by Jade Winters
‘Where’re you going?’
‘Marlborough.’
‘By yourself?’
Morgan grinned. ‘Yes, Adrian, by myself. Is that okay with you?’
Adrian shifted uncomfortably. ‘I’ve been thinking about what you said.’
When she spoke next her voice wavered. ‘You’ll have to be a bit more specific. I say a lot of things that seem to go in one ear and straight out the other.’
‘About Thomas.’
Morgan became more uncomfortable by the second as her anxiety grew. ‘Oh? What about him?’
‘I know people …’
‘I know, Adrian. You bring most of them back here, remember?’ she quipped.
He rushed across the room, and before she could move, he had gripped her wrist, forcing her to look up at him. The strong odour of alcohol wafted from his breath. Bitterness and anger distorted his normally placid face.
Is that what I look like? she wondered with horror.
‘I mean I know people who can hurt him. That’s what you want, isn’t it? That’s what you were implying the other morning?’
Morgan uncurled his fingers from her wrist one by one and gestured for him to sit on the bed with her, his anger not frightening her at all.
‘Adrian, those things I said to you … I was wrong.’
This was her battle to fight, not her baby brother’s. She was wrong to have involved him in the first place. He wasn’t built for confrontation. He wanted to spread peace and love, not retribution. They may have come from the same womb, but their view of life couldn’t have been more different. She deliberated her next words, wondering if she should voice them.
‘He came to see me at the club.’
Adrian’s jaw tensed, and she gave his arm a reassuring rub. ‘It’s okay. He only wanted to talk.’
‘About what?’ His voice was cold.
‘God knows. I didn’t give him the chance to elaborate.’ She frowned. ‘He looked like shit. Really, really awful.’
‘Good.’
Morgan’s voice drifted into a hushed whisper, ‘In a way, I actually felt sorry for him.’
Adrian gave her an incredulous look. ‘You’re kidding me? Are you for real? Sorry for him? You?’
Her shoulders drooped and she stared down at her feet. ‘I think you were right. It’s time to put this all behind us. We can’t change the past. We need to look to the future. We’re not the ones who did anything wrong. Why should we carry his shame?’
Morgan had her reasons for telling Adrian this. She hoped she could convince him to be okay with the situation, even though she wasn’t, not wanting him to do something stupid.
The darkness in Adrian’s eyes lifted, and Morgan thought of Skye. Thinking of those soft, green eyes was the only way to bring the genuine smile to her face required to persuade Adrian of her sincerity. By the way his shoulders slumped with release, Morgan knew it had worked. She pushed her guilt aside and made a mental note to take the number hidden behind the kitchen drawer with her before she left. Whatever she decided to do regarding Thomas would be her burden to carry and no one else’s. Especially those she loved.
Chapter Twenty
Bea did a double take as Skye entered Peppermill’s kitchen via the back door. Wiping her hands on her white apron, she eyed Skye with surprise. ‘You’re back already?’
‘I sure am. There’s no escaping this place. It has the lure of a siren’s song,’ Skye said half-jokingly.
‘What happened in London? Did you have a bust up with Izzy or something?’
Skye slipped out of her jacket and hung it on the rack. ‘No, London wasn’t what I expected, that’s all.’
She refrained from going into too much detail. What was done was done.
‘Hey, Chef,’ a co-worker called out, leaning into the kitchen door. ‘Table fifteen wants to know why their food is taking so long.’
‘Because I’ve only got one pair of bloody hands, that’s why,’ the irate chef shouted back as he stood in front of an eight-ringed cooker, a pot bubbling on every ring. Steam filled the kitchen, and the chef pushed back his damp hair with his sleeve. ‘They’ll get it when it’s bloody ready.’
‘Oh, okay.’
The young waiter was backing out of the kitchen, when Bea called him, ‘Mark, wait. Apologise and offer them tea or coffee, on the house. I’ll personally bring their food out when it’s ready.’
‘Who made you boss?’ the chef asked with irritation.
‘Stanley, actually.’ She glared at him before turning her attention back to Skye and giving her a big grin. ‘Temporarily, anyway, until he can find someone to replace Izzy.’
‘Replace Izzy?’ Skye said with growing curiosity.
‘Didn’t she tell you? She isn’t coming back. She called Stanley yesterday and quit. Just like that. No notice, nothing. He’s right pissed off.’
‘Oh.’ Skye could think of nothing to add.
Bea gave her one of her withering looks. ‘Are you sure nothing happened between you two? I know how nasty that woman can be.’
Skye’s stomach sank. Despite what had happened, the last thing she wanted to do was gossip with Izzy’s number one enemy. ‘I …We—’
‘Skye, you’re wanted out here,’ Mark’s voice rang out from the doorway.
Thankful for the distraction, she hurried out of the kitchen before Bea could ask her anything else, and as a way of explanation, she said, ‘Most probably my dad.’
Oliver had likely come to the restaurant in hopes of getting drug money from her.
He’s relentless, but so am I. She mentally steeled herself. Under no circumstances would she falter in her plan.
Skye took a deep breath as she scanned the room for Oliver. Not seeing him, she turned to Mark. ‘Where is he?’
Mark looked at her quizzically. ‘He? She, you mean.’
‘Eh?’ Skye frowned, really confused.
He nodded in the direction of an area around the corner. Intrigued, Skye walked a few feet, turned to her left and stopped in her tracks. Her knees shook and her insides melted with desire.
Morgan was sitting at a table in the corner, looking even more alluring than she remembered.
What’s she doing here? Skye considered backtracking into the kitchen and getting the hell out of there, but it was too late. Morgan had looked up and seen her.
She gave a faint smile when Morgan waved, and feeling as though she were walking in treacle, she made her way over to her table.
‘Morgan, this is a surprise.’ Even to her own ears her voice sounded tight.
‘Not a pleasant one by the look on your face.’
‘I’m just shocked …’ Her words stumbled over one another in quick succession as she went on, ‘Shocked to see you.’
Skye cursed her open face that gave everything away.
‘Can you sit down for a few minutes?’
Skye glanced back, saw Mark and Bea gawping in her direction and gave them a mind-your-own-business stare.
‘Sure,’ she said casually to Morgan and lowered herself into the opposite seat. ‘So … what’re you doing here?’
‘I needed a break, so I thought I’d take your advice and come chill out here. All this clean air is doing me the world of good already.’ Morgan smiled. ‘And … Izzy told me why you left London.’
Skye involuntarily jerked back in her seat. ‘She did? And you still came?’ Has Izzy sold me down the river?
‘Of course. Why wouldn’t I? I was worried about you after you took off without saying a word.’
‘I thought—’
‘What? That I’d be upset with you for returning to look after your sick aunt? I’m not that bad.’ Morgan laughed.
That laugh. That mouth.
Skye frowned, trying to straighten out her thoughts. She played with her earring, buying herself some time. ‘My sick aunt?’
‘Yes, and seeing as you told me where you worked, I thought it would be a bit rude not to drop by and say hello, so … here
I am.’ She spread her hands out and smiled.
‘Yes, yes you are.’
Skye didn’t know how to take Morgan’s sudden appearance. On the one hand, she was elated, considering she thought she’d never see her again. On the other, having Morgan on her home turf was a huge risk. The chance was greater of her finding out about her dad here than in London. There, she was anonymous and blended in unnoticed amongst the millions of other people. But here, everybody knew each other, and not only that, they knew each other’s business in every minute detail. It didn’t help that Oliver was somewhat notorious around town.
Skye shut her eyes, wishing she could be anywhere else, but also wishing she had never left Morgan’s company. What a mess.
‘If it’s a problem …’ Morgan stood to leave. ‘I’m sorry, coming here was obviously a mistake.’
‘A problem? Are you kidding?’ Skye gestured for Morgan to sit down. ‘No way. Believe it or not, I’m thrilled.’
Skye was pleased that she sounded truthful, and she was. She was overjoyed at seeing Morgan again, and by the rapid beating of her heart, it was too.
Relief relaxed Morgan’s face. ‘Good.’
‘So where’re you staying?’
‘At a place called Old Liberty. Do you know it?’
Skye nodded. ‘Very well. I pass it on my way home.’
‘Do you? Must be a sign.’ A flash of humour crossed her face.
Skye watched as the weak sunlight caught her blue-black hair as it swayed and lifted gently from her shoulders. She was mesmerised and then felt childish in her infatuation with this sophisticated woman. Grow up, Skye.
Skye studied Morgan closer. She had the appearance of someone poised on the brink—frozen, unable to move forwards or back. Even the conversation they were having sounded … stilted, forced—nothing like the one they’d had at the French restaurant.
Morgan took a sip of coffee. ‘So, do you think you’ll have time to show me around your home town?’
‘Oh sure. But coming from London, I don’t think you’ll find anything here half as exciting.’
‘There’s always you.’
Blood rushed to Skye’s cheeks. ‘Well, I’m sure there’s something you might enjoy,’ she started, not wanting to appear affected by her comment. Her mind scrambled for things for them to do while Morgan’s words ran rampant. She finds me interesting?
‘I’m sure there is.’
Skye’s mouth involuntarily twitched. ‘We could always go to the cinema,’ she suggested. Boring. She could have kicked herself for coming up with something so mundane.
Morgan nodded enthusiastically all the same. ‘Sounds good. I haven’t been in ages.’
‘And I could take you for an Indian,’ Skye continued, encouraged by Morgan’s response. ‘The best Marlborough has to offer.’
‘Mmm, I love Indian food.’
‘And we could—’
‘Spend some time at my hotel,’ Morgan added suddenly.
‘Spend time at your hotel?’ Skye repeated slowly, almost in a daze.
‘From what I’ve heard, it’s got an amazing spa. We could have a girly day.’
‘Oh, yeah, that sounds cool,’ she said, hoping Morgan couldn’t see the disappointment in her eyes. She was getting ahead of herself, as usual, reading into things that weren’t there.
‘And maybe I can stop by and meet your aunt. I’ll buy her some flowers.’
Skye hid her trembling hands under the table as she assembled a lie. ‘My aunt. Oh no. She isn’t up for visitors. Maybe some other time.’
Guilt over her uncharacteristic lying niggled at her.
‘Okay. You know best.’
Skye smiled, putting aside her guilt and worry to wholly enjoy Morgan’s return. If she could keep Morgan away from her dad, and her fictitious aunt, while she was in town, Morgan would go back to London and everything would be fine.
Bea approached their table and eyed Skye expectantly.
‘Oh Bea, I’d like to introduce you to my friend from London. Morgan, this is Bea.’
Morgan shook her hand and smiled. ‘Nice to meet you.’
‘You too,’ Bea said, returning the smile. ‘Look, Skye, if you want to spend time with your friend, we can manage here. You aren’t officially meant to be working anyway.’
‘Well, if you’re sure …’ Skye said, turning to Morgan. ‘When do you want to start your tour?’
‘No time like the present.’
‘There’s lots to see here,’ Bea said. ‘Why don’t you show her the fountain at Heaven’s Gate to start. The weather has cleared, so you can venture outdoors for a bit.’
‘Good idea.’ Skye returned her attention to Morgan. ‘Give me fifteen minutes to go home and change, and then we’ll head out.’
‘Do you want me to come with you?’ Morgan asked, rising to her feet. ‘My car’s outside.’
Skye gestured for her to sit back down. ‘No, no. Bea will bring you another coffee. It’s only around the corner. I won’t be long.’
She ushered Bea into the kitchen, fearful of leaving them alone in case Bea said something out of place.
Her heart hammered in her chest as she said to Bea, ‘Please, not a word about my dad. She doesn’t know anything about him, and I don’t want her to.’
Bea nodded sagely. ‘I understand.’
‘Thanks, Bea. Just to let you know, I told her I live with my aunt.’
‘Don’t worry, Skye. She’ll hear nothing from me.’ Bea mimed zipping her lips closed.
Let’s just hope we don’t bump into him anywhere.
***
Some time later, the two of them drove off toward Heaven’s Gate, a lush green park where Skye had spent many a happy time playing as a child. She recalled standing on the edge of the park’s grand fountain and imagining she was putting on a concert in a hulking stadium. She turned to Morgan and smiled as they travelled down the narrow streets.
‘That’s where I went to primary school,’ Skye said, pointing to a small white building tucked behind a slew of towering oak trees. ‘I was such a shy child, my mum thought I had learning difficulties.’
‘I hate labels,’ Morgan replied. ‘I don’t know why society finds it necessary to lump everyone together.’
‘We all do it in one way or another, even you,’ Skye finished softly.
Morgan took her eyes off the road to glance at her. ‘Me? No way.’
‘Of course you do. If I recall, you said you hate drug addicts. Isn’t that tarring them all with the same brush?’
‘That’s different,’ Morgan said stiffly.
‘No, it isn’t. You didn’t say you hated “the” drug addict who hurt your family. You hate them all. So I can only assume you think all drug addicts are the same.’
It was important to Skye to make this point, even if it destroyed the fragile comfort they had built up on the drive around town.
‘So you want me to believe that they’re not all selfish and don’t only think about getting what they want? No, they are all the same and don’t care who they hurt in the process.’
Morgan’s observation had struck a nerve, leaving Skye momentarily silent. She sounds just like Izzy.
‘Just because they’re selfish, doesn’t make them bad people,’ Skye said with heartfelt force.
‘We’ll just have to agree to disagree on this matter.’
‘Okay. I don’t want to spoil the day by arguing about nonsense.’ She only just managed not to sound defensive, which surprised her.
Morgan tapped her fingers on the steering wheel in tune to the music on the radio ‘We’re not arguing.’
‘Okay, whatever we’re doing, let’s stop.’ They wouldn’t agree on this issue, and it made Skye even more adamant to keep her ‘aunty’ alive.
Skye pointed ahead. ‘There it is. The wonder of Marlborough. You can park anywhere over there.’
Once they were inside the park, the pair stood at the base of a fountain, admiring the beautifully detailed resin s
culptured guardian angel.
‘Your colleague was right. It’s amazing,’ Morgan said. ‘This fountain is so majestic.’
‘Unlike the rest of the town. For some reason, I’ve never felt like it fit in around here. It would be better suited somewhere in London.’
‘Just like you.’ Morgan’s steady gaze bore into her in silent expectation. ‘You’re too talented to be stuck in this town. You need to get out in the world, where there’re opportunities for you to explore.’
‘If you’re referring to me singing, I’d prefer not to talk about it right now,’ Skye muttered, knowing where the conversation was leading. Morgan seemed to feel more strongly about her singing career than she did.
The pair sat on the edge of the fountain quietly, observing the passersby.
‘Do you think I’m stupid?’ Skye asked, watching as a mum pushed her baby in a very large pram.
‘Not at all.’ Morgan twisted around to look at her. ‘Why’d you think that?’
‘Because I put my family first.’ Skye couldn’t bring herself to look at Morgan, fearing her answer as if it were the most important reply she had ever waited for in her entire life.
‘No way. Loyalty is a trait I admire. It’s just an unfortunate situation, that’s all.’
Skye looked into the deep blue eyes that had filled her dreams over the last couple of nights. ‘Well, it won’t be forever.’
She needed Morgan to know she wouldn’t always be Oliver’s carer.
‘I hope not, for your sake. There’s nothing worse than living with regrets,’ Morgan said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
‘Are you talking about yourself?’
Morgan nodded.
‘It’s funny, not in a “ha ha” sort of way,’ Skye hastened to add. ‘But you’re the last person I thought would have any regrets.’
‘I don’t normally, but I may have one soon, if I make the wrong decision.’
‘Does this have to do with your “friend” Maggie?’
‘Maggie? God no. Why would you say that?’
‘I dunno. I thought you two—’
‘No. We dated once, but it was nothing. I wish she were the extent of my worries.’
So there isn’t anything between them. Skye’s heart soared.