Page 25 of A Second Chance in Seabury
‘A ticket for Bands on the Beach!’ gasped Jason. ‘These have been sold out for months!’
‘WHAT?!’ Sarah stared at the ticket in Jason’s hand with reverence.
‘There’s return train tickets down to Cornwall to go with it,’ said David. ‘And I’ll pay for somewhere decent for you to stay down there, too.’
‘Wait… there are two tickets here,’ said Jason slowly. ‘Is this… are you…?’ He was clearly wondering if this was meant to be a father-and-son thing.
‘Take anyone you like,’ said David, shaking his head. ‘As long as I don’t have to go, I’m happy!’
Jason chuckled. ‘Thanks Dad.’
Hannah noticed that Sarah had gone very quiet. She’d sat back in her chair, and her eyes were suddenly anywhere other than on Jason.
Jason turned to her and gently prodded her in the side of the face. ‘Fancy it?’
‘Me?’ she gasped. ‘But what about your mates?’
‘Erm… youaremy mate,’ said Jason, raising an eyebrow. ‘My best mate.’
Sarah smiled, though Hannah couldn’t help but think there was something a bit sad about that look.
‘Yep. Best mate,’ said Sarah, with a tight little nod.
‘So, do you want to come?’ said Jason.
Sarah nodded again, her smile widening. ‘Sure.’
‘Sweet.’ Jason pocketed the tickets, looking chuffed.
‘Alright, gang,’ said Lionel, materialising at Hannah’s shoulder. ‘Who’s ready to eat?!’
Jason shifted uncomfortably on his seat as everyone in the dining room—including all the members of staff—reached the end of a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday.
‘Aw, look at you!’ chuckled Sarah, as everyone clapped and cheered. ‘You’re so red, I think we could fry an egg on your face.’
Hannah chuckled as Jason promptly grabbed Sarah in a friendly armlock and rubbed his knuckles on her scalp, messing her already tousled hair.
‘Kids, knock it off!’ rumbled David with a long-suffering eyeroll.
Hannah laughed. She still couldn’t quite put a finger on what was happening between Jason and Sarah. This was what they’d been like for the entire meal, a strange mix of childish andgrown up, shy and silly. It was really rather endearing to see an eighteen-year-old and a newly nineteen-year-old care so little about what anyone thought of them.
‘Alright, gang, what else can I get you all?’ said Lionel, coming to stand at their table with a beaming smile. ‘Coffee? More pudding? Another slice of birthday cake?’
‘Urrrrgh!’ Hannah clutched her full stomach. ‘I’ve not got any room left—which is heartbreaking, because everything was gorgeous. Thank you, Lionel. And Sarah, for the cake.’
David and Jason both nodded their enthusiastic agreement. Sarah just grinned, looking chuffed.
‘It’s been our pleasure,’ said Lionel. ‘Would you like me to get Hattie to pack up the rest of the cake for you to take home?’
‘Has everyone had a bit?’ said Jason. ‘Keep some for you and Hattie and the other staff too!’
‘That’s very kind of you,’ said Lionel, ‘but, are you sure?’
‘Definitely,’ laughed Jason. ‘I mean, it’s delicious, but I don’t think Dad and I could polish off all three tiers without a bit of help.’
‘In that case, I’ll definitely take you up on the offer,’ said Lionel. ‘I’ll look forward to another nibble with my morning cuppa tomorrow.’
‘Would you mind wrapping up a separate chunk for Hannah, too?’ said Jason.
