The university was holding a garden party for staff, friends and families to mark the end of the graduations and also to thank everyone who had contributed to the recent extension of the university’s museum.
Molly sipped her drink soaking up the atmosphere and thinking how relaxed and civilised it all was. People mingling and chatting in small groups while children in their bright summer clothes ran around excitedly. Molly was keeping an eye on Luke and Lily so that Stuart and Anna could mingle and talk. She could see them now, Stuart introducing someone to Anna. Molly felt pleased that they were getting to know people and becoming part of the community.
Inwardly though, she felt an ache of sudden loneliness. It crept up on her sometimes, the reality that she was on her own. She took another sip of her drink, giving herself a mental shake. It was far too beautiful a day for such gloomy thoughts.
Glancing over she saw Lily and Luke had joined their parents so decided to wander into the marquee and was delighted when she spotted Judy. Looking very elegant with a pink silk scarf draped loosely over her shoulders, she was talking to a man.
Stuart had told Molly about the extension of the museum which showcased the university’s collection of artefacts. The space was also going to be used for events such as workshops, theatrical and musical performances. Local businesses and donors had made generous contributions to make it possible so she guessed that was why Judy was there.
Judy caught her eye now and beckoned her over. Molly weaved her way through the tables of drinks and nibbles just as the man turned to leave. His gaze slid over Molly and he flashed her an easy smile as he passed.
‘I hope I didn’t interrupt you.’ Molly smiled.
‘Quite the opposite, you rescued me,’ replied Judy.
‘Oh? That doesn’t sound too good.’
‘That man you saw is Greg Ritchie. He owns a large hotel in St Andrews.’
‘You were discussing business?’
‘Not the kind of business he’d like to discuss.’
Molly didn’t understand. ‘Sorry?’
‘After George passed away, Greg Ritchie came to see me after leaving what he obviously thought was a respectful amount of time. He wanted to know if I’d be interested in selling the inn.’
‘How insensitive of him.’
‘I don’t think he’s a bad person or anything. Just a businessman on the lookout for his next deal. He has plenty of charm on the outside but he’s a hard-bitten business man. He gave me his spiel – how sorry he was, how running this business on my own would be difficult and he was prepared to make me a good offer. He keeps thinking I’ll change my mind. And of course, it’s typical of him to use an occasion like this.’
‘That’s terrible.’
‘Oh, it’s nothing I can’t handle, I’ve met his type before. As flight attendants, we were trained to deal with difficult passengers – you simply try to deflect the situation. So that’s what I did when I called you over – sorry, I hope you don’t mind.’
‘Not at all,’ Molly replied, noticing the small frown creasing Judy’s forehead. ‘Try not to let him upset you.’
Judy gave a watery smile. ‘I know. What does upset me is that every now and then I find myself thinking of how much more I should be doing with the business, as Greg Ritchie likes to point out. I say to myself, today I’m going to do this or that but then I can’t seem to find the energy. I suppose I’ve got into a bit of a rut.’
‘That’s understandable,’ Molly sympathised.
‘Things are ticking over nicely but I know I could do more. I’m more of a people person to be honest while George was the brains with all the ideas. The inn is busy enough but at times I feel as though I’m just limping along. George had so many plans and sometimes I feel as if I’m letting him down in some way.’
‘I’m sure that’s not the case at all.’
Judy gave a sad smile. ‘I suppose there are times when I miss him more than usual, today being one of them.’
‘What was George like?’
‘Oh, he was very handsome and charming. He was what I suppose you would call old school. He’d been in the Royal Air Force where he trained as a pilot and served for fifteen years before becoming a commercial pilot. We used to meet on the occasional long-haul flight and then one day we were both delayed at Atlanta airport for a few hours. We got chatting and well, that was it really. We had a wonderful life together even though it wasn’t long enough.’
It seemed sad and unfair that someone like Judy mourned and missed a love she once had while other people – namely Molly’s ex-husband – discarded relationships as if they had meant nothing. At least Judy had known that real passionate love. Had she ever had that with Colin, Molly wondered. If so, surely they would still be together.
‘It sounds like you had something very special.’ Molly smiled. And George must have been a special man, she was sure, to still make Judy’s face light up the way it did. Even his memory seemed to give her an inner glow.
‘We did.’ Judy took a drink, eyeing Molly over the rim of her glass. ‘What about you?’ she asked. ‘Do you have someone special in your life?’
Up until recently, her wedding ring might have answered that question, thought Molly, suspecting a band of gold was something Judy would notice. Now she felt her bare fingers twist around each other as she answered.
‘I’m actually divorced.’ It felt strange saying it out loud.
‘I’m so sorry to hear that. What a terrible thing to go through, a lovely young thing like you too. It happens to the best of us though.’
Molly gave her a grateful smile. ‘But I’m loving being here with my brother and his family. I’m trying to see this as a new beginning,’ she said brightly, determined to keep up her positive front.
‘Not always easy though, is it?’ Judy eyed her shrewdly. ‘Tell me how you got on the other day. Did you go to the golf range?’
Molly pulled a face. ‘I did but I was a bit rusty and having a hangover didn’t exactly help. The night before was the first night of my holiday and I think I may have celebrated too much. But hopefully I’ll improve while I’m here with some more practice.’
Judy chuckled. ‘Did you meet Joe or Tom?’
‘Um, I met Tom.’
‘He’s a bit lovely, isn’t he? He and Joe are a couple of lovely lads. They’re certainly breathing new life into that place. Joe’s very much the frontman, always ready with a joke and having a laugh with people and Tom, well, he’s quieter, more of a private person. He comes over now and again to have his evening meal or sometimes just for a chat. I must admit I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for him.’
Molly smiled blandly as visions of his body on the beach this morning flickered through her mind. She was beginning to suspect she might have several soft spots for Tom Kennedy. She cleared her throat. ‘He told me about the junior tournament they’re running.’
‘Tom told me, it’s a wonderful idea.’
A small crowd of people clutching their drinks passed by and Molly took a step back to let them by. She looked across to Judy, recognising something in her expression and wondered if it was loneliness. She certainly understood how easy it was to feel alone just as she had done a few moments ago – that feeling of being on the outside looking in. She felt a little wave of sympathy just as an idea struck her. ‘How about we go for a game of golf one day?’
Judy’s eyes opened wide in surprise.
‘But I can’t play at all. I’ve never even held a club before.’
‘That’s the whole point. You don’t need lessons first, it’s just a case of getting out there.’
Judy’s stared into the distance, her eyes taking on a faraway look. ‘George always did want me to play with him,’ she sighed.
‘Think how proud he would be of you,’ Molly said gently.
‘And you’d really want to play with me?’ she asked doubtfully.
Molly nodded her head eagerly. ‘We don’t need to take it all seriously or keep score.
It’ll be fun, I promise. And we can have a good old natter.’
Judy’s cheeks radiated a little blush of pleasure. ‘In that case how can I refuse?’
Chapter Six
The next morning Molly was woken by sounds from the garden. She yawned and then groaned, her unused muscles protesting from their run on the beach yesterday. Slowly, she rose from her bed and padded across the floor to the window where she could see Luke and Jamie, the little boy from next door, kicking a football about in the garden. She smiled, watching a little brown-and-white dog scampering around frantically trying to join in and wondered how long it would be before Luke started pleading for a dog of his own.
As she stood for a few moments gazing out she couldn’t help comparing it to the view she was used to from her bedroom at home. Any greenery there had once been was now eclipsed by the never-ending sea of houses being built. Inspired by the beautiful morning Molly chose a pale blue sundress, making her feel summery and light, and headed downstairs where Anna and Lily were in the kitchen finishing their breakfast.
‘You look nice today,’ Anna commented. ‘Did you sleep well?’
‘I did, thanks.’
‘There’s some coffee left in the pot and I’ve kept a croissant warm if you’d like one,’ Anna said.
Molly swallowed down a sudden lump in her throat at Anna’s thoughtfulness, all her recent solitary meals coming to her mind. Even before Colin left she could hardly remember the last time they’d shared breakfast – on weekdays he left too early and on weekend mornings he’d be at the gym. It felt as if the more time she spent here, the more Molly was able to look back at how lonely she’d become in her marriage. And while she loved Anna for it, she didn’t want to get used to it. She had to face the reality of her future alone – for the foreseeable future anyway.
‘Lovely thanks,’ she said over-brightly, reaching for a cup. ‘Are you remembering I’m making dinner tonight?’
As a special treat today Anna and Stuart were taking Lily and Luke on the train across the Forth rail bridge to Edinburgh – Luke was beside himself with excitement – so Molly had offered to prepare the meal for tonight.
‘You’re still happy to do that?’ Anna checked.
‘Of course. I’m looking forward to exploring the farmers’ market.’
After breakfast and saying her goodbyes, Molly looped her bag over her body and set off. Closing the front door behind her, she smiled at the sight of the morning sun shimmering on the sea. To have that view all year and be able to see the fleeting changes depending on the light or the season must be wonderful.
There was a real buzz about the town, with holidaymakers and golf fans all making the most of the warm weather. Molly could feel the heat of the sun on her back and was grateful for some shade as she made her way through the narrow alleys and old wynds of the town, pausing every now and again to admire the elegant curves of the Georgian buildings.
The market was already in full swing when Molly arrived and soon she was milling about with the throng of people. She’d forgotten the delights of fresh produce and hardly knew where to start. Stalls were bursting with seasonal fruits and vegetables while others displayed homemade pickles, jams and organic bread.
Enticed by the delicious cooking smells, she paused for a few minutes to watch fresh scallops being prepared at a cookery demonstration and then tasted a sample of locally brewed craft beer.
She stopped at the cheese stall, spoilt for choice from the array of flavours. Tempted by the smoky garlic cheddar, creamy smooth Bries and crumbly blues, she finally decided on a cheese named Caboc, a soft cheese rolled in toasted oatmeal. Finally, she bought some fresh salmon, a large rustic loaf and a pile of vegetables. Happy with her purchases Molly became aware how hot and thirsty she had become.
She wondered how the train trip across the Firth of Forth was going, realising the guest house would be empty when she returned. Like breakfast this morning, she reflected how easily she’d got used to the noise and activity of the guest house, the signs of family life everywhere – shoes discarded in the hall, toys scattered in practically every room, swimming things hanging up to dry.
She told herself it would be good to have some time by herself, she’d be able to do some thinking and planning. This morning she’d received an update from the estate agent’s in Glasgow letting her know there’d already been a few viewings, so she should really start to look at flats available for renting. Unlike West Sands, her former marital home would be sitting empty for the foreseeable future, the rooms lying silent. The image filled her with such sadness that it almost took her breath away. Suddenly and unexpectedly she felt tears looming and dug her nails into the palm of her hand, telling herself to get a grip.
A cool drink and some shade, that was all she needed. After purchasing a fruit juice at one of the stalls, she scanned her surroundings and spotted an area of grass away from the main thoroughfare with a couple of benches in the shade beneath a sycamore tree.
It was only as she drew closer that she saw Tom Kennedy occupying one of the benches, his long legs stretched out in front of him and his arms splayed along the back. A man always slightly apart from the crowd, she thought. But then she could understand that – after all, wasn’t that what she was doing right now?
She headed towards the empty bench, pretty sure he wouldn’t want company but he straightened up as he saw her and gestured to the seat beside him.
‘I’m not disturbing you?’ she checked.
‘No. I’ll need to go soon anyway.’
Perhaps not the most effusive greeting but still, she was grateful to be off her feet. Like every other time she had met him, he seemed capable of making her feel oddly unsettled, unsure whether he really wanted to talk to her or not.
She sat down, catching a hint of his woody, masculine aftershave before she took a sip of her drink. He inclined his head towards her bulging shopping bag at her feet. ‘You’ve been to the market?’
‘My turn to make dinner tonight.’ She smiled. ‘It’s ages since I’ve been to a market. My shopping usually resembles a supermarket sweep – grabbing a basket, then in and out as quickly as possible.’
He chuckled. ‘Where is it you live?’
‘Glasgow,’ she replied. ‘Do you know it at all?’
‘Not well. I’ve visited plenty of cities but never lived in one. I’m not sure I could do it.’ His eyes seemed to go somewhere else for a moment as he looked into the distance. ‘I need open views and breathing space.’
Molly had lived in Glasgow her whole life. She liked the energy and vibrancy of the city and while perhaps she hadn’t always necessarily taken advantage of everything on offer, she liked knowing it was there. Although these last few mornings she had found it very calming waking to the sea, almost as if she could breathe more easily.
‘I can certainly see the attraction of living somewhere like here.’
‘You’ll be able to visit your brother and his family though, right?’
Molly nodded, the thought giving her comfort.
‘How long are you staying here for?’ he asked her.
‘Um, I’m not sure, to be honest. I’m between jobs at the moment and so I’m not in any particular hurry.’
‘I didn’t see you on the beach this morning.’
‘Ah no, I didn’t quite make it today.’ He didn’t need to know she could hardly walk this morning let alone run. ‘Not sure running is really my thing.’
‘Stick to the golf?’
‘Probably,’ she laughed, feeling herself begin to relax. ‘Although I should probably get some more practice in before my parents arrive. They’re coming to watch some of the tournament but no doubt my dad will want to prove he can still beat me.’
‘He’s a keen golfer?’
‘Both my parents play and they were lucky enough to take early retirement and now they live beside a beautiful course in Portugal.’
‘Sounds idyllic.’
The town was so busy now with the b
uild-up to the tournament, it was difficult to escape from it all and she wondered if Tom ever wished he was still part of it all.
‘Do you ever miss being on the tour?’
There was a slight pause. ‘I don’t tend to think about it much.’
Molly imagined his previous life to be far removed from anything she knew and found herself interested. ‘What was life like on tour?’
Tom run a hand along his jaw, hesitating for a moment. He spoke slowly at first, almost as if he was dragging the memories to the front of his mind. ‘The early years were the toughest. It can be lonely travelling to obscure parts of Europe.’ He gave a half-smile. ‘I’ve stayed in some pretty dire hotels.’
‘So it’s not all glamour and glitz?’ Molly gently teased.
Tom smiled wryly. ‘Definitely not. But of course, the better you do, the easier it becomes. Then you get to play on amazing courses, stay in top hotels, get wined and dined…’
‘If you don’t do well enough you can lose your card that lets you play or get relegated to a lower tour, is that right?’
Tom raised his eyebrows, looking surprised by her knowledge. ‘That’s right. The pressure to do well is constant and it’s very competitive. It can be difficult deciding when to give up. Joe and I became good friends on the tour and we used to discuss it sometimes. He was always interested in the coaching side of things and hadn’t been playing his best golf so knew he was heading to the lower-ranked tournaments. He’d met Beth by then and after they married, I don’t think his heart was in it anymore. They decided to settle here in St Andrews and Beth’s actually expecting their first baby.’
‘That’s nice for them.’ Molly smiled. She glanced at him with a curious look. ‘So why did you give it up?’
She saw his shoulders stiffen slightly. ‘I broke my leg in an accident – a hotel fire in Italy.’ He spoke matter-of-factly, his tone deliberately neutral.
‘Oh, I’m so sorry. That’s terrible.’
‘It was after then that Joe asked if I wanted to come in with him and run the golf school. So that’s what I did – it was a great opportunity. I’ve been lucky.’
Summer at West Sands Guest House Page 6