Page 66 of A Summer of New Beginnings
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Zara stared at her phone as if doing so would bring forth answers. When it didn’t, she fired off a text to Josh.
Hi Josh. Quick question. And please be honest. Did you happen to steal my novel and submit it to a competition on my behalf?
No reply came immediately as she had hoped it would, but she had been quite terse in her message so perhaps he thought she was angry with him. She sent afollow-on message.
Just so you know, I’m not angry. I’m just a bit shocked. If it was you then thank you. That was a really sweet thing to do. I can’t believe it’s been shortlisted. I’ll speak to you when I get home from Ramsgate. Maybe we could celebrate?
When they arrived at Ramsgate the sun was shining and there was only a light smattering of fluffy cloud overhead. There was a distinct chillto the air, however, that floated on the sea breeze and caused Zara to shiver. Summer would soon be over and she would be back to winter coats and knee boots. But today at least she had braved her summer attire and was planning on making the most of the beautiful day regardless of the slightly lower temperature.
The house was beautiful. Situated in the middle of a Georgian terrace, it had spectacularsea views and was within walking distance of everything the friends would need to make this a weekend to remember. Each bedroom had a king-sized bed and Zara joked that, unlike the others and their partners,shewould be able to sleep diagonally across hers.
The décor in each room was light and fresh and the kitchen was kitted out with every gadget imaginable. Marco insisted on making use ofone such piece of equipment – fresh Italian coffee for everyone – and of course he received no arguments.
As the group of friends sat in the small terraced garden enjoying their coffee Zara’s phone pinged.
Hi Zara. I can’t believe you guessed so easily. It was supposed to be a secret. I’m so excited that you were shortlisted but I had no doubt in my mind. Maybe now you’ll see how much I reallylove you and that all I want is your happiness. I’d be honoured to escort you to the awards ceremony if you’ll have me. Much love J xx
Zara smiled as she read the words over again. He really meant it when he said he’d do anything to win her back. Maybe she had been too hard on him. Maybe she could at least try to start trusting him again. And maybe even open her heart to him again. He hadn’tmentioned Katie, or Caleb for that matter, and she knew he was trying hard to leave them out of any conversation that took place between them. She didn’t want him to be unable to speak about his son and she’d need to let him know that. She resolved to contact him and maybe even go to his flat when she returned from the weekend away.
The friends spent a lovely afternoon walking on the beach andplaying in the amusement arcades. It turned out Jake was a bit of a whizz on the penny falls and he bought them all ice cream with his winnings.
‘The look on the cashier’s face when you handed over that bucket of coins.’
‘I know! If looks could kill, eh?’
As they walked along Shelley linked arms with Zara. ‘ItwasJosh, then?’
Zara laughed. ‘How’d you figure that out?’
Shelley smiled. ‘I’veknown you for a long time, remember, and I know if it had been Lachy you’d be excited at the prospect of seeing him again. Your silence tells me Josh is on a mission and for some reason you’re wondering if you should let him win you back.’
Zara sighed heavily. ‘I see you and Jake together and now Marco and Toby and I want that for me. Am I crazy, Shells? Am I utterly loopy for wanting the possibilityof happiness with someone?’
‘Absolutely not. It’s all that most people want. But you have to ask yourself if you’d be settling for second best. I know deep down you think Josh is still pining for Katie, so you need to be sure that he’s 100 per cent sure too. Otherwise you’ll be back to square one again. And even more heartbroken this time because you’ll have let your guard down.’
Her words stungbut she was right. Even though she knew it was ridiculous, Zara still liked Josh. And he clearly loved her or he wouldn’t be going to so much effort.
‘I know what you’re thinking, Zee. And, yes, I think he does love you in his own way. But there’s a huge difference between spending your life with someone you love and spending it with someone who sets your soul on fire.’
Marco appeared at herother side. ‘What will you do about the awards?’
Zara shrugged. ‘I don’t know. My head and my heart are at odds about the whole thing. I’d love to go just to see if I really am good enough to be a writer. It’d be a fantastic experience. But I’m also terrified.’
Shelley stopped in her tracks and gasped. ‘Zara, it’s an omen. Look.’
Zara turned to see the shop that Shelley was pointing at. Itwas an evening-wear boutique. ‘Come on. Let’s go in and try some dresses on. If you’re attending an awards ceremony you have to look the part.’
Zara was dragged into the shop by Shelley and Marco, who then proceeded to pull the most stunning gowns from the rails and hold them up against her. With only a small amount of reluctance she accompanied Shelley into the fitting rooms, where they bothtried on several glamorous frocks. Then they paraded around doing a makeshift fashion show whilst Marco clapped, Jake rolled his eyes and Toby looked on in bewilderment.
Much to her own disbelief, Zara purchased the most stunning floor-length black dress. It had a sheer back, which was covered in art-deco-patterned lace and diamantés. Very classy and quite stunning. She felt like a princess.Shelley bought something a little more Shelley-ish and even hinted that she might wear her Doc Martens with it. But the buzz about the awards was really starting to grip her and she was ridiculously excited about the possibility she could actually win.
Back at the house she made a brief list of who she would like to take to the ceremony as her guests and decided she would contact the awards secretaryas soon as she got back home.
‘I do love you two. But, honestly, I can sort this out myself. First thing Tuesday I’m going to give the publisher a call and fess up.’
The rest of the weekend consisted of too much alcohol. Too much food and too many ridiculous games of drunken charades. It was the best time Zara had had in ages.
