Page 65 of Coming Home to Wishington Bay
‘Do you?’ she asked, her face serious now.
‘Of course.’
‘When? All we see you do is work until late and then get up early and start all over again.’
‘I enjoy my work.’
I think.
‘Yes, but there is more to life than work.’
‘I know that. But just because I don’t want what other people want doesn’t mean I’m not having fun. It’s not a prerequisite for happiness you know, the whole marriage and kids thing!’
‘I know that,’ Carrie said, her tone even. ‘We’re just concerned. We love you and want you to be happy.’
I nodded but avoided looking at her.
‘I know what happened with your parents has made you wary, Hols. Opening your heart to someone gives you the opportunity to experience so much joy, but also, it’s scary as hell. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to your brother. He really is my world and I wonder if I could ever function properly without him.’
‘Dad couldn’t. Without Mum, I mean.’ I was looking out across the sea now but it wasn’t that I saw. It was the light in my dad’s eyes fading a little more each day once Mum had passed away.
‘I know. And I can understand that. And Ned understands that. But it didn’t stop him from trying. Luckily for me.’
‘Ned and I are different people, Carrie.’
‘I know, love. But you both have the best hearts. I just don’t want yours to go to waste. It’s far too precious and full of love for that to happen.’
‘Carrie?’
‘Yes.’
‘Can you go now? I’ve already got a headache and you’re doing your best to make me cry.’
‘Oh, Hols, I’m not really. I promise.’ She bent and hugged me and I clung close to her.
‘I am happy though,’ I said to her shoulder, ‘honestly.’
She pulled back and looked at me. ‘OK.’ I could tell she wasn’t convinced but there was no more ground to be gained right now. ‘I’ll leave you in peace.’ She trudged down the stairs in front of me. ‘This looks great in here, by the way. I like the way you’ve changed the pieces around. Is that new?’ she asked, pointing to a small painted side table.
‘No, it’s one of Gigi’s old pieces. I just revamped it a bit with some paint and a new glass handle for the drawer.’
‘Oh wow! I love it! That handle is gorgeous too. I love the way it catches the light.’
‘Thanks. It came out pretty well actually. I think once I’d done the pieces in the guest room, I got a bit overenthusiastic. Don’t stand still too long, or I might paint you too!’
Carrie stopped. ‘The guest room?’
‘Yeah.’ I frowned. ‘You know, where we just were? Wow, that baby brain is really hitting its stride today.’ My frown turned to a chuckle.
‘Oh ha ha! I know where you meant – I just assumed all that stuff was new. I mean, the last time I poked my head in there it was all dark and a tiny bit gloomy if I’m honest.’
‘I believe the word you’re looking for, according to Gigi, is atmospheric.’
‘If you say so. But seriously? That’s all the same stuff?’
‘Yes. I mean, things like the cushions and duvet cover are new, and the carpet obviously but the furniture is all what was there – just with a bit of a revamp.’
‘A bit? Holly! That doesn’t even look like the same room. It’s stunning. You’ve done an incredible job with it.’
