Page 34 of A Second Chance in Seabury
‘With a bike,’ said Lizzie. ‘Unless you’d prefer to give one of the new hire trikes a go?’
Hannah gaped. A bike? They were expecting her torideto the lighthouse?
‘Well, you don’t want to walk, do you?’ chuckled Jason. ‘And I’m guessing you haven’t got your car with you?’
Hannah shook her head. ‘But… I thought you said you’re dropping Sarah’s bike back?’
‘I’m riding it up!’ he laughed. ‘Dad’s taken my bike up in the truck so that I can ride it home. So, what do you say… still want to come? Don’t worry if you don’t. I’ll totally understand if you want to head back up to the house instead. I can just tell Dad you were looking for him.’
For a second, Hannah thought about what was waiting for her back at the house—a whole bunch of memories to sort through. Some wonderful, and some… not so much.
‘Yeah. Okay, yes please… and a bike not a trike, thanks Lizzie—I wouldn’t know where to start. Mind you, I’ve not ridden a bike for about a decade!’
‘It’ll come back fast enough,’ chuckled Lizzie. ‘It’s like?—’
‘Please don’t say riding a bike!’ groaned Jason, disappearing out the back again.
‘Fine, I won’t,’ said Lizzie with an exaggerated sigh. ‘Young people these days – they’ve got no time for terrible jokes! Right then, before we get you kitted out with a helmet, there’s something else I think you need.’
Hannah watched in confusion as Lizzie hurried over to a workbench, bent low and opened the minifridge that sat beneath it. She pulled out a bottle of chilled water and held it out to her.
‘Here, you look like you could do with this. Or at least, you will if you’re going to try to keep up with Jason!’
‘Thank you,’ said Hannah, taking the bottle. Cracking it open, she took a long drink and then sighed with relief. ‘You’re my new hero. I owe you one!’
‘It’s so gorgeous up here!’ puffed Hannah, eyeing the lighthouse as it loomed ahead. ‘Imagine living there!’
‘I know. Sarah’s so lucky,’ said Jason. ‘And Mike and Kate have done an amazing job inside. I love riding up here to hang out with her… it’s got the best views.’
‘Bet you must miss her now she’s away at college,’ said Hannah. ‘You guys seem really close.’
‘Yeah, she’s the best,’ said Jason. ‘But she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. That girl’s got crazy amounts of talent. I mean, have you tried her cake?!’
‘Dude, you practically provided me with a month’s worth last night,’ laughed Hannah, relishing the feeling of the chilly autumn breeze running its fingers through her hair. She was hot and sweaty and surrounded by the scent of David’s jacket, whichshe’d slipped on as an extra layer against the wind. She hadn’t really come out dressed ready for a bike ride!
‘Yeah, I have to say my birthday cake was one of her finest,’ said Jason with a grin. ‘But if you ever see one of her glazed apple and custard macarons, bulk buy and bring me some. They always sell out before I can get my hands on them.’
‘Noted,’ laughed Hannah. ‘Though, for the record, I’ve got a feeling Sarah would probably make you your own batch if you asked her nicely.’
Jason raised his eyebrows. ‘Good tip. I hadn’t thought of that.’
Hannah grinned. ‘By the way, thanks again for last night. I really enjoyed it.’
‘Yeah, so did Dad,’ said Jason, wiggling his eyebrows at her.
Hannah felt herself flush, though she didn’t really know why. ‘Well, that’s good.’
‘Good?’ said Jason. ‘It’s more than good. I’ve not seen Dad go all gooey like that in… well… ever.’
‘Gooey?’ The word slipped out in a surprised squeak.
‘Don’t tell him I said that,’ said Jason. ‘He’d kill me!’
‘I… won’t?’ said Hannah. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of the comment, but one thing was for sure—she wouldn’t be asking David about it!
‘He’s just really glad you’re back,’ said Jason. ‘And for the record, can I just say I’m glad your hubbyisn’t. I’m really sorry for what he put you through.’
Hannah frowned. She was grateful for the sentiment… but she wasn’t really sure what to say to that!
