Jesse and Madison both came flying in. Madison was dressed in her yoga outfit – she’d probably just finished a class. Jaws bounded across the room to greet her, his tongue lolling as his tail wagged.
‘What’s happened to your dog?’ Jesse stopped by the bedroom door, looking surprised. ‘He usually barks like a maniac or tries to bite people – that’s all he’s ever done with me and I’ve been living with you for almost four months.’
‘I call it the Madison effect.’ Connor’s voice came out husky. He watched as she knelt down to pet the Boxer behind his ears. Some of her hair slipped out of the knot on her head and tumbled over her shoulder, and something inside him ached to run his fingers through it. If he wasn’t so weak he might have followed through. ‘Get close enough and she’ll probably do the same to you,’ he added.
Jesse snorted. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Fine,’ Connor mumbled, trying to move.
‘Stay where you are.’ Madison marched across the room so she could push Connor back on the bed. ‘Jesse’s come to tell you he and Georgie have everything under control at the cafe. I’m here to make sure you don’t get up.’ She felt his forehead and frowned. ‘You’re on fire.’
‘I need to paint.’ Connor swallowed. ‘Or we won’t be ready for the Grand Opening.’
Madison paused. ‘We will – I’ve no idea how, but somehow we’ll make it happen. This time, Connor Robertson, it’s not all up to you. You need to concentrate on getting better.’
Connor closed his eyes. ‘Why are you here?’ he repeated, as he fell back to sleep.
* * *
Two hours later, Connor woke to find Madison standing beside him, holding a tray. She placed it on the floor, encouraging him to sit. ‘I made you vegetable soup, and here’s Dee’s special medicine. There’s water by the bed – drink, you’ll be dehydrated.’ She felt Connor’s forehead again.
‘You should steer clear, you don’t want to catch this,’ he murmured.
‘I’m immune to bugs.’ Madison flashed a smile. ‘All those vegetables. You really should try it. How are you feeling, honestly?’
Connor was about to say ‘better’, but the words died on his lips as Madison sat on the bed and gazed at him. ‘Rubbish.’
Madison smiled. ‘I didn’t expect honesty.’
‘I didn’t think you’d still be here – I’ve been expecting you to take off after Seth,’ Connor admitted, sipping some of Dee’s concoction. It tasted okay, and the lemon and honey soothed his sore throat.
‘So now we’re both surprised.’ Madison watched as he ate some soup. ‘Can I ask you something?’
‘Sure.’ Connor put the spoon down – he wasn’t in the mood to eat.
‘Have you forgiven me for Seth? I’ve wanted to ask, but you’ve been too delirious to understand.’ She winced suddenly. ‘Actually, don’t answer that. I’m being unfair, cornering you when you’re sick.’ She got up suddenly and looked around the room.
Connor watched Madison turn her back to him. Had he forgiven her? He wasn’t sure. Or perhaps he just wasn’t quite ready to take another chance on her yet.
‘Can you get into that chair?’ Madison changed the subject, pointing to the soft blue armchair in the corner. It had belonged to Connor’s mother. He rarely sat in it, had no idea why he’d kept it.
‘Why?’ he croaked.
‘So I can change your bed. It’s damp because of the fever.’
‘I’ll do it.’
Madison laughed softly. ‘I’m sure you’d try. And being this helpless must be driving you nuts. But for once, let someone else take over. If you really want to get back to work, you need to rest. I’ve watched how hard you push yourself. Getting sick was only a matter of time.’
‘I never get ill,’ Connor grumbled, irritated. His father hadn’t had a sick day in his whole life – yet another stick he used to beat Connor with.
‘Perhaps this is your body’s way of telling you not to do everything yourself?’ Madison pushed the duvet back and helped Connor to his feet. He felt weak, but managed to move to the other side of the bedroom. When he sank onto the chair Madison wrapped him in a blanket as he began to shiver. ‘I’ve had an idea about getting the cafe finished. I’ve made a few calls and there are people willing to help. We could have a painting party.’ Madison flashed a smile. ‘Give everyone cake in return for labour.’
‘That’s… I’ll be fine by tomorrow.’
‘And if you’re not? You’ve an island of people willing to assist, friends who care for you – didn’t you see that in the pub last night?’
Do I? Connor didn’t answer because he didn’t know what to say.
‘Do you want to shower?’
‘No.’ He wouldn’t be capable of standing by himself, would probably faint if he tried, and if Madison offered to help… Connor didn’t want to think about it. If he could forget about Seth and they got naked again, he planned to at least be conscious. ‘I need to rest. You do what you need to while I get better. I’ll be back at work tomo
rrow.’
Madison stayed silent as she changed the sheets and guided him back to bed. Within minutes Connor fell asleep.
* * *
‘It’s Wednesday. The cafe’s meant to open next Tuesday,’ Connor grumbled, as he sipped more of Dee’s lemon and honey drink. He’d been in bed for three days and still wasn’t better, which was driving him crazy. Georgie had been working with Jesse on the painting but they were still way behind schedule. He closed his eyes, ignoring the pain beating behind them.
‘I’ve got it covered,’ Madison soothed. ‘People are coming on Saturday to help with whatever isn’t finished.’ She held up a hand when Connor tried to protest. ‘Concentrate on getting better, then you can start bossing everyone about.’
‘I’m bored.’ Connor sighed. ‘Lying in bed is boring.’
Madison smiled, getting on the bed to sit cross-legged facing him, as Jaws watched them from the floor. She wore her yoga pants again today and some kind of orange top that was two sizes too large – it must have belonged to her aunt. She’d barely left his side for the last few days and he’d begun to look forward to her visits. ‘Do you want to watch a movie? I’ll keep you company. Stanley’s leading the walk this afternoon, so I can stay.’
‘That’s not necessary—’ Connor began.
‘He’s doing it anyway. That’s what people do, Connor, when they care about each other.’ Swallowing, Madison looked away. ‘Georgie’s got a tablet, and I know she has Netflix. We could choose something now?’
Connor sat up. He felt a little better, but when he’d tried to get out of bed this morning his feet had almost gone out from under him.
‘Aunt Sandy always put on Mary Poppins when I got sick.’ Madison grinned. ‘Ms Poppins managed to get Mr Banks flying a kite, and he’s an even worse workaholic than you.’
‘I’ve no desire to fly a kite. But I’ll watch the movie.’ Madison moved beside Connor and he tried not to look, more aware of her than he’d ever been. She rested the tablet on a pillow between them. As the film began, he rolled his eyes. ‘This is ridiculous.’
The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with Page 20