Page 29 of Sun, Sea & Strawberry Shortcake
His look turned sheepish. ‘True. But...well, it was in the sale, and you know how I like a good bargain.’
I laughed, feeling lighter inside. ‘You’d better not wear itto visit your mum. That’s all I’m saying.’
And now, lying here wide awake while the rest of the houseis sleeping, I start to wish I hadn’t FaceTimed him, because then I wouldn’thave seen the green waterproof that was fuelling my insecurity. Even though he hada perfectly reasonable explanation, for some reason I can’t stop thinking aboutit, wondering why – since he’s never liked green – he wouldbuy agreenwaterproof?
At last, around three, I give up trying to sleep, getdressed and head out for a walk. It’s a mild night, the softest of breezes rufflingmy hair, and all the stars are out. The perfect arc of a new moon completes theidyllic picture. I walk through the deserted streets of Port Castleton and downto the beach, and I sit on a rock there, gazing out to sea at the littlepinpricks of light I assume must be fishing boats.
I sit there for a long time.
And by the time the boats are coming in to shore and dawnhas broken, I’ve sorted things out in my mind.
The arrival of a baby always alters the balance in arelationship, no matter how close the couple were before this momentous event. I’mstill getting used to the ‘new normal’ and so is Harry. That’s all. But ofcourse it doesn’t help that I’m still feeling flabby and unattractive, havingeaten more Danish pastries (the ones with white icing on top) than could everbe considered normal, even when you’ve got the excuse of being pregnant!
I arrive back at the house feeling tired but a whole lotbetter for my night-time walk. I can’t wait to see Harry and Emma when I gethome. I’m determined to put all my silly insecurities behind me...
Ruby
CHAPTERTWELVE
It’s the following evening, and having arrived atClifftop House, I’m being given ‘the tour’ by an enthusiastic Madison.
‘Oh, this is amazing!’ I breathe, staring around me at thevaulted ceiling in the hall, the wooden floors and the modern glass and chromechandelier, which complements the space perfectly. A chic wood staircase leads tothe top of the house and I peer upwards as Madison ushers me across the hall,pointing out the cinema room on the way to a spacious, minimalist kitchen-dinerwith glossy, white units and a large oak table and chairs. The doors onto thegarden beyond have been pulled back and the scent of roses is wafting in on alovely cool breeze.
‘We’re having a barbecue,’ says Madison. ‘Burgers, sausagesand fresh fish caught only this morning. Jaz couldn’t sleep so she went for awalk at some silly hour and saw a couple of fishing boats returning with theircatch.’
‘Is Jaz okay now?’ I murmur. ‘Or is she still blamingherself for causing the fire at the café?’
Madison frowns, glancing out to the garden where the othersare gathered. ‘Who knows? She’s definitely not her usual sparky self.’
‘How long till the café can open again?’
‘Ellie reckons six weeks till we’re all sorted. And thenwe’re going to have a party to celebrate the new look.’ She grins. ‘Can’t waitto see what Hudson’s company does with it.’
I nod. ‘He was over the moon when Ellie decided to use AtHome with Holmes again for this latest transformation.’
‘So where is he? The man himself?’
‘Working.’ I smile ruefully, having left Hudson as he was onhis way over to Joanna’s next door, making a phone call to a supplierenroute. ‘He wanted to come tonight but there’s some kind of emergency goingon that needs sorting.’
‘An interior design emergency?’ Madison grins. ‘Crikey, themind boggles. Curtains not quite matching the cushion covers, perhaps,resulting in a complete meltdown for the homeowner?’
I laugh. ‘You’re probably not far off there, actually. A fewof their clients are very demanding.’
‘Come in and I’ll get you a drink. Wine? Or we’ve got a “lovely”salted caramel gin that Katja seems crazy about.’ She does a comical impressionof throwing up. ‘I mean, I ask you. What’s wrong with a good old fashionedplaingin and tonic with a slice of lemon? Actually, the blood orange gin’s quitenice.’
‘Ooh, yes. Blood orange, please.’
Drinks in hand, we head out to the garden to be greeted withsmiles and hellos from everyone. The garden consists of three grassy ‘shelves’connected with steps to the other levels and following the slope of the cliff.And from the top tier, where we’re standing now, the view out over the bay is breathtaking.Looking to my right along the coast, I even glimpse the cute little cove we foundthe other day.
‘This is amazing.’ I peer down. ‘What a view! I’d love oneof those little beach huts in all different colours.’
‘They’re lovely, aren’t they?’ agrees Ellie. ‘They’re forthe families who come down here every summer by special invitation and holidayin the self-catering apartments over there.’ She points to the cluster ofpretty, white-washed houses nestled into the cliffs at the far end of the bay.
‘Oh, yes. Bee, who cleans for us, stayed in one of those onholiday last year and she said they had a lovely time.’
‘Really? I think Bee’s our cleaner as well,’ says Jaz. ‘Wewere just talking about that charity. The story goes that half a century ago, aman called Alderman Jack decided to build a resort where less-well-off familieswith children could come and stay, completely free of charge, and enjoy aweek’s holiday on the beach. He was a doctor and he believed that fresh air andexercise could help with all manner of conditions.’
‘I think it’s wonderful.’ Katja sighs. ‘Why aren’t theremore people like Alderman Jack in the world?’
