Page 72 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

‘I reckon you’re right, Florrie, Ernest’s overdue a walk,’ said Max. ‘Fancy joining me, Jingilby?’

Jasmine could feel several pairs of eyes boring into her like laser beams.

‘Yeah, why not?’ It would give them the perfect opportunity to have a chat and for Jasmine to apologise.

Jasmine and Max took a left out of the gate at Samphire Cottage, the dogs on the end of their leads, trotting along at a jaunty pace, a welcome breeze drifting in from the sea. It wasn’t long before they’d reached the top prom.

‘Get the feeling we’ve been set up?’ Max asked, smiling.

‘Er, just a bit.’ She laughed. In the next moment her expression turned serious. She couldn’t keep it in any longer, it had been churning around inside her ever since he’d arrived at Florrie and Ed’s. ‘Listen, Max, I want to say how sorry I am for the way I spoke to you at my parents’ house the other day. It was horrible of me, you’re the last person I’d want to upset. I’m not trying to excuse myself, I take full responsibility for what I said, but all I can say is it’s been a stressful couple of weeks and I lashed out.’ She turned her head to him. ‘I’m really sorry, Max.’

‘Of course I accept your apology, Jingilby. I’m not going to say your words didn’t hurt, because they did. I’d never want to make anyone feel I was “lording it over them” as you describedit. And if I gave that impression, then I should apologise for that.’

‘You didn’t, Max, it’s me. I’ve got this thing about people helping me financially, thinking of me as a charity case. My parents and my friends are always pulling me up about it, saying I’m stubborn. It’s a legacy from my time with Bart, I think, but it seems to have taken root so deeply, it’s hard to shift. And I still get his parents accusing me of being a gold-digger. Those horrible things I said to you was more about me, than it was about you.’

‘You need to stop being so hard on yourself, Jingilby, and let your family and friends help you.’

That’s easier said than done.

‘I can remember your mum saying how you were so independent when we were younger, how you always liked to do things for yourself, didn’t like help. How you’d save up for things you really wanted. I wanted to be like you.’

‘You did?’

‘Yeah. Then when I got to be an adult, and became aware of just how bad my family situation had been as a child, I promised myself that if I had any children of my own, they were going to feel nothing but loved and cared for and valued.’

‘From what I’ve seen of Connor, I’d say you’ve achieved that. He seems a happy well-grounded kid.’

Max turned to her and smiled. ‘Thanks. And you’ve done a pretty awesome job with your two, but they’re even luckier than Connor cos they’ve got an endless supply of cakes on tap.’ Jasmine laughed out loud at that.

‘That reminds me, I’ve got a tin of double-chocolate biscuits at home for you. I’d made them hoping you’d forgive me for my ridiculous outburst.’

‘Are they made from the same recipe you used when we were kids?’

‘They are.’

‘In that case, you’re forgiven.’

‘Thanks.’ Jasmine chuckled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.

Soon, they found themselves on the beach, golden sand stretched out before them. They freed Gerty and Ernest from their leads, and watched them race down to the sea, leaping over the waves with abandon. Seagulls wheeled above before dipping and diving into the water.

‘D’you get the impression those two are enjoying themselves?’ asked Jasmine, chuckling.

‘Just a little bit.’ Max watched the dogs splashing around in the water, chasing one another. His chest heaved with a sigh. ‘You know, the reason I wanted to help with your house situation and why I got the flight vouchers for your mum and dad was because it was a way of saying thank you for all you did for me when I was a little lad. I was made to feel like part of a family and I’ve cherished those memories. I don’t think you realise what you and your family meant to me. It wasn’t just about the warm meals and the clean clothes, it was the feeling that someone actually cared, that I actually mattered to you all – Jonathan’s included in that.’

‘Oh, Max.’ Jasmine’s voice came out in a whisper.

‘I’m not telling you this to make you feel sorry for me – that’s the last thing I want. I just need you to understand the reason behind my actions. I wasn’t trying to be a flash git. I’d hate anyone to think that of me.’

‘I know you weren’t.’

‘It wasn’t till I got older that I realised just how much your parents did for me, handing down Jonathan’s clothes, mending mine. And you, Jingilby, you’re the best friend I’ve ever had. No one has ever come close. The way you used to stick up for me, how you stood up to Scraggo and risked being suspended fromschool or risked getting a thumping from him. I used to think you were awesome.’

Jasmine sniffed and wiped her eyes. ‘Me? Awesome?’

‘Yeah.’ He nudged her with his shoulder, making her smile.

‘And then when you arrived at my house with Zak’s sleepover stuff, I realised you were actually still pretty awesome.’

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