Suddenly it seemed as if everyone had arrived at once. The small car park started to fill up as cars parked and groups of children and adults made their way to the school. Molly heard the babble of voices grow and smiled seeing the children’s excited faces.
She hovered discreetly until it appeared most people had arrived. Realising she hadn’t seen Lily or Luke, she went to check the list of names in reception and saw there were still a few to come anyway, so it wasn’t a problem.
Stepping back into the sunshine, she saw them hurrying from the car park. Even from this short distance Molly could see Lily was trailing behind.
‘Sorry, we’re late,’ Anna puffed looking flustered. She shot Molly a meaningful look before glancing over at her daughter. Lily’s face was a picture of misery and Molly felt her heart plummet.
‘Hi, Lily, are you all set to go?’ she asked.
Her niece looked up imploringly at Molly, her eyes brimming with tears. ‘I don’t want to play anymore, I don’t know anyone.’
Molly put an arm around her shoulders, lowering herself down to speak quietly to her. ‘Lily, don’t be upset. You don’t have to play if you don’t want to but I really think you would enjoy it. There’s lots of boys and girls here who are just like you.’
‘But they all know each other,’ she said miserably.
Molly stood up and look helplessly at Anna who shrugged her shoulders. ‘It took every trick in the book just to get her here but she’s determined she won’t play,’ she whispered.
Hearing a warm familiar voice, Molly turned and felt hugely reassured to see Harry, especially as he was holding the hands of two adorable girls either side of him.
‘Hello, Harry.’ She smiled.
‘I thought we were going to be late – I was forced to stop and eat ice cream on the way here.’
‘You are the last here but you’re not late at all,’ Molly reassured him.
‘Hello again, young lady.’ He focused on Lily and with some sort of grandad superpower seemed to gauge the situation.
‘These are my granddaughters – Olivia and Grace. Now I could be wrong but I think Olivia here might be the same age as you. Twenty-two, is that right?’
‘Don’t be silly, Grandad.’
The smallest smile escaped Lily’s mouth as she looked up at Harry.
‘How old are you then? I’ve forgotten.’
The little girl rolled her eyes and shook her head, giggling. ‘I’m eleven.’
Anna put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders, very gently propelling her forward. ‘Hello, Olivia and Grace. This is Lily and she’s eleven as well.’
The two girls regarded each other shyly for a moment and everyone seemed to hold their breath waiting until eventually Olivia spoke in a shy voice. ‘Would you like to play with me?’ she asked Lily. Clearly she had inherited the kind gene from her grandfather, Molly thought. After a quick backwards glance to her mother for a reassuring nod, Lily walked off with Olivia towards the school. Relief flooded Anna’s face as she introduced herself to Harry and thanked him.
‘All part of the grandad services,’ he joked with a wink before heading off with his other granddaughter.
‘Phew, that was close.’ Anna watched until Lily’s figure disappeared into the little throng of bodies. Taking a breath, she looked around. ‘Looks like you have a good crowd.’
‘Everyone seems to have turned up which is great. And don’t worry about Lily, she’ll be fine.’
‘I’m sure you’re right.’ Anna took a breath. ‘Right, I’d better go and find my son before he starts terrorising the locals. And well done, you. It’s going to be an amazing day. I’ll see you back at the house,’ she called over her shoulder.
Molly allowed herself a moment to survey the scene, experiencing a little surge of satisfaction that everything was up and running. She could see Tom and Joe welcoming the kids and making sure no one felt left out. It was easy to see Joe very much assumed the role as showman, cracking jokes and putting people at ease while Tom was clearly happy to blend more into the background. But there was no doubt they worked well as team. Molly saw Lily and Olivia go over to Tom, his facing lighting up as he recognised Lily. She watched for a moment as he helped her prepare for her first shot. She let out a sigh, desperately trying not to be so affected by him but it felt impossible. She gave herself a shake and turned away.
****
A few hours later Joe appeared at the front of the school with glasses and a bottle of champagne which he passed to Tom to open. Molly watched from a safe distance as he slowly eased the cork out allowing a gentle sigh to escape before filling the glasses for Joe to hand round.
‘You old enough to drink?’ he joked with Kenny and his friends before passing them each a glass.
‘Yeah, prefer a beer if you have one though,’ Kenny shot back with a grin.
There were still a few people milling about, seemingly not in a hurry to get home. Not that Molly could blame them. The earlier heat of the day had ebbed away leaving a balmy evening and after all the activity, everything felt calm and peaceful. Molly saw a hare scampering over the green and in the distance she could see swallows swooping over the fairways.
Molly had just waved off Anna and Stuart with the children. Lily’s game of golf with Olivia seemed to have gone well and Molly smiled, thinking of her niece’s beaming face when she had finished. Olivia’s mum had come to collect her and Anna had taken the opportunity to introduce herself and arrange a date for the girls to meet up again.
Molly had gone along to see Judy a few times during the day but really didn’t need to. After dropping his granddaughters at the golf, Harry had taken himself along to the inn to help Judy with the drinks and they appeared to have everything under control. Most of the adults had taken advantage of the drinks on offer and the lounge at the inn had been full to bursting at times.
Joe gave a glass to Molly. ‘Thanks for all your help today. Seriously, we couldn’t have done it without you.’
Molly shook her head, slightly embarrassed.
‘I didn’t do that much. Everything is already here that you need, it just takes a bit of organising.’
‘I think you’re being modest. And before I forget, Beth said you must come for dinner one night.’
‘That’s kind of you.’ Molly was touched by the invitation. She had met Beth, who had made a brief appearance today, and had taken to her instantly.
‘I’m not sure what my plans are but tell Beth thank you. It was lovely to meet her today.’
Molly sipped at the bubbles and felt her shoulders begin to relax. She felt a small swell of pride that she’d been part of today and that it had gone so well. She also recognised that there was massive potential to do so much more with the school and all its facilities. Today had been small scale but once they had someone to organise it all properly and it was online there was no end of possibilities. She genuinely hoped it all worked out for Tom and Joe.
She watched as Joe continued to make his way through the group, smiling and jesting. Earlier, there had been a small presentation and he had been in his element giving out prizes as the adults looked on clapping. He had announced the winner of the raffle to a couple who had looked quite elated with their prize of dinner for two and a night at the inn. Molly thought it sounded wonderfully romantic and couldn’t help feeling a little wistful.
Molly knew it was almost time for her to go. She had an early start and she still wanted to pop in and see Judy on her way back. Despite herself, she sneaked a glance over at Tom before she left. He was leaning against the wall and Molly knew from the way he was standing he was taking some weight from his leg. He lifted his glass to take a drink and as he lowered it, his eyes caught hers. Quickly she averted her gaze. It was definitely time to go.
****
The light was beginning to fade as Molly walked along the path to the inn and she could see the trees silhouetted against the darkening sky. She suddenly felt very tired and a nightcap with Judy soun
ded just what she needed.
‘Molly.’
She stopped, her heart thumping, and listened to Tom’s footsteps close in behind her. He came to stand in front of her and she desperately tried not to meet his eyes, for fear that she would melt. Only hours ago she had wanted to see him desperately, she’d had so much she wanted to say to him. Now she didn’t know what there was to say. Her defences had gone up, all her doubts had risen to the surface.
His blue gaze settled on her, his expression earnest. ‘You came to my hotel yesterday?’
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, adopting a casual tone. ‘I happened to be passing that way.’
‘Was it to see me?’ he asked ignoring her attempt at indifference.
She felt her shoulders slump, feeling suddenly deflated. ‘No. Maybe. But it doesn’t matter now.’
‘Listen, I want to tell you—’
‘You don’t owe me any explanations. I’m happy for you and your ex—’
‘My what?’ He stared at her.
‘The woman at the hotel.’
‘You thought that was Jen?’ He sounded slightly incredulous.
‘Wasn’t it?’
‘No.’
‘Oh.’ Molly looked at the ground for a moment digesting this but knew it didn’t really matter. If it wasn’t Jen then it was still some other woman.
‘That’s why I texted wanting to see you, to explain who she was. The woman you saw, she was Jim’s wife. He was the caddie who died in the fire.’
Molly’s hand flew to her mouth, horrified at her mistake. ‘I thought, I assumed…’
He ran a hand over his face and took a breath, releasing it slowly. ‘She contacted me to say she’d been asked to present a trophy in his memory at the Scottish golf awards dinner. She assumed I’d be there too.’
‘But you didn’t want to go?’ Molly guessed correctly.
‘I was invited but I knew I wouldn’t be comfortable – I hate these things. People tend to want to talk about the fire…the rescue. When I told her I wouldn’t be there, she asked to see me. I’d met her briefly once or twice over the years but hadn’t seen her since the fire.’
Molly swallowed. ‘That must have been difficult, meeting her.’
‘It was. She talked about Jim and how happy they’d been together…and she thanked me for trying to save him.’ He closed his eyes for a moment and it took Molly every ounce of her willpower not to go to him. ‘She’s trying to get on with her life. They have a daughter so she has to keep going for her. But I wanted to meet her because I … I thought it might help me to move forward too.’
There was a pause and Molly spoke quietly. ‘And did it – help you?’
‘I think so. That’s why I wanted to speak to you. I think – at least I hope – we have something between us, Molly. But there’s so much I need to try and explain to—’
Molly took a step away, shaking her head. She didn’t want to hear anything, didn’t want to risk being drawn to him anymore. ‘Tom, it doesn’t matter now. It’s too late.’
Tom raked a hand through his hair, looking helpless. ‘Why is it too late?’
‘When I came to your hotel, I was coming to tell you that I had feelings for you. I was worried that it had all happened too quickly after the end of my marriage but I thought maybe you felt it too. But when I saw you, I thought…’ She paused, taking a breath. ‘I’m sorry for jumping to the wrong conclusion, I really am. But I know now I’m not ready to trust again. I’m not ready to move on. It’s too soon for me. I’m sorry, Tom.’
‘I’m not suggesting we rush into anything. Only to give us a chance.’
‘I … I can’t.’ She shook her head. There was a single step between them and Molly knew that was all it would take. But she couldn’t do it. How could she when her trust was so fragile – it was too difficult.
‘Goodbye, Tom.’
****
As she opened the door of the inn, Judy rushed by carrying a plastic linen basket piled high with what looked like sodden towels. Her usually perfectly coiffured hair was distinctly dishevelled and there was a spot of colour on each of her cheeks.
‘Judy?’
‘Oh Molly, hello,’ she said distractedly. ‘I just need to deal with these.’ She nodded her head at the basket. ‘Can you come with me?’
‘Of course.’ Molly followed her through to the little warren of rooms behind reception. They entered a small laundry room which housed an industrial washing machine and tumble dryer. Judy spilled the contents of the basket into a massive stainless-steel sink and then turned, leaning against it gratefully. Molly let her draw breath before speaking. ‘What on earth happened?’
‘I’ll show you,’ Judy said gloomily. ‘It’s been such a busy day and after everyone left I was very tired,’ she explained as Molly followed her up the wide carpeted staircase to her small living quarters.
‘I decided to take a bath so I poured in some bubble bath and came through to the living room just to take the weight off my feet and…’ Her voice faltered as she opened the door to the bathroom where the smell of damp and warped floorboards pretty much told Molly what had happened before Judy confirmed it.
‘And I fell asleep. When I woke up, I realised straight away I’d left the taps running. I rushed through but of course it was too late.’ She waved her hand vaguely to encompass the damage where the water had surged over the top of the bath and soaked the entire floor.
They stood in silence for a moment surveying the damage.
‘I’ve mopped up most of it so I’ll just have to wait for it to dry off now. I’ll need to redecorate the whole room,’ she sighed.
Molly regarded Judy with concern, hoping today hadn’t been too much for her. ‘What can I do to help?’ she asked.
‘I can’t sleep here tonight – everything’s a bit damp and musty smelling. One of the guestrooms is empty, I’ll sleep there I think. I was airing the bed though so would you mind helping me make it up? It suddenly feels a bit of an effort to do on my own.’
‘Of course.’
Judy fetched fresh linen and then went with Molly to the empty bedroom.
‘What a beautiful room!’ Molly exclaimed. The floors were carpeted with rich opulent rugs and a solid oak bed sat in the middle of the room. In the corner there was an antique dressing table with decorative brass lamps.
Judy looked up from unfolding the sheets. ‘Yes, it is rather special, isn’t it?’
Molly copied Judy’s movements as she pulled the sheet and expertly tucked it into the corner to produce a tight diagonal fold ‘That’s a very professional finish,’ Molly commented.
‘I like it to look a certain way although I’m not sure why I’m bothering when it’s for only me,’ she said smoothing down the wrinkles now of the goose-feather duvet.
‘At least you’ll have a good night’s sleep here.’ Molly realised how fond she’d grown of the older woman and didn’t like the idea of leaving Judy.
‘I have an appointment tomorrow in the city but I wish I could stay and help.’
‘That’s so kind of you, dear, but I’ll be fine. I have a lady who comes in the morning. Now, how about a little drink before you go?’
Molly smiled her approval but wished the day had ended on a happier note – not just for her but Judy too.
Chapter Fifteen
The silence of the house screamed at Molly as she stepped through the front door. The air felt cold and unlived in and she felt a chill go through her. She bit down on her lip, totally unprepared for the rush of emotion that engulfed her. She could hardly believe she’d only been gone a few weeks, it felt so much longer.
When she had last been here she still regarded it as home. Not one with the happiest memories but home nonetheless. Now, it reminded her too much of Colin and their failed marriage. She knew she was ready to leave and any attachment she may once have had to it was now gone.
Technically it was still her house – well, hers and Colin’s – until the legal pap
ers were all signed. Soon a new family would move in. The estate agent told her a family with two children had bought it and Molly had been delighted. They would fill the rooms with love and happiness the way she and Colin had never managed.
She gathered up the post lying on the mat, adding it to the pile on the hall table which the estate agent must have left. She would sift through it later. For now, she needed a hot drink and went to the kitchen to fill the kettle. Everything felt so still and quiet after being at the guest house. No other voices or footsteps, just silence.
Her body felt strangely jetlagged and out of sorts, as if she’d travelled from a faraway place in a different time zone instead of just a few hours in the car. She felt like she was in no-man’s land, caught between two places. One where her heart was and one where her head was. In a way St Andrews was another world, certainly very different from life in the city.
She thought now of St Andrews, of the pretty shops and cafés and the cobbled streets. She thought of Judy and the little inn nestling in the trees. She thought of the golf courses and the beautiful stretches of sand by the sea. And she thought of Stuart and Anna starting their new life there with the children.
And she thought of Tom. When she’d arrived in St Andrews she had been frightened and hurt. But then over the next few weeks she had slowly started to live again. She realised she hadn’t just been going through the motions or having to put on a brave face. Her fake smile had become a real one. And it had been because of Tom. He had made her start to remember who she was and perhaps for that she should be grateful. Now, she had to forget him and move on.
She leaned against the worktop waiting for the kettle to boil. She was lucky, she told herself. She had her independence, her health and she had options. She was a free agent and didn’t even necessarily have to stay in Glasgow. But here there was familiarity and friendly people in a city she knew well. She was fairly confident she could either find another job or try a shot at freelancing for a while. She could reacquaint with old friends, start again. The money from the sale of the house meant she could afford to rent a decent place until she found somewhere permanent. She could make life work here.
Summer at West Sands Guest House Page 14