Page 115 of A Secret Cornish Wish
‘That and other things.’
‘You seemed pretty close.’
‘Were you watching us?’
‘No, of course not. I happened to see you through the window, that’s all. Rob’s told me all about your past. I know the two of you were close once.’
‘Once being the important word there. Rob and I are just friends, good friends, in the same way as I’m still friends with all the other mermaids.’
‘Does he know that?’
Why is Mack asking me all these questions. Has Rob asked him to?
‘Yes, definitely after tonight. I was very clear. Well, I hope I was. Has he asked you to question me?’
‘No.’
‘Why are you, then?’
‘Don’t you know?’ Mack asks with an anguished expression.
‘Not really.’
Mack nods slowly, then he stares straight ahead. ‘I thought you might, that’s all,’ he says quietly.
‘Know what?’
‘Why I care what Rob is saying to you, what Rob is thinking about you. I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. I don’t want to come between two people who have known each other since school, and who clearly still have feelings for each other.’
‘Even if that was the case, which it’s not – not those sorts of feelings anyway – why would you come between us?’
Mack turns his head and looks me straight in the eyes.
‘Because I have feelings for you, Frankie. In fact, I might even go so far as to say . . . I’m in love with you.’
Thirty-One
I walk back from the Lyle art gallery on Monday afternoon with my head full of thoughts, each jostling for attention.
My interview went extremely well, and Cordelia offered me the position there and then if I wanted it. The gallery houses many fine works of art – mainly modern, which isn’t exactly to my taste, but the job, the benefits, and most importantly the salary, are so good that dealing with a bit of modern art would to be a small price to pay.
I hesitate at a junction in the road. One cobbled street leads back to Claire’s house, where I know everyone is waiting for me to hear what happened at my interview. The other tarmac path leads up towards Morvoren Cove, where I know, if I’m lucky, I can spend a bit of time on my own for a while just thinking. And, boy, do I have a lot to think about.
Decision made, I quickly text Claire, telling her the interview has gone well, and I’ll be back soon to tell her more. Then I hurry along a narrow street that leads down towards the harbour.
As I walk quickly along Harbour Street, I pause for a moment at the deserted flower shop. It’s so sad to see it like this, abandoned and empty. No buckets of flowers outside, calling to people as they pass by. No bouquets being made up inside, and then tied with one of Rose’s special white ribbons.
I hope you’re all right, Rose, I think as I stand gazing into the blank window.You’ve been through so much over the last few years.Then I think about William, Rose’s late grandson, and her granddaughter, Poppy.Life can be so cruel. Maybe I should take my chances while they’re being offered to me. You just never know what’s round the corner.
I stand in front of the flower shop for another minute or so, before I decide I really must leave if I want some time alone up in my favourite spot. I’m about to walk away and continue on towards the hill, when I spot something on the wooden window ledge of the shop. I stare at it for a moment, before calmly picking it up and carefully placing it in my pocket.
Then I carry on my way, along the harbour and up the grassy hill, where I climb even higher before reaching my special place, which I’m overjoyed to see is just being vacated by an elderly couple wearing hiking boots and carrying rucksacks. They smile at me as I pass them.
Finally, I sit down, and as I do I let out a long sigh. But then I replace it by inhaling a deep breath of fresh sea air, and I immediately begin to feel calmer.
What a thirty-six hours it’s been. How do I even begin to process it all?
Let’s start with the easy stuff, I tell myself.
