Forever at Conwenna Cove

by Forever at Conwenna Cove (retail) (epub)

  Zoe’s heart clenched as she looked from Nate to Finn and back again. What was he doing here? Why was he here after all this time?

  ‘Zoe’s my wife.’

  ‘Ex-wife,’ she added.

  Finn shrugged. ‘Semantics.’

  ‘No, we are divorced.’ Zoe stepped closer to Nate. ‘We were separated a long time ago.’

  Nate rubbed his eyes then pushed a hand though his hair. ‘It’s a small world.’ He gave a laugh but it sounded forced.

  ‘It sure is… Great day, though, Nate! Well done!’ Finn slapped Nate on the back. ‘Zoe, we need to have a catch up now I know where you’re living.’

  Zoe sighed inwardly. She hadn’t exactly tried to cover her tracks so that Finn would be unable to find her, but had assumed he wouldn’t care where she was. She’d hoped she’d never bump into him again but there was always a chance. If only she’d asked Nate what surfers were involved in the event but then… perhaps she’d been afraid to. She was a local business owner and Nate’s friend: she could hardly have refused to get involved and she wouldn’t have wanted to do so. Why let Finn control what she did now? What they’d shared was over a long time ago.

  When fingers entwined with hers, tears pricked her eyes and she had to swallow hard.

  ‘Come on, Zoe. We need to speak to a few people.’

  Nate led her away from Finn and his companions and across the beach to a quieter spot behind the stalls.

  ‘Are you okay, Zoe?’

  She nodded.

  ‘You sure? I had no idea he was your ex or I’d have…’ He bit his lip. ‘Well, I couldn’t have asked him not to come because Lucinda went to a lot of trouble arranging it, but I could have let you know… if you’d have preferred not to bump into him, that is.’

  ‘It’s all right, Nate. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I can’t say I’m delighted but I am glad you were with me.’

  ‘Zoe?’ He was still holding her hand and his smooth palm was comforting against her own. ‘Will you tell me something? Honestly?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘When you kissed me just then… was it because you saw him coming?’

  She sighed and dropped her gaze to her sandy feet. She’d abandoned her flip-flops in the confusion following Finn’s arrival, and hoped they wouldn’t be washed away.

  ‘Nate, I panicked. I haven’t seen Finn in ages and when I recognized him, my first instinct was to grab you.’

  Nate gazed at her, a small line appearing between his fair eyebrows.

  ‘I’m trying to work out if that’s a good thing.’

  Zoe was, too. Had she grabbed him because she’d wanted to make Finn jealous, or at least to show that she had moved on from his betrayal, or because she’d needed Nate’s love and comfort in that moment?

  ‘I think it is,’ she said finally, and Nate pulled her close and held her.

  ‘I hope so,’ he whispered into her hair.

  She stayed in his arms, listening to the powerful beat of his heart as he gently stroked her hair. His scent of fresh air, suncream and salt, mixed with a faint hint of sandalwood, was the best smell Zoe could imagine and she buried her face in him, wanting it to be just them and no one around them to complicate things. Their relationship was complicated enough already.

  A shout from the other end of the beach snapped Zoe back to reality and Nate released her to take a look.

  ‘Nate?’ Oli was running along the beach. ‘Nate?’

  ‘I’m here, Oli.’ Nate jogged over to the vet. ‘What is it?’

  ‘It’s your mother, Nate. Come quickly.’

  Nate glanced at Zoe and the fear in his eyes made her stagger. She knew, having lost his father so young, that this was one of his worst fears. And as he hurried back along the beach with Oli, Zoe followed them. Whatever happened, she’d be there for Nate as he had been for her.

  Chapter 21

  Nate pounded along the beach with Oli at his side, wishing it wasn’t so difficult to run on the sand. His heart was in his mouth and fear raced through his veins.

  When he reached the crowd that had gathered not far from the path, he pushed through, his manners abandoned as anxiety gripped him. And then he saw her.

  ‘Mum?’

  Grace was with Paula, supporting her with an arm around her shoulders, and Eve was offering her sips from a bottle of water.

  ‘Come on, people, let’s give Paula some space.’ Oli waved his arms at the onlookers and people nodded then moved away, although a few remained at the edges, keen to see what would happen next.

  ‘Mum?’ Nate knelt in the sand next to her.

  She blinked at him.

  ‘Has anyone called an ambulance?’ Nate asked Oli.

  ‘There’s a first responder up near the cliffs so Jack’s gone to get him.’

  ‘Nate?’ Paula’s voice was weak and he moved closer.

  ‘I’m here, Mum. What happened?’

  ‘Oh, love, I think I got a bit warm.’

  Grace nodded. ‘One minute she was chatting away and the next, she sank to the sand. I managed to grab her and helped her down but she turned ashen and definitely blacked out for a few seconds.’

  ‘Well, drink some more water and we’ll get you checked out.’

  ‘Nate?’ Zoe appeared at his side. ‘Is everything okay?’

  ‘I’m all right, Zoe. It was the heat, I think, love.’ Paula offered a weak smile.

  Zoe knelt next to Nate and, when she touched his arm, he glanced at her. He was grateful for her support. He didn’t know how he’d cope if he lost his mum right now. He’d only just come to terms with losing his dad and even then, his grief was sometimes still so raw. And Paula seemed too young to be ill or to… to die. She had so much life ahead of her. Yes, she’d been through such a lot lately but she was a fighter and she deserved to enjoy her time, not to be torn away now when she hadn’t even had a chance to experience the beauty of Conwenna Cove.

  ‘Excuse me!’

  Nate looked up to see the green and yellow fluorescent clothing of the first responder as he bobbed through the people on the beach. Jack was at his side, encouraging people to move.

  ‘Right, what do we have here?’

  The first responder knelt next to Paula.

  Nate reeled off his mum’s details then Grace explained what had happened.

  ‘Okay, my name’s Michael and I’m here to check that you’re all right, Paula. I’m going to ask you some questions and run a few tests, then decide what we need to do.’

  As Michael took Paula’s blood pressure and ran through his questions, Nate watched his mum carefully. She seemed so small and pale and he knew, in that moment, that she really was as mortal as they all were. His mum had always been the strong one, the backbone of the family, the one he could ring or visit when he wanted a good meal or some advice or to know that someone was in his corner. And that was something he could never take for granted. Who knew how long any of them had? His father’s early passing was a painful reminder of that. Nate had always striven to be a live-for-the-moment kind of guy. He had ups and downs, and losing his dad had given him more downs than before, but he’d always taken it for granted that his mum would be there.

  But no one lived for ever.

  He realized that Michael was speaking, so he shook his thoughts away and focused.

  ‘I think Paula fainted because of the heat and perhaps because she hasn’t eaten and drunk enough today. You could go to the hospital to be checked out but I don’t think there’s any need, seeing as how you’re feeling a bit better now. What I do recommend is getting home, out of the sun, and having a good meal and plenty of rest. Paula, is that something you can do?’

  ‘Yes, of course. I’m fine, I’ve just been a bit tired recently.’

  ‘Well, you should go to your GP and have a full check up soon, but it’s not an emergency.’

  ‘I will.’ Paula smiled at Michael.

  ‘Okay… uh, Nate?’ Michael said.

  ‘Yes.�
� Nate stood up to face the first responder.

  ‘You all right to get your mum home?’

  ‘Definitely. And thank you.’

  ‘I’m simply doing my job!’ Michael smiled at him. ‘I’ll be nearby if you need anything else.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘And if she seems to deteriorate in any way, phone for an ambulance immediately.’

  ‘Of course.’

  Michael walked away and Nate returned to Paula’s side.

  ‘Right, Mum, time to take you home.’

  He helped her to her feet then scooped her up in his arms.

  ‘Nate! Put me down!’

  ‘Absolutely not.’

  ‘This is silly. I’m perfectly capable of walking.’

  ‘Not today, you’re not.’

  ‘I’ll bring your things,’ Zoe said, as she picked up Paula’s bag and shoes.

  ‘Don’t worry about the stall, Zoe. We’ll help Kierney tidy up,’ said Grace.

  ‘Thanks so much, Grace.’

  Nate made his way carefully up the steep path. His mother was as light as a child and that made his concern for her deepen. He knew she’d lost weight and that it was down to the stress she’d been through, but she needed to start looking after herself. She was far too precious to become ill and he intended to make sure that she got stronger.

  In fact, he knew now for certain that he wouldn’t be going anywhere until he was confident that she was well again.

  * * *

  ‘Oh my goodness, Nate, it’s boiling in here,’ Zoe whispered to Nate, as soon as Paula had gone into the bathroom.

  Nate looked around his flat. ‘It does get warm but I always open up all the windows and the breeze soon blows through.’

  ‘Why don’t you bring your mum up to my cottage? I already suggested to her that she could stay with me. I have plenty of space and with the old stone walls, it’s much cooler inside. And it’s quieter up there, away from the main street.’

  Nate nodded. He knew Zoe was right but it was also a lot for her to offer.

  ‘But you don’t know Mum that well and while it’s really kind of you, what if…’ He chewed his lip. He’d seen how well his mum and Zoe got on and even if it didn’t work, they could always find another solution.

  ‘Look, Nate, I’d enjoy the company. Your mum is lovely and it would be nice to get to know her better. Besides, with her experience, I’m sure she can teach me a thing or two about the catering business. She’s probably got loads of tips and cheats I could use.’

  Zoe’s pretty brown eyes exuded warmth and kindness and a surge of emotion shot through him. He wanted to speak to her again about what had happened at the beach and about her ex, Finn, but it wasn’t the right time.

  ‘Are you sure?’

  Zoe nodded. ‘It would be a pleasure.’

  ‘Okay, I’ll pack her bag.’

  When Paula emerged from the bathroom, Nate explained about Zoe’s offer and his mum smiled.

  ‘She did ask me, as I told you, but I hadn’t made a decision on what was the best thing to do.’

  ‘Well, if Nate’s been sleeping on the sofa here, then it would probably be a good thing, Paula. He can have his bed back and you can recover in my nice, cool cottage.’

  Paula smiled. ‘That’s true, and thank you so much, Zoe. But if I get on your nerves at all, you can kick me out right away.’

  Nate shook his head. He couldn’t imagine his mum getting on anyone’s nerves. He would miss having her in his flat but he also knew that she’d be better off in Zoe’s cottage.

  Besides, it also gave him an excuse to be there too.

  * * *

  Zoe carried a tray bearing three mugs of tea into the lounge and placed it on the small coffee table in front of Paula.

  ‘You did say no sugar, didn’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I’m sweet enough, or so Richard tells me!’ Paula smiled but she looked drained.

  Nate came in through the front door.

  ‘Did you get through to him, darling?’

  ‘Yes. He’s incredibly worried as would be expected. He is your husband, after all, and he’s going to get here as soon as he can.’

  ‘Oh, no, Nate. I don’t want him rushing here. Poor Richard has enough to do.’

  ‘He’s your husband, Mum, he needs to be at your side.’

  ‘But I’m fine now.’

  ‘Well, I’ll call him again later and see what he says.’

  ‘Thank you, darling.’

  ‘Are you warm enough, Paula?’ Zoe asked, knowing that even if it was scorching hot outside, within the thick walls of her cottage it could be chilly.

  ‘Oh, yes, plenty warm, thanks, Zoe.’

  Nate sat next to his mother on the sofa and Zoe took the chair. It was strange having people in her home, but not in a bad way. She usually pottered around alone, clearing up her own mess and no one else’s, but now she had two people here and her lounge seemed brighter. She had popped upstairs to make up the spare bed for Paula when they’d arrived and she’d enjoyed hearing the low murmur of voices below as she’d straightened sheets and shaken pillows. The only other company she’d had at the cottage was Raven, and the gentle greyhound hadn’t made much noise at all.

  ‘Ooh! I forgot to ask if you wanted a biscuit.’

  Zoe stood up but Paula raised her hand. ‘No, I’m fine, lovely.’

  ‘Actually, she will have a biscuit, Zoe, if you don’t mind,’ Nate said.

  ‘Will I now?’ Paula turned to face her son.

  ‘Yes, because you need to put some weight on, Mum. Build yourself up a bit.’

  Paula smiled, so Zoe went and fetched the biscuit tin.

  ‘I don’t keep anything fancy… just some digestives and Rich Tea fingers. Supermarket own brand. If I bought anything else I’d eat them in one go, you know, sitting here in front of the TV on my own.’ Zoe bit her lip. Why had she said that? She sounded like a right sad case. ‘Not that I mind being on my own, but there’s no one to share the biscuits.’

  She caught the glance that Paula exchanged with Nate and lowered her head as her cheeks flushed. Why did she keep digging herself in deeper? She didn’t want them feeling sorry for her.

  ‘Zoe, I would be exactly the same.’ Paula smiled and Zoe’s tension evaporated.

  ‘Well, I am and I do.’ Nate grinned. ‘I eat all the biscuits and cakes and whatever else I bring home from the cafe. Otherwise it would waste and that would be a terrible shame.’

  They drank their tea in silence for a few moments and Zoe had the opportunity to think about what it would be like to have people around, to have a family. She liked how it felt.

  ‘So we need to get you to the doctor soon, Mum, for a check up.’

  Paula nodded. ‘It’s Sunday tomorrow though, so it’ll have to be in the week.’

  ‘I’ll give them a ring first thing on Monday morning.’

  ‘Are you both hungry?’ Zoe asked.

  ‘I could eat,’ Nate said. ‘I need to pop back down to the beach first though, if that’s okay? To check everything’s finished and that it’s been tidied up. Will you be okay here with Mum, Zoe?’

  ‘Of course. I’ll make us some dinner for around six, shall I?’

  ‘That would be great. Mum, will you promise to rest?’

  Paula nodded. ‘I’ll take a nap. I’m struggling to keep my eyes open.’

  ‘Go on upstairs then, Paula. Nate has put your bags in your room for you.’

  Paula finished her tea then stood up. She walked over to Zoe and gave her a hug. ‘Thank you, sweetheart. You’re a lovely person.’ Then she hugged Nate. ‘And you’re a wonderful son. I still think you’d make a great couple.’ She gave a giggle then climbed the stairs and, soon, Zoe could hear her moving around above them as she got things out of her bags then climbed into bed.

  Nate stood up. ‘I’d better go. And Mum’s right, Zoe.’

  ‘What, about us making a great couple?’ Zoe’s stomach did a flip.

  ‘Uh�
� yeah… I was referring to what she said about you being a sweetheart, but I can see why she’d say the other thing.’

  ‘You know… Finn and I… that was a long time ago, Nate. I was little more than a girl when we got together and he hurt me a lot. He cheated on me, but I think it was already over and the cheating was just confirmation of that.’

  Nate nodded. ‘You don’t need to explain anything to me, Zoe. That’s your past and your life and you don’t owe me anything.’

  But I want to!

  ‘He’s a good looking guy, though. He’s very successful and must be earning big bucks.’

  Zoe chewed her bottom lip. Was Nate feeling jealous or insecure?

  ‘Nate… I would never go back to him. Not even if he wanted me.’

  ‘He looked pretty pleased to see you.’

  ‘He always looks like that. It’s his default setting whenever he sees someone he knows.’

  Nate nodded, but Zoe wasn’t convinced that it hadn’t got to him. She hadn’t set out to deceive him by not telling him who her ex was, but she hadn’t expected Finn to turn up on her doorstep, either.

  ‘Right, sooner I get down there, sooner I’ll be back. You need me to pick anything up?’

  ‘I have plenty in the freezer. Bonus of owning a diner.’

  Nate crossed the room and stood right in front of her. ‘I’ll see you soon.’ He pecked her cheek, paused as if he wanted to say more, shook his head then strode to the front door and was gone.

  Two hours later, Zoe had pots bubbling on the stove and she’d set the small table in the kitchen with plates and cutlery. She’d popped some frozen bread rolls in the oven and the smell of bread filled the kitchen and lounge. She was humming to the radio, enjoying the opportunity to cook for others in her home, when there was a knock at the door.

  Was Nate back already?

  She patted her hair, licked her lips then went to answer it, thinking Nate could have let himself in but was probably too polite to just walk into her home, even though his mother was still asleep upstairs.

  She swung the door open, hoping to find herself enveloped in Nate’s embrace, because that was exactly where she wanted to be, and stopped dead. Because it wasn’t Nate. It was Finn, standing there grinning and holding a big bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine.