Page 38 of Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

‘Sounds great! I’d love to. Thanks.’ Brooke beamed, her dark-green eyes shining. ‘Will any of the other residents be there?’

Stella nodded. ‘Alex from the apartment opposite me will be there, but other than you and him, I haven’t met anyone else here yet. I’ve heard the lift go a couple of times though.’

‘I suppose it’s to be expected, us all moving in at staggered times; we’ll all have different completion days.’

‘True.’ Stella got to her feet. ‘Right, well I’d best be off. I’ve got a mountain of work that I was hoping to be much further through than I am by now. Good to meet you, Brooke. See you Saturday.’

‘See you Saturday, and thanks again for the help.’

At six thirty on the dot, Stella heard a knock at her apartment door. Her heart leapt at the prospect of seeing Alex again. She opened it, her stomach looping-the-loop as she saw him standing before her looking achingly handsome in a teal-coloured shirt and jeans. He really was easy on the eye, stubble grazing his chin affording him a rugged air.

‘Hi,’ she said, not bothering to rein in the huge smile that was tugging at her mouth. His appearance had chased away the anxiety that had been building at the prospect of seeing her mum after what she’d learnt. And then there was Pim. Stella couldn’t even begin to work out where he fitted into it all. But now, with Alex on her doorstep, a lightness washed over her.

‘Hi,’ he said, leaning forward and pressing a lingering kiss to her lips, her hormones launching into a happy dance. ‘Ready to head to The Cellar?’ he asked once he’d reluctantly, pulled away.

‘Mm-hm.’ She nodded, feeling slightly dazed from the touch of his mouth on hers. She could have quite happily dragged him into her apartment and led him straight to the bedroom –despite her resolution to take things slowly. That was a much more appealing prospect than facing her mum.

‘I’m pleased to say it’s stopped raining for now, so I suggest we make a dash for it, much as I could stand here kissing you for way longer.’ He pressed his forehead against hers before giving her a last passion-filled kiss, leaving her feeling more light-headed than ever.

Out on the street, having gathered her wayward emotions together, Stella was relieved to find that Alex was right about the rain. The wind, however, was still hurling itself around, making the sea look decidedly choppy. It was such a difference to the warm and balmy days they’d been enjoying. Stella fastened her coat, glad that she’d had the foresight to tie her hair back into a low ponytail to keep it from ending up in a tangled mess.

Alex took her hand and they hurried along, taking the shortcut through the narrow streets to Endeavour Road where The Cellar was located rather than savouring the walk along the top prom, buffeted by the wind as they went. They spotted a woman battling against the elements with a large golf umbrella on the opposite side of the road. In the next moment a powerful gust blew the thing inside out and the woman let out a shriek. Stella stole a sideways look at Alex, and from the amused look in his eye she guessed he was struggling to keep his laughter in just as she was.

Stella let out a sigh of relief when they arrived at The Cellar, it was good to get out of the wind. Alex held the door open, the hostelry’s familiar playlist of rock/folk fusion spilling out onto the pavement. Though they were early the place was already buzzing with eager customers. ‘There’s Florrie and Ed.’ Stella waved over to where they were sitting in a large semi-circular booth. Florrie’s eyes lit up as she spotted her friend. She nudged Ed and the couple waved back, smiling broadly.

Alex ordered their drinks from a cheerful-looking young server with a neatly clipped beard. He was sporting The Cellar’s uniform of fitted waistcoat over a crisp white shirt, black skinny jeans and a long apron bearing the bar’s logo, tied at the waist.

Stella’s gaze stole to Pim who was pulling a pint from the gleaming Micklewick Mischief beer pump. He was chatting away in his usual friendly manner. She wondered what he would think of the prospect of them being related. She looked more intently, trying to see any trace of family resemblance other than blond hair, blue eyes and, of course, the height. She noted his long, straight nose, just like hers – which she didn’t get from her mum; hers was turned up at the tip. As if sensing her watching him, he turned and nodded, his smile widening. Stella started, feeling her cheeks flush, embarrassed at being caught staring. Recovering quickly, she nodded and returned his smile.

‘Right, here you go, one Pinot Grigio.’ Alex handed her the glass while he reached for his pint of The Cellar’s famous Micklewick Magic beer.

Arriving at their booth, Stella smiled and said, ‘Hi, folks, can I introduce my neighbour, Alex Bainbridge.’ She turned to Alex. ‘This is Florrie and Ed, they have The Happy Hartes Bookshop in the square.’

‘Ah, yes, the shop with the amazing window displays.’ Alex nodded.

‘Hi, Alex, good to meet you.’ Florrie gave him a friendly smile. ‘And it’s Ed who’s responsible for the window displays. I just look on in awe.’ She laughed.

‘Hi, Alex,’ said Ed, smiling. ‘It’s great that you could join us. And it’s good to hear you like the window displays, they’re fun to do.’

‘Ed’s an artist,’ said Stella, sliding along the leather seat beside Florrie, Alex following her.

Alex nodded. ‘Ah, that explains why the displays are so awesome.’

They’d just got settled when they were joined by Maggie and her husband Bear.

‘Ey up, folks,’ Bear beamed at them. He was built like a brick proverbial, with an unruly head of hair and thick, bushy beard. He was often described as looking like a Viking though his muscular stature belied his gentle nature.

‘By ’eck it’s bloomin’ nippy out there. I don’t know what’s happened to the sun, but it can get its backside back in that sky.’ Maggie giggled, unbuttoning her coat and revealing her growing baby bump.

‘Mags, Bear, this is Alex,’ said Stella. ‘He’s my neighbour.’

Smiling, Bear held out his hand. ‘Hi, Al–’

‘Flippin’ ’eck, don’t tell me I’m not the last one to arrive.’ Jasmine’s voice sliced through the introductions. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever turned up anywhere before Lark.’ She giggled. ‘Ooh, hello.’ Her eyes widened when she spotted Alex. She clearly recognised him from Stella’s brief encounter with him at the Jolly. She turned to her friend, giving a quick waggle of her eyebrows.

‘Jazz, this is Alex.’ Stella gave her a warning look. ‘Alex, this is my friend, Jasmine.’

‘Hi, Jasmine, it’s good to meet you.’ Alex gave an amused smile. He was clearly picking up on the two friends’ non-verbals.

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