‘This is a lovely diner, Zoe.’
‘Thanks, Paula. I’ve tried to make it a relaxing place to be.’
‘The atmosphere, the decor… oh, I could spend hours in here. In fact, while I’m in Conwenna Cove, I actually might.’
‘You’re very welcome.’
‘Thank you. I don’t suppose you have any jobs going, do you?’
Zoe watched as Nate turned to his mother, surprise registering on his handsome face.
‘You want a job, Mum?’
‘Well, love, it’s not like we didn’t discuss the possibility that I’ll need to find work again.’
‘Yes, I know, but… you’ve only just got here.’
‘No time like the present. You know me, Nate, I can’t let a situation unfold around me. I was made redundant and that was hard but with things as they are…’ She glanced at Zoe. ‘I need to work. And the sooner the better.’
Nate nodded.
‘Sorry, Zoe, I know you don’t want to hear all my woes, but, in short, I was recently made redundant and my husband and I… well, we’re in a bit of a sticky situation. Nothing I can’t deal with.’ She plastered on a smile. ‘But I am going to try to find employment and I’d love to work in a place like this.’
‘Um, there’s nothing solid at the moment but one of my waitresses is going on holiday soon, so you’d be welcome to try out then, if you want. I say “try out” because you might not like it…’
‘Don’t worry about that, Zoe! I worked in the catering industry all my life. I took a few years off when Nate was born but apart from that, I’ve always worked. Gosh, my feet are so tough from all the time spent standing on them that I don’t really need to wear shoes! Don’t tell my husband that, though… don’t want him knowing I’ve got hard skin an inch thick on the soles of my feet. He bought me one of those buzzing vibrator things.’
Nate’s eyebrows shot up his forehead. ‘A what?’
‘You know, love, you put batteries in it and rub it over your skin.’
Zoe had almost choked on her coffee at the turn the conversation had taken.
‘It’s for your feet,’ Paula explained, as she registered their expressions.
‘Thank god for that!’ Nate shook his head.
‘It’s a pedi vibrator. No… a pedi scraper. Nope. Oh, I can’t remember what it’s called exactly, but it basically vibrates and takes all the hard skin away, but I haven’t actually had time to use it.’
‘So, Paula…’ Zoe was keen to change the conversation, aware that the customers at the next table had overheard the word ‘vibrator’ and were probably wondering if Zoe’s Diner was the kind of establishment they wanted to visit with their children. ‘You worked in catering?’
‘Yes, love. I can cook, waitress, host… you name it. With my eyes closed.’
‘Where did you work?’
‘Oooh, all over the place before Nate came along. At some big London hotels and restaurants, at various establishments in Cornwall, and I did some freelancing too, when I needed flexibility. My last job, though, the one I’ve had for over fifteen years, was for a corporate catering firm. Sadly, they were undercut and lost several of their biggest clients, so they had to cut costs and I was one of those let go. It’s my age, see – they usually get rid of those with one foot in the grave.’
‘Bloody hell, Mum, you’re hardly the walking dead.’
‘No, love, not yet, but you know what I mean. I’m not exactly getting any younger. I’ve plenty of energy and experience, though, Zoe, so please, if you do need someone then let me help out here.’
‘Of course. Thank you, Paula, I’ll keep you in mind.’
‘Have you decided yet if you’re going to travel with this one?’ Paula laid her hand on Nate’s arm.
‘Sorry?’ Zoe’s stomach flipped.
‘Nate told me that he’d like you to go with him.’
Zoe met Nate’s eyes and watched as they widened.
‘He would? I… uh… he did mention something but I didn’t know he’d told anyone else. Not that you’re just anyone, of course, but… uh…’
‘Of course he would! But he’s too shy to tell you the truth about how he feels.’
‘Nate is shy?’
Paula nodded. ‘Not in most situations, but when he finds someone he really likes then he changes. It happened when he was a teenager and he had a crush on our neighbour’s daughter, although, of course, that was a teenage crush.’
‘Mum!’ Nate nudged his mother. ‘I was about thirteen and nothing ever came of it.’
‘I know, and now you’re a man, so this must be even more serious.’
‘Besides, Mum, I have mentioned it to Zoe. We just haven’t had a chance to discuss it further.’
Zoe’s heart thudded as Paula’s words sank in. Nate had spoken to his mother about her and told her he’d like Zoe to travel with him. He’d suggested it, yes, but they hadn’t confirmed anything and there were still reasons why she didn’t think it could work. And now his mother, a complete stranger who had made Zoe smile more in the last half hour than she had done in ages, had mentioned the idea of travelling with Nate as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
‘We’d probably better get going.’ Nate drained his coffee. ‘I still have lots to sort out for Saturday.’
‘Let me know if you need any help.’ Zoe smiled at Nate, wanting to say more about travelling, but not sure what it was that she wanted to say.
‘Thanks again, Zoe. That was a lovely meal and it was lovely to meet you.’
‘You, too.’ Zoe realized she wanted to see Paula again, to find out more about Nate and his family and if this woman really did think there was something between Zoe and Nate. ‘Uh… Paula. Do you have plans in the morning?’
Paula looked at Nate and he shook his head. ‘I’m working.’
‘Then, no, I’m free.’
‘Well, first thing, before work, I’m heading up to the greyhound sanctuary to exercise some of the dogs. Would you like to come?’
‘The greyhound sanctuary? Nate’s talked about the farm and the sanctuary many times, and I’ve always wondered what it’s like up there. I’d love to come.’
‘Wonderful. I’ll pick you up about seven… if that’s okay?’
‘Fabulous! I don’t sleep well anyway, not with how things have been, and without Richard next to me tonight, I doubt I’ll get much sleep at all.’
‘He’ll be fine, Mum.’
Paula nodded, but a sadness had settled over her features.
‘Honestly, Mum, Richard will be fine. He’s probably sorting things out as we speak and will soon come and join you here.’
‘But will he have good news?’
Nate slid his arm around Paula’s shoulders and hugged her to his side. The gesture made a lump rise in Zoe’s throat. Nate was so kind and clearly a good son. Side by side, the family resemblance was even more evident.
‘Whatever the news, we’ll face it together then find a way forward.’
‘Yes, love. We will.’
Nate and Paula stood up and followed Zoe to the counter where Nate paid for the meal.
‘I’m going to grab a breath of air, Nate. Thanks again, Zoe. I’ll see you in the morning.’
Paula waved then left the diner.
‘Is she okay, Nate?’
He sighed. ‘Not really. She’s very up and down.’
‘I don’t know the full story obviously, but I gather from the things she said that they’ve some money troubles.’
‘She’s usually a very private person but it’s like coming here and being away from my stepfather has loosened her tongue. Or perhaps it’s just you, Zoe. Perhaps you relaxed her and she can tell you’re a good person.’
‘You think?’
‘I do.’
‘Well, I’m happy to give her some hours here, but at the moment it won’t be much.’
‘You don’t have to do that, Zoe. You don’t know her or know if she’s any good.’
&n
bsp; ‘Is she?’
He smiled. ‘She is and I’m not saying that because I’m her son. She knows her way around the catering business.’
‘Okay, well, I’ll be extra busy tomorrow with the preparation for Saturday, so after we’ve been to the sanctuary, I’ll ask her to help out for a few hours here. How does that sound?’
‘Brilliant. It would boost her confidence if nothing else, and she’s taken an extraordinarily quick shine to you. A bit like I did once I got to know you properly.’
Nate held her gaze then and slid his hand over the counter. Zoe took it and he squeezed her fingers.
‘We have things to talk about but let’s do it after Saturday, shall we?’
‘Yes.’
He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her fingers then turned and left the diner.
Zoe raised her hand and kissed where Nate’s lips had just been. She could smell his aftershave on her skin and feel the warmth that he exuded filtering through and wrapping itself around her heart. It was one of the best feelings she’d ever had.
Nate Bryson was a very special man indeed.
Chapter 18
The next morning, Zoe drove down the main street of the village to the cafe. It was six-fifty and she knew she should be tired but she felt good. She’d slept well, thankfully without nightmares, and woke refreshed and ready to face the day. Tomorrow was Surf for Sighthounds, which she was looking forward to, and she planned to get the bulk of her baking done that afternoon after she closed early.
She parked outside the cafe and cut the engine. Not wanting to put any pressure on Paula by beeping or knocking, she sat and waited, taking the time to enjoy observing the village shops. The grocer’s was already open, taking in a bread delivery, and the sounds of the crates being unloaded and the small talk between the shopkeeper and the delivery man made her smile. They sounded so cheerful, in spite of the hour, but then it was a beautiful August day in Conwenna Cove and that meant there was plenty to smile about.
A movement to her left caught her eye and she waved at Paula. Nate’s mum walked towards the car and smiled broadly. Zoe noted that she was wearing jeans, trainers and a dark green fleece – good clothing for exercising the dogs in the cool morning air.
Paula opened the passenger door and got in, bringing with her a waft of floral perfume and the smell of toast.
‘Good morning, Zoe, and how are you this morning?’
Zoe tightened her short ponytail then automatically ran her hand over her fringe.
‘I’m good, thank you. I slept really well.’
‘Do you know, so did I! I was shocked when I woke up at six. I thought I wouldn’t sleep a wink but the combination of the sea air and a comfy bed meant that I went out for a good seven hours.’
‘That’s great.’
Zoe appraised Paula’s blue eyes, brighter than yesterday, and her clear skin.
‘Conwenna Cove is already working its magic on you.’
Paula laughed. ‘You don’t believe all that, do you, Zoe?’
Zoe pursed her lips. ‘I’m not totally sure, but I’ve seen the cove have a positive effect on people. Almost… healing. I’ve certainly been quite happy since I moved here, and I know a few people who swear by the sea air and more relaxed pace of life.’
‘Sounds idyllic.’
‘Spend some time here and find out.’
Paula smiled. ‘I don’t think I have a choice. I spoke to Richard last night, and although he wasn’t telling me everything, I know him and I don’t think the news was good.’
Zoe touched Paula’s arm. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Me, too. But, hey, one door closes and another opens.’
‘That certainly appears to be the case so often in life.’
‘We just have to be careful not to get our fingers trapped as the door closes though, right?’
Zoe nodded. ‘Absolutely.’
‘So I’m going to try and make the best of a bad situation… excuse the clichés, Zoe’ – Paula smiled – ‘and simply get on with life.’
‘Conwenna is a good place to start.’
Before Zoe pulled away from the kerb, her gaze was drawn to the windows of the flat above the cafe, and she saw Nate smiling down at her, his face tanned and his hair sticking up in all directions. She gave a small wave and he returned it, then she drove away, her heart fluttering at seeing him.
At the bottom of the main street, she took a right and went past the harbour then up the road that led out of Conwenna. As she drove, Paula made lots of appreciative noises about the beauty of the village and the surrounding scenery. And Zoe agreed wholeheartedly. It was a beautiful place to live and she was sure it could lift anyone’s heart.
They reached Foxglove Farm and Zoe stopped the car, then climbed out to open the gate at the edge of the property. Once she’d driven through then closed the gate, she got back in and drove the car further along the track before stopping again.
‘Why’ve we stopped here, love?’ Paula asked.
‘I want to show you something.’
They got out and Zoe led Paula away from the car then gestured at the view.
Paula gasped and placed a hand on her chest. ‘It’s magnificent.’
‘It is.’
Conwenna spread out before them, a perfect Cornish fishing village. The different-coloured houses led down to the harbour, their pastel shades reminding her of sweets in the early morning light. The birds’ morning chorus was enough to warm even the hardest heart, and the scent of earth, damp with dew, and the wild flowers in the hedgerows, filled the air with the promise of a lovely summer’s day.
When Zoe turned to Paula, she found the older woman had tears in her eyes.
‘Paula, the last thing I wanted to do was to upset you.’
Paula shook her head. ‘I’m fine,’ she squeaked.
Zoe wrapped her arm around Paula’s thin shoulders. ‘The ups and downs of life, eh?’
Paula nodded then pulled a tissue from her pocket and wiped her eyes. ‘Never works out how we think it will. You know, at your age I had everything. I was happily married with a wonderful son and life was good. It was calm, happy, and I didn’t want for anything at all. Nate grew up and he was always such a lovely boy. He’s a good man now, too. I know that as his mother I’m biased, but that’s okay in his case because he really is a decent sort. People have tried to take advantage of him for it, but somehow he always bounces back.’
‘Advantage?’
‘Oh… women, people in the modelling industry.’
‘Modelling?’
‘Yes. Didn’t he tell you?’
Zoe shook her head.
‘Typical Nate, never one to boast. He was spotted on a beach at eighteen and they loved his look, apparently. He was the blond-haired, blue-eyed surfer some big London agency wanted for their books. He had a few meetings with them and they filled his head with promises of travel and success, then the client they had in mind for him fell through and suddenly they didn’t want him.’
‘Poor Nate.’
Paula nodded. ‘I was so sad for him but he didn’t seem to mind at all. He said they wanted more than he was happy to commit to and he didn’t mind that they dumped him, but I did wonder if he was just saying that so I wouldn’t worry. You know, he had no confidence when he was younger and only grew into his own skin when he hit his teens and started surfing. It brought him out of himself and gave him a focus, which meant that his shyness seemed to evaporate almost overnight.’
‘It is hard to imagine him being shy.’
Paula chuckled. ‘My beautiful boy. His father was so proud of him. Still would be…’ She sniffed and wiped her eyes again.
‘Let it out if you need to, Paula. Holding it in does you no good.’ Zoe squeezed Paula’s shoulders.
‘I’m fine, sweetheart, but missing my first husband. It catches me sometimes. Usually when I’m somewhere that I know he would have loved.’
Zoe sighed. ‘Life is a rollercoaster.’
‘If I can help in any way…’ Zoe didn’t know what she could do but it seemed the right thing to say.
‘It’s not your problem, Zoe. But thank you. My immediate worry is that I’m taking Nate’s bed. He said he didn’t mind at all, but he can’t sleep on the sofa indefinitely.’
‘Come and stay with me.’
The words shot out of Zoe’s mouth almost as soon as she’d thought them. She’d spent years being sensible and cautious but over the past few weeks, something had started to change inside her. Nate was having a positive effect on her and she liked the way that she was opening up to people. In this case, Paula needed a place to stay, so to hell with caution! Zoe wanted to help her and to help Nate, and what was the worst that could happen?
Paula pulled away and met Zoe’s eyes. ‘I couldn’t do that, Zoe. You have a busy life and you don’t want a stranger under your feet.’
‘You’re not a stranger any more and you’re the mother of a good friend. Look, I am busy but I have a spare bedroom in my cottage and no one ever stays in it. I was hoping to use it as a guest room but I never have guests. It’s yours if you want it.’
Paula released a slow breath. ‘That’s a very kind offer, Zoe.’
‘To be honest, Paula, you’d be doing me a favour. I’ve been quite lonely since I lost my dog—’
‘You had a dog?’
Zoe nodded. ‘A greyhound from the sanctuary… named Raven. I lost her earlier this year and I miss her dreadfully. The cottage is so quiet without her.’
‘Sorry to hear that.’
‘Well, look, no pressure regarding the spare room but have a think and if you fancy it, let me know.’
Paula nodded.
‘Come on, let’s get up to the sanctuary and you can meet the dogs. I bet you’ll love Monica.’
‘They have a dog called Monica?’
‘Yes, she’s adorable.’
‘Do they have one called Chandler, too?’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘Monica and Chandler.’
‘Oh! Sorry, I wasn’t quite with you there, but it would be funny if they did name one of the boys Chandler.’
Forever at Conwenna Cove Page 16