Typical Madison – one foot out the door before she’d even unpacked. Connor wasn’t sure why that annoyed him so much and he didn’t say anything. Instead he gripped the steering wheel tighter and put his foot down. The sooner Madison Skylar was out of his truck the better.
‘You look angry,’ Madison observed, sounding surprised. She unnerved him, always had, with her permanent smile and natural ability to befriend strangers within minutes of meeting them. She was also unusually open, telling anyone and everyone what she was thinking, and people loved it, loved her – as if exposing your deepest thoughts and feelings were a good thing. They were so different she might as well be from the moon.
‘I just need to get back to work.’ Connor ground the words out from between his teeth, knowing he was being unfriendly, but seemingly unable to stop himself.
‘The cafe,’ Madison said. ‘Of course. After I’ve seen Dee and caught up with everyone, I’ll come and take a look.’ She flashed a devilish smile he recognised from when she’d been younger. ‘Maybe I’ll bring you a sandwich, to say thanks for the lift.’
‘No need,’ Connor mumbled as he joined the leafy road leading to The Sunshine Hideaway, just stopping himself from breathing a huge sigh of relief that they were almost at their destination.
As soon as Madison Skylar was out of his hair and he was back at work the better. He could already sense himself being sucked in by her charm, feeling like a planet being pulled towards a black hole it had no control over. But he didn’t have time for her, didn’t have time for anything except proving his father wrong. First, he had to get his sister through university. Then together they’d rebuild the family business into the thriving company it had once been. And absolutely nothing was going to get in the way of that.
Three
When Madison saw The Sunshine Hideaway approach in the distance, tears pricked her eyes. The main building was large, white and striking, with six bay windows and a tall sky-blue front door. The guesthouse sat on a hill, surrounded by dense woodland that marked the start of the long hikes Madison’s uncle, Jack Skylar, took each morning. When she’d stayed at The Hideaway, Madison had spent hours outside with her uncle, stomping through woodland. The memory brought a lump to her throat. She’d been back to visit for small stretches since she’d left for university. And every time Madison felt like she was being wrapped in a warm blanket, making her wonder why she kept leaving.
A large field sat in front of the quaint building, which in summertime filled with hundreds of the blooming yellow sunflowers that The Hideaway and island were famous for. To the right were a couple of guest cottages that the Skylars used to let out to tourists. Beyond stood a double-storey building her aunt used as an office, with a huge glass window. The views from the study were incredible and Madison couldn’t wait to get out there to be alone – it was the perfect place to do an early evening yoga session and watch the sunset.
It seemed like an eternity before Connor pulled up in front of the house. Madison barely waited for the truck to stop before she opened the door and hopped down onto the gravel driveway. Jaws followed, eliciting an irritated grunt from Connor. Madison didn’t wait to pick up her luggage – she’d get that in a minute. Instead she half ran up to the blue front door. Dee must have been waiting, because it flew open before Madison arrived and suddenly she was being enveloped in hugs, cheered on by excited barks from Jaws.
‘I can’t believe you’ve finally come home.’ Dee smelled of popcorn and chocolate, just like always. Madison hugged the cook back, letting her chin rest on the top of her head. At five foot three, Dee was a good five inches shorter than Madison, but at least twice as round. ‘My goodness, you look just the same, although I swear you’ve lost weight.’ Dee took a step back to study Madison critically. Despite entering her sixth decade last year, Dee’s shiny auburn hair was styled into a sharp trendy bob that contrasted with her flowery, frilly apron. ‘How were your travels this time?’ Dee asked, tugging Madison through the hallway before opening the door on the right, leading to the sunroom, without waiting for her answer.
‘Sit yourself down, love,’ Dee said, as Madison took a few seconds to look around the room. It was scruffier than when she’d left and the walls definitely needed a paint. But the four cosy red sofas were still in the same spot she remembered, positioned around the large fireplace. The floor was polished oak, aside from a few deep scratches. A couple of thick rugs with a Mexican pattern covered the spaces between the furniture – Madison knew first-hand they were silky and perfect for sinking your toes into. Faded scatter cushions and soft blankets slung over the arms of the sofas completed the scene and made everything snug and welcoming.
Madison sat and picked at a piece of stray cotton on one of the sofa cushions. ‘How long are my aunt and uncle gone for?’ she asked, studying a crack in the wall above the fireplace that hadn’t been there before. No wonder Connor had been hired to redecorate: the place certainly needed some TLC.
‘Another six weeks. They’ll be disappointed they missed you.’
‘Oh, I’m not going anywhere.’ Madison got up and moved to the mantelpiece. There was a picture of her with her aunt and uncle by the front door of The Hideaway that had been taken when she’d been just sixteen. Madison stood in between them, her face beaming. They’d just been on a trip to Sprinkles for ice cream and Madison had dripped some onto her favourite T-shirt. Instead of being angry, which Madison had expected, her aunt and uncle had laughed. Her aunt’s long hair was tied back and she wore her usual jeans twinned with a silky shirt and pearls. Her uncle looked so much like Madison’s father she felt her heart squeeze. ‘Not if you’ll have me,’ Madison added shyly. ‘I’m hoping to stay for a bit, Dee. I’ve been wanting to come back for a while.’ She turned just in time to see Dee’s expression darken, before the cook smiled.
‘Is something wrong?’ Maybe she wasn’t welcome. Perhaps she’d be in the way? When you moved around as much as Madison did, it was easy to spot the clues that you weren’t wanted.
‘Of course not.’ Dee marched across the room and gave Madison a swift hug. ‘It’s wonderful to have you, for as long as you want to be here.’ She quickly changed the subject. ‘What have you been doing with yourself – why did you decide to visit now?’
Madison hugged herself, stroking away the uncomfortable feeling she was missing something. ‘I travelled with a band in Thailand, then got a job on one of the islands teaching yoga.’ In truth she’d left the band because she’d started to feel like she was in the way. And even when she’d got her job, she’d begun to dream of The Hideaway. Strange how sometimes your deepest desires only came to you in the night. ‘Three days ago, I went to work and the studio had been closed. The owner disappeared – I didn’t even get my wages. I know it’s the way of things there, but I’m fed up of moving around. Tired of having no base.’ She sighed. ‘It was what I needed because I called here the same day – maybe it’s fate.’
‘You never know.’ Dee gave Madison’s arm an affectionate squeeze, sounding overly bright. ‘I’m very pleased to see you. Your room is made up and I left out toiletries. Go upstairs and unpack, make yourself at home.’
‘Thanks, Dee.’ Madison grinned, feeling grateful and a little tearful. ‘Is the lovely Amy Walters still working here?’
Dee checked her watch. ‘Of course. She should be starting her shift in a few minutes, and if I know that girl, she’ll be around the kitchen helping herself to coffee around now.’ Dee frowned. ‘You two have lots to catch up on. Let’s get you settled first. Come on.’ Dee jostled Madison through the sunroom door back into the hall.
Madison half expected to find Connor still waiting in the hallway, but the front door was closed and her backpack was sitting next to it. Dammit, she’d meant to get it for herself. She didn’t need to give him any more reasons to disapprove of her. She picked it up and headed towards the stairs. On the second floor of the house, there were six guest bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. The family liv
ed above in the large attic that had been separated years ago into two bedrooms with their own en-suites, a sitting room and kitchen.
‘Can I help out while I’m here?’ Madison asked, taking a couple of steps upwards.
‘We can talk about it with Amy later. Things have been a bit quiet…’ Dee mounted the stairs with a huff. ‘You get yourself settled first.’
‘How many people are staying?’ Madison looked around as they reached the second floor. The doors to each guest room were closed and no one was around. Usually the place was filled with noise – sometimes music, but always chatter and laughter. Today the hallway was quiet.
‘There’s Stanley Banks. You’ll meet him later. He’s been staying for months. We’ve got three couples booked in from tomorrow, which is a blessing. If you really want to help, you can make sure Connor doesn’t need anything. Maybe get him to take a break, or feed him? He works too hard and you have a gift for getting people to relax.’ Dee frowned. ‘Sometimes he’s here from seven in the morning until late at night. I don’t know when the man has time to have a life.’
He probably didn’t. Connor had always kept himself to himself on Sunflower Island. He’d lived here his whole life, but Madison knew very little about him – except that he’d fallen out with his father when he’d been twenty-one and had moved into a flat near town, on the other side of the six-mile-wide island, to live alone. Connor had returned to the family home years later to take care of his dad when he’d fallen sick. And despite women dropping like flies around him, Madison had never heard of Connor having any kind of long-time relationship or bringing anyone home. His only real connection was his half-sister Georgie, whom Madison had never met – and his dog, Jaws.
‘No problem,’ Madison promised, remembering Connor’s expression when she’d offered to take him a sandwich earlier. She wasn’t used to people finding her company annoying – maybe if she offered him good food he’d warm to her a little?
* * *
Ten minutes later Madison and Dee headed back downstairs and walked through the hotel dining room, which had already been set for dinner. The room was large, with huge bay windows that looked out onto fields and beyond a beach with white sand framed by grey cliffs. The dining tables were laid with chequered tablecloths. But only one had the customary salt and pepper pots, shiny cutlery and water glass. It was five o’clock and dinner was served at seven sharp. In the past the room would be fully laid, ready for a combination of Hideaway guests and locals coming in for a home-cooked meal. Tonight, it looked like dinner for one.
As Madison stood leaning on the door frame between the dining room and kitchen, she fought another wave of homesickness. This had always been her favourite spot, where she’d spent hours chatting to and confiding in Dee, Amy or her Aunt Sandy. When she’d first come to The Hideaway, Madison had tried her hand at baking too – mostly burning things – before she’d given up, content to eat the spoils instead of making them.
‘Are you hungry?’ Dee walked into the kitchen and pointed to a side of beef resting on the counter.
‘Still vegetarian.’ Madison shuddered, following so she could give Dee another quick hug. ‘And I’ve missed you and this place soooo much.’
‘We’ve missed you too, love.’ Dee hugged her back tightly. ‘Connor’s looking good, don’t you think?’ Dee’s blue eyes lit up mischievously and she waggled her eyebrows.
‘I didn’t notice,’ Madison lied, pulling up one of the wooden bar stools so she could sit at the breakfast bar, which doubled as a preparation area, to chat.
Dee winked. ‘I seem to remember a conversation or two about him over the years. Maybe even an iceberg-sized crush.’
‘I’ve moved on.’ Sort of. Madison flicked her hair out of her eyes, pushing Connor from her mind as she looked around the kitchen. It was immaculate – there were a couple of cakes cooling on racks, and small portions of potatoes, broccoli and beans that had been sliced, diced and peeled sat ready by the side of the large-range cooker. Above the counters, wooden farmhouse-style cupboards loomed. Madison knew they’d all be bulging with equipment and ingredients in an order only Dee understood.
‘He’s still single, and I’m pretty sure he’s not been seeing anyone recently, not since before his dad died. I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, but Charles Robertson was as cold as they come.’ Dee picked up a knife and began to peel a carrot. ‘And the poor mite never really knew his mother. He was very young when she passed. It’s a wonder that boy turned out so fine. You should take him a sandwich…’ Dee’s expression turned sly. ‘I’ve got roast beef. And I have it on good authority red meat’s an aphrodisiac.’
‘I’ll make him something with cheese.’ Madison ignored her. ‘With cucumber for vitamins, and a banana because of the mood enhancers – I’m pretty sure he needs them. Have you any soya milk?’
Dee grinned. ‘The fridge is filled with your favourites. Connor likes cow’s milk and tea so strong the spoon stands up on its own. I’m happy to make a pot if you like?’
‘I’ll do it. I owe him a thank you for the lift.’ Madison hopped down from the stool and swiped some wholemeal out of the bread bin just as Amy opened the door and strode in.
‘I’m not swearing, but fickity-fick. I need coffee and chocolate, a double helping if you’ve got it.’ The wrinkles in Amy’s forehead disappeared as soon as she spotted Madison, and she skipped across the kitchen to sweep her into a huge hug.
‘You’re here!’ Amy hopped up and down a couple of times and beamed. She wore a dark blue suit and her red hair had been straightened, making her look sleek and professional. Amy did all of the admin for The Hideaway, managed the temporary staff, helped out in the restaurant and often greeted guests when they arrived, especially if the Skylars were busy. ‘I can’t believe my best friend is finally back on Sunflower Island. You’ve no idea how good it is to see you, Mads. I can’t believe we’ve been so rubbish at keeping in touch. I desperately needed someone to cheer me up. I wished on a star for something good and then Dee told me this morning you were coming – and here you are.’ Amy’s amber eyes darkened. ‘Today would have been perfect, if it hadn’t been for the call I just picked up.’
‘What’s wrong?’ Dee asked, thumping a large cup of coffee and a huge slice of chocolate cake on the breakfast bar before pointing to a stool. ‘Pull it up and spill. There’s nothing a bit of caffeine and sugar won’t fix.’
Amy sighed deeply and picked up a fork before stabbing it into the cake. ‘The call was a cancelled booking.’ She shook her head. ‘The party of six arriving tomorrow and staying into next week are very sorry.’ Amy made a yappy face with one of her hands. ‘They’ve decided to stay at Lake Lodge on the other side of the island instead, because there’s a swimming pool and it’s closer to the ferry, plus they offered them a huge discount. I’ve no idea how that place can afford to keep stealing our guests.’
‘But I’ve made all the food.’ Dee’s face dropped. ‘I cooked all day.’ She pointed to the beef on the counter. ‘I was going to do a curry with the rest of that ready for tomorrow, and there are three cakes made for when they arrive.’
‘Their deposit will cover the food. But…’ Amy shook her head and sipped from the mug as the room fell silent. Some of her red hair hung around the edges of her face, masking her devastated expression, but not before Madison caught it.
‘What’s happening?’ Madison moved closer to her friend as Dee busied herself by the fridge. ‘Is The Hideaway in trouble?’ Madison reached out to touch Amy’s hand. ‘And why do you look so unhappy?’
‘Oh… well, Jesse and I split up. Long story, not for now.’ Amy frowned. ‘When I tell you what happened, I’m going to need cocktails, hundreds of them, complete with pretty pink straws topped with flamingos to stab any passing man with.’
‘I…’ Amy and Jesse O’Brien had got together just before Madison had left for university, and from what she’d seen they were made for each other. ‘We’ll need those cocktails tonig
ht because I’m not waiting long to find out what happened. Can you tell me what’s going on at The Hideaway?’ Madison’s voice dropped to a whisper.
‘I don’t know.’ Amy shrugged. ‘Things started slowing down a while ago. I hardly noticed it at first. We had a few cancelled bookings, you expect that. But then families who’d been coming for years stopped calling. I revamped the website. Dee changed the menu. Your aunt and uncle did some advertising in the local paper and online.’ She shook her head. ‘Nothing changed. I blame it on Lake Lodge – it was after it opened last year that things started to drop off.’
‘Are my aunt and uncle worried?’
‘They don’t seem it,’ Amy admitted. ‘They hired Connor to redecorate – they want to give the cafe a revamp to attract more guests.’ She stared into her coffee. ‘But it’s taking time. Connor’s got other work on and there’s only him and Jesse doing everything. Your uncle offered to help but your aunt’s been so tired recently.’
‘She has?’ Madison’s breath caught as she looked at Dee. ‘Is something wrong?’
‘Nothing the cruise won’t fix,’ Dee answered quickly, her eyes darting to Amy. ‘Your aunt and uncle weren’t going to go but I insisted. Sandy’s tired – both of them are. It’s hard work running The Hideaway and even harder admitting it’s not the place it was.’ Dee looked sad. ‘Whatever happens they’ll do what they can to keep it going.’
‘But… what can I do?’ Madison asked, feeling guilty. Had she left it too late to come back? She’d been restless for a while, wanting to settle somewhere. All of her thoughts had led to The Hideaway but it had taken her months to admit it, or to believe there might be a place for her here, and even longer to come. Now she was here, was the whole thing about to slip through her fingers?
Four
Connor wiped a hand across his forehead and swept off a layer of dust. He was at least an hour behind because of picking up Madison and would have to make up the time, or the schedule was screwed. Still, that was the end of the sanding. He’d only had to take a couple of layers of varnish off the bar counter, but there was a hell of a mess. Everything had been covered in a thin layer of grime and he wanted to clear it before leaving. Thank God he’d asked Jesse – his right-hand man – to take Jaws for a walk this afternoon. It was going to be another late one.
The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with Page 2
