Connor heard a quiet knock at the entrance to the cafe and didn’t respond, but somehow knew it was Madison even before the dark walking boots and shapely jean-clad legs came into view. He dragged his eyes away and unplugged the sander, keeping himself busy.
‘I brought you a sandwich and a banana,’ Madison said, looking around the dusty room, holding a plate in one hand and a mug in the other. The temporary lights Connor had erected ran along the top of the ceiling and into each crevice, meaning there was plenty to see – which was good for working, but not if you wanted to discourage visitors.
Madison held out the plate, looking strangely confident and vulnerable at the same time. ‘You don’t want it? I worked in a restaurant for…’ She counted her bright pink fingernails. ‘Five months, so I’m pretty sure it won’t poison you. Mind you, that tea might. You really should try camomile…’
Connor shuddered. ‘I’m just not hungry.’ His stomach rumbled, giving away his lie. When Madison raised an eyebrow, he wiped his hands on his jeans and took the plate before looking around the room for somewhere to put it. There was just enough space on his workbench, but as soon as he’d placed it there she handed him the mug too. ‘Honestly—’
‘You’re not hungry, not thirsty and not looking for company. I know,’ Madison said cheerfully, walking further inside before stopping to look around. The room was large, with beautiful arches across the back wall framing the bar, which had been cleared of everything but the old shelving. The whole thing was a gift to work with, and the space would be beautiful once he’d redecorated.
If he was left alone for long enough to finish it.
Connor took a bite of the sandwich. Dammit, he hated cheese – wasn’t a fan of fruit either – but was hungry enough to eat both. He sipped some tea, which burned his throat and was exactly what he needed. ‘Thanks,’ he mumbled, feeling awkward and crowded.
‘This is beautiful. What colour is it going to be?’ Madison asked, showing no sign of wanting to leave. Instead she slipped nimbly under one of the arches, behind the bar, so she could look at the other side of the counter.
Connor followed despite himself, although he deliberately checked his watch so Madison could see. Not that she took any notice. ‘I’ll use a varnish,’ he answered bluntly.
Madison frowned. ‘But what about colours for the walls? Do you have a plan I can look at? I’m here to help. I’m sure yellow would work – and I was thinking, if you need it, I could assist with choosing the paint and things…’ She trailed off, probably because she saw his expression.
‘I’ve still got to change the lights, redo the bathrooms and kitchen, sand the floors. We’re not ready to paint yet.’ And Madison would probably be halfway across Europe before they were. Connor gulped another mouthful of tea as she moved underneath one of the overhead lights, which lit her long brown hair and made her look almost magical. He half choked on the drink and span round so he could put the mug down and gather himself. ‘Won’t be if I don’t get on.’ Connor turned again to find Madison standing over the table he’d erected in the corner, where he’d drawn up his plans for the space.
‘Ah…’ Madison ran a finger across the creased paper. ‘I see, so you’re redoing the kitchen and opening out the bar more. I can already imagine it.’ She pointed to the right with a dreamy expression. ‘The whole place will look amazing. Dee said my aunt and uncle are hoping it’ll attract extra visitors.’ She frowned again. ‘I can’t believe it’s so quiet. Last time I came the place was fully booked.’
‘Things change, especially the things we wish wouldn’t.’
‘Not this much.’ Madison looked unhappy.
‘You’ve been living away for almost five years – what did you expect?’
Madison shrugged, looking awkward. ‘That everything would be the same. My aunt and uncle would be here and The Hideaway would be heaving with guests. Stupid, I suppose…’ Connor had an unexpected urge to comfort her, which he quickly discarded. ‘I’m hoping I can help.’
‘Not sure how,’ Connor said gently, but only because he felt guilty.
Madison shrugged. ‘I’ll figure something out – perhaps you have some ideas? Amy and I are going to The Moon and Mermaid tonight for cocktails. I wondered if you’d like to join us?’ She grinned, looking up at him, her face animated, and Connor felt a tug. The same tug he’d always felt around her. Like he was being pulled into her orbit, caught up in that smile. A smile he didn’t have time for and one that wouldn’t be here in a few weeks.
‘I’m busy.’ He looked around the room, taking in the piles of dust from the recent sanding, the pots of varnish and paintbrushes stacked next to his sander: a sharp contrast to the fresh-faced beauty of Madison Skylar.
‘And you need to get on.’ Madison misread his face and nodded, moving back into the centre of the room, somehow stepping over his tools without looking at them.
Connor cleared his throat. ‘It’s not going to finish itself.’ Had he really just said that? It was exactly the kind of thing his dad would have said. Except his dad wouldn’t have tolerated her being here at all.
Madison sighed, watching him with those big brown eyes you could get lost in. Her full mouth was turned down as she studied him. ‘You don’t like me and I’ve never really understood why.’
Connor rocked back on his heels, shocked by the honesty of the statement. In his world feelings like that were best avoided. You got on with your work, made a success of your life. Found someone to share it with when you had time. You certainly didn’t talk about it, or about who you did or didn’t like. ‘That’s… I’ve never said that,’ Connor murmured, feeling like he’d been put on the spot, not knowing what to do about it. This was why he didn’t let people into his workspace or life. They got into his head, messed with the schedule. Fed him.
‘Some things don’t need to be said,’ Madison continued, watching him. ‘It’s okay. Because we’re going to be seeing each other a lot over the next few weeks and I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to wear you down. I’m very good at making friends.’ She flashed a smile that had his heart accelerating. ‘Besides, this is a year of new beginnings for me, and aside from finding a permanent home, getting you to like me is pretty much the first on my list.’
‘Great,’ Connor said, not meaning it but intrigued nonetheless, wondering exactly how long Madison would spend trying to make friends with him. From past experience, he knew it wouldn’t be long before a more interesting person or place came along that she decided to focus on instead. Knowing a small part of him, a very small one, would be disappointed when she did.
* * *
Twenty minutes later, Connor had cleared most of the debris into a pile when he heard footsteps and braced himself for Madison again. She’d taken his plate and mug already, but could be returning to torture him with more fruit – or to make good on her threat of camomile tea.
Dee appeared on the stairs and Connor felt his shoulders relax.
‘Looks good.’ The cook inspected the space with a smile and glanced at the pile of dust. ‘Tidy too. I remember your father being a stickler for that.’
His father had been a stickler for a lot of things. ‘I’ll be finishing off the edges tomorrow, then there’s the new units to put in.’ Connor pointed towards the kitchen. They still had the bathrooms to replace and floors to sand before painting, but it was coming along well and he could already see the end result in his head.
Dee bobbed her head in agreement. She wasn’t one for details, which Connor appreciated. It was easier doing your job without having someone breathing down your neck, checking every aspect for flaws.
‘So I wanted to talk to you about Madison.’
‘Yep.’ Connor nodded, wishing he had a cup of tea to drink and hide his expression in. Madison had only been home a few hours but was already messing with his head.
‘I’m so happy to have her home again, but she’s unlikely to be here for long. We both know she was raised on a diet of hotels, parties and
travel across continents – and regardless of what she thinks, it’ll be hard for her to stay put.’ Dee grimaced as she paced the room, checking under one of the arches, nodding her approval. ‘Despite that, she’s a lot more sensitive and vulnerable than she makes out – and I know she’s already upset about the state of The Hideaway. I’m hoping we can keep the fact that it’s up for sale between us? I guess she’ll have to know eventually, but telling her now doesn’t feel right. Also, I’m thinking it’s not really our news to share… that task belongs to Sandy and Jack, and they haven’t even told Amy. I suppose because they’re hoping we’ll all be able to keep our jobs.’
Connor wondered if Dee even knew Madison. From what he’d seen the woman was about as vulnerable as a tiger shark. She came and went as she pleased, seemingly at ease with her total lack of responsibilities. Despite her obvious attachment to the place, he was sure she’d take the news about The Hideaway in her stride. Madison didn’t seem to be the type of person to be bothered by roots or emotional ties. Like her addresses, her friends were numerous, eclectic and disappeared as quickly as they arrived. And she always seemed so happy to move on. As if consistency and duty meant nothing at all. ‘I don’t like lying,’ Connor said, feeling uncomfortable.
‘Think of it as a good deed, helping to keep Madison here until the Skylars return.’
‘If you think that’s right,’ Connor said, keeping his feelings to himself.
‘And I don’t want her to hear anything about Sandy’s heart attack. I know you don’t agree.’ Connor started to shake his head but Dee held up a hand. ‘It’s fine that you don’t. I even understand your point of view. But there’s no need for Madison to worry. They caught the problem early. The doctors are happy with her progress – she just needs to recuperate. If we tell Madison about it she’ll fret, and I’d like her visit here to be a good one. She lost her parents young. Sandy’s like a mother to her and I’m not sure how she’ll handle the news, or whether it’ll make her leave again.’ Dee glanced at the space. ‘It looks better in here already. I’m glad you got the project, I can see how much it means to you.’
Connor nodded because he didn’t know what else to say. Emotion caught in his throat because Dee was right. Working on The Hideaway did mean a lot to him. ‘I appreciate being offered the work,’ he said gruffly.
‘Final request, then I promise I’ll be gone.’ Dee stepped closer, looking serious despite her frilly apron. Her eyes were the same blue as his father’s, Connor realised, but the similarity ended there. For starters Dee was always smiling, full of charm and friendliness. Secondly, the cook actually seemed to like him.
‘Okay,’ Connor agreed hesitantly. He didn’t spend a lot of time around people so couldn’t always read their intentions. But something about Dee’s tone told him he wasn’t going to like what she said next.
‘I knew your father from school. I know he believed in working hard, and that happiness came from success rather than love, or people. I never saw another side to him. I damn well hope there was one.’
Connor didn’t say anything, which probably said it all.
‘It’s none of my business, but I’m going to give you some advice anyway. Seeing Sandy, my best friend, almost die in front of me, facing the reality of living without her, and watching Jack do the same, has taught me the value of every single moment. I’m just asking you to consider that. You work hard.’ She looked around the room. ‘Damn hard. And you’re probably the best builder there is on the island. But don’t forget the things that matter.’
When Connor looked at her blankly, Dee continued.
‘Friends, lovers, walks on the beach, ice cream sundaes, hot chocolate, a good bottle of red.’ She snorted. ‘I wish you could see how disgusted you look right now.’
Connor shook his head, trying to school his expression into something neutral. He didn’t want to offend Dee, but what the hell did this have to do with the renovating?
‘I’m just saying take time for life, Connor, because I’m sensing you don’t. Perhaps even take a couple of pages out of Madison’s book. She may not have figured out what her path in life is yet, but she knows how to stop and smell the roses, and I admire her for it. You only get a certain amount of time – use it wisely. You never know when it’ll all be spent.’
‘Sure.’ Connor nodded his head even as it filled with his to-do list. There’d be plenty of time for making friends and having fun once the business was thriving. He had something to prove to his father and himself. He wasn’t going to waste time on sunsets or suchlike until he’d done it.
Five
The Moon and Mermaid was quiet, probably because it was only six o’clock in the evening. Madison nudged her way inside the pub, taking in the bright yellow walls and light polished-wood floors. The tables had all been painted white and there were pictures of sunflowers in various media on the walls – watercolours, oils, pastels, even a few artfully shot photographs. A long bar painted green and topped with a dark granite counter followed the back wall, and in front sat six bar stools. Madison made her way across the room so she could check out the optics, trying to remember the name of the cocktail Amy liked. Unlike The Hideaway, nothing had changed since the last time she’d popped by during a flying visit to see her aunt and uncle. The familiarity made her warm and fuzzy.
‘You’re already here,’ Amy panted, appearing behind Madison. ‘Sorry I’m late, another Hideaway booking cancelled and I spent ten minutes trying to talk them out of it.’ Amy shook her head, her red hair falling around her shoulders. ‘That makes two in the last day. I’m really worried, Mads. I’ve tried talking to Dee but she just says it’s going to be all right. But how does she know? I’m already resigned to the fact that I’ll probably lose my job. The Hideaway doesn’t need that many staff. Dee and your aunt and uncle can keep it going. But I love the place and I want things to be okay.’ Amy nibbled her fingernail as she scanned the bar.
‘So do I,’ Madison said softly, putting a hand over her friend’s just as Finn Jackson appeared from the back room and flashed them both a grin. Finn was in his mid-twenties, six foot two, with brown hair streaked blond that ended at his chin. The combination made him look more surfer dude than pub landlord. Finn and Madison had enjoyed a brief dalliance when Madison had been seventeen, which had helped take the sting out of Connor’s repeated rejections, but neither of them had taken it seriously. ‘Mads, you’re back.’ Finn grinned and leaned over the counter to give Madison a quick kiss on the cheek, teasing her skin with his five o’clock shadow. ‘How long’s the visit for this time?’ he asked.
‘I’m not sure,’ Madison said tentatively. If The Hideaway kept losing income at the rate it was, she realised her visit was unlikely to be permanent. She’d been back less than twelve hours and already her dream of a forever home here was disappearing.
‘Two Pink Flamingos please, Finn.’ Amy put her black bag on the counter and handed Finn her debit card. ‘Fill ’em up and keep them coming. Mads and I have lots to catch up on.’
‘Will do.’ Finn winked. ‘Take a seat and I’ll bring your drinks over. We should get together while you’re back, Madison. I’d love to hear more about the travelling.’
‘Sure,’ Madison replied, following Amy to a small table by the window. Her friend was already staring glumly outside as Madison pulled up a chair. ‘Do you want to get it over with? Tell me what happened with Jesse. It’ll be like pulling a plaster, quick and painless,’ she added.
Amy summoned a ghost of a smile. ‘It’s brilliant to have you back, Mads. It’s been too long since we last caught up.’
‘I’m sorry.’ Madison frowned at the table. She’d stayed away for too long this time, had been too afraid to get in touch with everyone on Sunflower Island in case they’d forgotten her. Instead she’d ignored and avoided her adopted family.
‘I’m just glad you’re back. You’re my best friend, Mads, and you always will be – no matter where you live.’ Amy’s face clouded. ‘But I missed havin
g you here, especially recently.’
‘Tell me what happened with Jesse,’ Madison asked again, gently.
Amy sighed. ‘I’m worried that if I burden you with my troubles you’re not going to want to stick around.’
‘Don’t be silly.’ Madison was used to people making jibes about her nomadic lifestyle but the comment still stung. ‘I don’t leave because the going gets tough, it’s just…’ It wasn’t like she could tell Amy the reason she kept leaving was because she didn’t feel like she fitted in and was worried she’d get in the way. She’d spent too many years with her disinterested, career-focused parents learning how not to put down roots, moving on the minute she began to settle and make friends. Meaning when it came to wanting to stay anywhere she was clueless. ‘Tell me about Jesse.’ Madison changed the subject and sat back as Finn presented them with two huge glasses filled with pink liquid, topped off with quartered limes, straws and pink flamingo cocktail stirrers. A couple of people walked in the front door and he headed back to the bar.
‘Perfect.’ Amy pulled her drink closer and took a long sip through her straw. ‘Okay, you asked for it. You know we were together for over five years, moved in together. I love Jesse, but he’s always spent more time on his sports than me. I guess I thought that would change and over time he’d grow up a little. But six months ago Jesse inherited his grandfather’s car. It’s gorgeous – an old Morgan. But… he changed when he got it. It’s almost like he fell out of love with me and in love with the car. He’s obsessed. It was our anniversary a couple of months ago and I saw an envelope from a travel agent. I thought he was taking me away, maybe to propose. Turns out he was going to a classic car event in Scotland. He completely forgot our anniversary, and disappeared for the whole weekend.’ Amy shook her head, looking sad. ‘You know my mum went through similar, except with Dad it was other women. I want a man who’ll put me first, who sees me and wants me without being distracted by four wheels and excellent bodywork.’
The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with Page 3
