Page 18 of Sun, Sea & Strawberry Shortcake
CHAPTERNINE
It was great seeing everyone. I couldn’t believe itwhen they suddenly appeared from nowhere, lined up at the water’s edge, looking– in their summery shorts and tops – like a girl band on a photo shoot! Andwhen I got over the shock of Hudson and me being caught naked in the sea, wehad a good laugh about it.
The girls were in good spirits – all but Jaz, who seemed alittle subdued, I thought. We shared out our picnic and they told us all aboutthe amazing house they’d rented for the week.
‘It’s called Clifftop House and it’s a bit pricey, eventhough we managed to get a half-price last-minute cancellation, but we reckonedwe deserved a treat,’ explained Katja.
‘What’s the décor like?’ asked Hudson, with his work cap on.His late twin brother, Myles, was the creative force behind their jointventure, At Home with Holmes. But Hudson now has a new partner in the business –a brilliant interior decorator called Giles – and they’re carrying on Myles’sfabulous work.
‘Lovely. You should come and have a look,’ said Ellie. ‘Giveus your professional opinion. How about dinner tomorrow night?’
‘Great.’ He glanced at me. ‘You’ve got nothing planned forme tomorrow night, have you, Ruby?’
I cast him a flirty look. ‘Ooh, well, if I did, I’m sure itcould wait.’
‘Urgh, get a room!’ complained Madison, and everyone laughedexcept Jaz, who’d just joined us again after going for a walk.
‘No, but the house isgorgeous,’ said Katja.
Madison nodded. ‘It is. It’s got a swimming pool, a cinemaroom and the most incredible views over the bay. We’ve got a bedroom each andthey all have en-suite bathrooms.’
As she talked on and the others joined in, I felt for Jaz. Wasshe still thinking about the fire and feeling she was to blame? At one point,Ellie leaned over and murmured something to her – presumably asking if she wasall right – and Jaz smiled and nodded, and made a show of joining in with thechat. But I could see she was finding it hard.
Later, when Madison was trying to persuade everyone to takea dip to cool off (it was very sheltered in the cove and the temperature hadbeen rising all day), Jaz was the only one to opt out. She said she was tiredand just wanted to laze on the sand, and while I felt maybe I should stay withher and keep her company in case she might want to share what was botheringher, at the same time, I had the strangest feeling she wouldn’t appreciatecompany. So I took Hudson’s outstretched hand and we ran into the sea with theothers.
And now we’re back at the cottage and I feel shattered afterour long walk back along the shore. But my skin is golden brown after a morningin the sun and I’m feeling so lovely and relaxed. And if ever there was amoment for carrying on where we left off in the sea (before the girls pitchedup), it’s right now...
But Hudson is frowning at his phone.
‘What’s wrong?’
He thinks for a minute, sending a quick text to someone.Then he looks up. ‘There’s something I need to do.’
‘What? Now?’ I stare at him in surprise. ‘Is it work?’
‘Um... yes.’ He’s not meeting my eye,which is strange. ‘I need to nip next door to talk something over with Joanna. ButI won’t be long, I promise.’
‘Okay,’ I call, as he disappears, taking the stairs two at atime.
He’s back seconds later, clearly in a tearing hurry, becauseI barely have time to kiss him goodbye before he’s off.
I sink down on the sofa, wondering what on earth could havehappened. He’s left the company in his partner’s charge, and I would havethought he’d have been able to sort out any problems with clients.
Noticing he’s left a folder on the side table that looksimportant, I get up and dash out after him, pulling open the front door just intime to hear Joanna say, ‘It’s great that you could get away. What reason didyou give her?’
My heart jags in my chest and I stop to listen, hidden bythe hedge.
But Hudson’s reply is drowned out as he steps into Joanna’s cottageand the front door shuts behind him.
*****
It’s nothing.
Of course it’s nothing!
Sure, Joanna is very attractive, if you like that sort oftwee sweetness. And I can’t help feeling she might be more than a littleattracted to Hudson. But there’s no way Hudson would be led astray by Joanna.
I trusthim completely. He’s told me on more than one occasion that he’s never been inlove like this before and he’s never given me any reason to doubt that he meantit. Turning slowly, I go back into the cottage, determined not to give itanother thought.
