‘Ah.’ Madison blushed, remembering her moans of pleasure as the therapist had worked out the kinks in her back. ‘I loved it. I hope all that groaning didn’t disturb you?’
‘No.’ Connor’s eyes darkened. ‘I liked it. I like how you take pleasure from things and aren’t afraid to show it. If I’m honest, I don’t really know how. I’ve only just begun to realise that might be a fault.’
‘Sounds to me like you’re dangerously close to trying some yoga,’ Madison joked, charmed by Connor’s words and the quiet admission she knew wouldn’t have been easy.
‘Perhaps.’ Connor looked serious. ‘This evening has been fun – more fun than I expected, so thank you, for forcing me into it. Perhaps I can see a little of Georgie’s point of view – even if I don’t entirely agree with it.’
‘Georgie will come around – if she doesn’t, I guess there’s not much you can do.’
Connor closed his eyes.
‘Will the business be okay, if Georgie doesn’t work with you?’ Madison asked quietly.
‘It’ll survive. I was just hoping for some company.’ Connor opened his eyes again and Madison could see tiredness, and perhaps a hint of vulnerability there too. But before she could reassure Connor, he added, ‘Besides, I’ve still got Jesse…’
‘And you’ve got me too,’ Madison admitted, knowing she was taking another huge step towards the edge she was in danger of hurtling over. ‘I mean, not at work.’ She paused, gauging his reaction. ‘But if you need someone to talk to, or to have fun with…’
‘Thank you.’ Connor dipped his chin without lifting his head from the towel. ‘I’ve been offered a few ears recently, but I might just take you up on the fun.’
‘And the yoga?’
Connor laughed, a quick burst that lifted Madison’s heart. This sad man with the serious eyes who took too much onto his shoulders was beginning to change in front of her. ‘Why not?’
‘Oh, Connor Robertson,’ Madison said, feeling excited because she was finally making headway with him. She lifted her chin from the towel and rested it on her hand. ‘I may yet get you doing the dragon pose.’
And whatever happened, Madison would do everything she could to build on the friendship they were forming now. To help relieve the tension around Connor’s eyes – and lighten the darkness around him.
Twenty-Two
Sprinkles – the little ice cream parlour at the dock – was open, even though no ferries were due until the morning. But there was still a small queue of people outside and a couple walking along the seafront, eating cones covered in drizzles of chocolate. Beside Sprinkles, The Rock Shop was also open, and a few customers milled around inside, their hands filled with postcards and seashell creations. Next to that, an outdoor clothing shop was running a sale, and a young child toddled out wearing a dark blue fleece that still had the price tag on. His parents ran out of the store behind him, carrying the empty shopping bag and following the child, giggling as he headed down the seafront. Surf & Ride was closed, but a man was looking at the timetable in the window, making notes on his mobile phone. Madison pulled her light coat tight around her shoulders and shivered.
‘Cold?’ Connor asked.
‘My hair’s still damp – I’ll be okay in a minute,’ Madison replied, pointing to the sparkling string of lights hanging from the lamp posts, bobbing in the wind and framing the seafront. ‘They’re new. Makes it seem almost magical here, doesn’t it?’
Connor looked surprised. ‘I’ve never noticed them – I hardly come down to the dock. They’re… pretty, I suppose.’ He took a few moments to drink them in, shrugging off his jacket and handing it to her. ‘Here, take this.’
‘I’d say no, but I’m too cold to be polite – thanks.’ Madison slipped her arms inside the dark leather and smelled the familiar scent of sawdust and paint – this time there was a hint of rosemary and peppermint too, a lingering memory from the massage. She hugged it tighter.
‘I’m really not hungry.’ Connor frowned at the queue, which had thinned to a couple of people.
‘I can’t believe you’re turning down the chance of a Sprinkles ice cream.’ Madison felt Connor’s forehead, ignoring the tingles that flitted across her skin. ‘Are you sick?’
‘Is it really that good?’ Connor looked doubtful. ‘Because I’ve a beer in the fridge, and a chocolate bar at home, if Georgie hasn’t eaten it.’
‘You haven’t tried any?’ Madison squealed. ‘Seriously, you’ve lived on Sunflower Island your whole life and never had a Sprinkles ice cream?’
Connor frowned. ‘You’re looking at me like I’m mad.’
‘It’s pity!’ Madison exclaimed. ‘I’m looking at you with pity. This is like having one of the Seven Wonders of the World on your doorstep, and deciding never to visit it. I knew you worked too hard, but I had no idea your life was so… joyless.’ Madison shook her head and grabbed Connor’s hand, holding on and tugging them both to the end of the queue. ‘Connor Robertson, I’m about to introduce you to a whole new culinary experience, so you’d better prepare yourself.’
‘Does it involve vegetables?’ Connor grumbled. ‘Because I’m really not prepared for that.’
‘This is a vitamin-free zone, which is why I’m so surprised you’ve never been. There’s no menu. You choose whatever takes your fancy. I love peanut butter and chocolate. If I’m feeling crazy I ask for a sprinkling of space dust.’
Connor looked at Madison blankly. ‘What’s wrong with vanilla?’
‘There aren’t enough hours left in this evening to explain.’ Madison laughed, tugging Connor forwards again as the queue shortened. A couple left the shop holding matching cups filled with luminous orange and blue ice cream, and the crease in Connor’s forehead deepened.
‘Is that actually edible?’ he said playfully.
She loved Connor like this, Madison realised, watching his mouth tip into a smile as he turned back. He was looser, so much less uptight. If he’d just kiss her again this evening would be perfect. ‘There’s only one way to find out.’ Madison giggled, almost bumping into Finn as he walked out of the shop holding an enormous cone with about ten large flakes sticking out of it.
‘You’re here?’ Finn looked surprised.
‘We’re… getting ice cream,’ Madison replied.
‘Ah, a date. We’re out on one too.’ Finn smiled as Amy appeared beside him. She was holding a small cup of chocolate ice cream. Her hair was up, she’d done her make-up and she wore the sparkly black heels Madison had admired the week before. ‘We were going for a drive along the coast but this woman needed something to cheer her up. I’d normally get flowers, but Sprinkles was closest and everyone knows ice cream’s the only way to mend a broken heart.’
‘I’m fine.’ Amy patted Finn’s arm. ‘I’m out with the most eligible bachelor in town – why wouldn’t I be happy?’ Madison could tell her friend didn’t mean it from her crumpled forehead.
Finn shook his head, his expression light. ‘Because you’re in love with someone else? Don’t sweat it. I’m enjoying your company, regardless of your crappy taste in men.’ He grinned. ‘Besides, I’ve been wanting to come here for a while.’ He smiled at his ice cream before nodding to Madison. ‘Enjoy the rest of your evening – try to do at least one thing I would.’ Finn waggled his eyebrows as he and Amy walked away.
Madison tugged Connor’s hand again and they entered the tiny room. Sprinkles could barely fit more than two people at the counter at a time and the walls were covered with about a million shelves, filled with bottles of silver and gold sprinkles, bowls, candles, sparkles and chocolates in all shapes and sizes. It felt like Aladdin’s cave, or a scene from a Harry Potter movie. Behind the counter, a woman dressed in black wore a bright white apron with ‘Dreams do come true… especially if they’re made of ice cream’ printed on the front.
‘Madison. You’re here.’ The woman beamed, the wrinkles on her face smoothing out as she smiled. She squeezed herself out from the behind the cou
nter so she could give Madison a hug.
‘Mrs Blake.’ Madison hugged the woman back, her head disappearing into her shoulder. Whenever she was home, Madison always popped in for an ice cream, and they’d developed a friendship over the years.
‘Remember I told you to call me Laura.’ Laura grinned and ran a hand over her grey hair, held in check by a white net. ‘Goodness, look at you – you’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you. Where are your aunt and uncle? You usually come together.’ Laura moved back behind the counter and picked up a cup. ‘You don’t like cones, I remember. Is it a peanut butter and chocolate day again?’
‘With oodles of sparkles and a sprinkle of space dust, please. My aunt and uncle are on a cruise in the Caribbean, taking a well-earned rest.’ Madison looked at the array of ice cream tubs behind the glass – they were yellow, blue, green, brown… one was even black. Colourful and delicious looking, there was so much to choose from. A thousand memories slammed into Madison. As Laura said, she used to come with her aunt. They’d walk along the seafront, talking rubbish for hours. She’d always hated leaving Sunflower Island on the ferry, because the last thing she’d see as they’d pulled away from the dock was Sprinkles, reminding her of all the things she was leaving behind.
‘Did your aunt ever tell you I got the idea of selling ice cream from her? I used to visit the cafe at The Hideaway when she worked there as a teen. They only served cakes, but she would sneak ice cream in from the kitchen and make sundaes. We tried them all out. Sandy even helped me create the flavours when I first set up my business.’ Laura laughed. ‘Some of them were awful.’
‘Didn’t my uncle once invent a rhubarb and liquorice flavour? He was always making up ridiculous dessert combinations for us.’ Madison giggled. ‘That story’s a Hideaway legend.’
‘It tasted like an old boot.’ Laura shuddered. ‘That will never be repeated in my shop. I’m sorry,’ she added, noticing Connor for the first time. ‘Who’s this?’
‘A friend of mine.’ Madison blushed.
‘A date?’ Laura looked delighted. ‘He’s gorgeous. Hopefully he’ll be enough to tempt you to stay on the island for good this time.’
Madison cleared her throat, embarrassed. ‘Connor owns Robertson & Robertson Builders. He’s doing some work at The Hideaway, fixing up the cafe and redecorating for a Grand Opening we’ve got planned at the end of this month. We’ve just been to Lake Lodge together…’ She paused – she didn’t know how to explain the relationship, especially after their time in pool.
‘Of course, I should have seen the resemblance to your mother. You really do look like her – same eyes and mouth. I knew Vanessa Robertson. Such a wonderful woman. I remember your father being head over heels in love with her, even in school. He always kept himself to himself, but Charles came alive when they were together. I hear he was never the same after she passed.’
‘I really couldn’t say,’ Connor said stiffly.
Laura must have read his mood, because she began to scoop Madison’s ice cream into a bowl, humming softly to herself. She handed the dish over before turning back to Connor. ‘I’m sorry I made you feel awkward. It must have been a difficult few years.’
‘I don’t remember,’ Connor said simply. ‘My father never talked about my mother.’
‘I didn’t see him after she died and of course I’ve never met you. I heard he became a bit of a recluse. I’m guessing he took it badly – Vanessa always was the lighter side of that relationship. But then, opposites do attract.’ Madison didn’t look at Connor but knew her cheeks had reddened. ‘Do you fancy some ice cream?’ Laura continued. ‘I’ve got all the usual flavours, plus a few of the unusual ones too.’ She swept the scoop over the display. ‘Raspberry, lemon, chocolate chip, banana… alternatively, curry or avocado. There’s even Hawaiian pizza – it’s vegetarian. I make that ice cream specially for one of my regulars.’
‘I think that might be a little more than Connor can handle as a first-timer,’ Madison joked. ‘I’m hoping he’ll go for some space dust, perhaps a scoop of banana.’ She eyed him thoughtfully, taking in his suddenly tight shoulders, the hint of tension around his eyes – which had appeared as the conversation had turned to his parents. ‘How about a scoop of avocado to go with it?’ she asked, aiming to make him laugh. When Connor stared at her, Madison chuckled. ‘Okay, you choose.’
Connor scanned the flavours. ‘I’ll have strawberry with a scoop of Hawaiian pizza – you can add the space dust, because I’ve got to admit to being intrigued.’
‘Wow.’ Madison’s mouth stretched into an O. ‘I guess the pizza shouldn’t surprise me, but that’s an odd combination.’
Connor shrugged. ‘They don’t have pie.’
‘In that case, Laura, please add a scoop of avocado to mine.’ Madison handed her bowl over. ‘It wouldn’t do for Connor to be more adventurous than me.’
They watched as Laura scooped Connor’s ice cream into a green cup before adding avocado to Madison’s bowl, then sprinkled them both with a healthy pinch of space dust. As Connor tried to pay, Laura shook her head. ‘On the house. I’ve no idea how I avoided bumping into you all these years, but I’m glad I finally have. You remind me of your mother – playful.’ She nodded. ‘Fun, but at the same time thoughtful.’ Laura squeezed out from behind the counter again to give Connor a quick hug, which he accepted awkwardly. Then she turned to Madison. ‘And you come back soon, missy – no leaving the island again without saying goodbye. If you’re ever looking for a little more adventure –’ Laura pointed towards the counter – ‘remember I’m here.’
‘I will.’ Madison gave her friend another quick hug before walking outside, past the long queue of people that had formed behind them, waiting impatiently in the darkness.
‘You have a knack for making friends,’ Connor admitted. ‘I’ve always envied that.’
‘I just talk to people. There’s nothing clever about it. Making friends is easy – it’s keeping them that’s hard, especially when you’re always moving around.’ They headed to the seafront in silence, taking in the swaying sparkly lights. Madison dug out her spoon and took a quick bite.
‘It’s hard to believe so many people want to buy ice cream at the beginning of March.’ Connor picked up his spoon and dug in too. ‘Okay, now I understand,’ he said. ‘I thought the pizza flavour was a joke, but it’s actually very good. I might even try the avocado next time.’
‘You’re weakening. I knew there was a health nut underneath that tough exterior,’ Madison teased, enjoying the look on Connor’s face as he dug into the colourful dessert. He wasn’t thinking about work or his parents.
‘If you served something like this in the cafe, you’d be an instant success. I’m guessing people can’t get hold of Laura’s ice cream without driving all the way down to the dock?’
‘The cafe?’ Madison asked vaguely, eating another spoonful of ice cream.
‘Perhaps Laura sells it to other businesses?’ Connor suggested.
‘Yes, she has. I think she still does,’ Madison replied, as space dust exploded in her mouth along with understanding. ‘Of course, I can’t believe I didn’t think of it. Connor, you’re a genius.’
‘I am?’ He looked up from his half-empty bowl.
‘That’s exactly what we need – having ice cream and making special desserts and sundaes will bring tons more people to The Hideaway. It’ll make all the difference. You’re brilliant. And we can get it in place for the Grand Opening.’ She jumped up and down on the spot, doing a quick, happy wiggle, and Connor looked at her, amused.
‘You do know you’re in a public place, right?’ he asked, making her laugh.
‘One thing I’ve learned in life – aside from how to book a plane ticket – is we all need to let our hair down sometimes, Connor. Even you.’
Connor looked amused. ‘Is that another roundabout way of persuading me to try yoga?’
‘Why not?’ Madison grinned, digging the spoon into her ice cre
am again. ‘You’ve proved you can be adventurous. Just look at your choice of ice cream.’
‘And look at yours,’ Connor said, his tone lowering as he watched her.
‘You can try some if you like?’ Madison nudged a little onto her spoon and offered it to him. Connor wasn’t the type to share food – she knew that already from the way he held himself back from people – so she was expecting him to say no. She wasn’t expecting him to take her hand and guide the spoon towards his mouth, or to pull her closer as he did so.
‘Tastes… okay,’ he observed, watching her. ‘For a vegetable. Now it’s your turn.’ He dug into his pizza flavour and held the spoon out. Madison opened her mouth and tasted. The flavours danced across her tongue. There was sweetness from the pineapple with a savoury undercurrent, followed by a popping of space dust that fizzed across the roof of her mouth.
‘Interesting.’ She licked her lips, noticing Connor’s eyes following the movement.
‘I’m going to say thank you again,’ Connor said seriously. ‘For bringing me here. For introducing me to a new culinary experience.’
‘And what Laura said about your mother?’
‘Perhaps for that too. I wasn’t lying when I said my father never talked about her, so the insight was… enlightening. Perhaps it helps to explain why he was the way he was.’ Connor traced a rough finger down the side of Madison’s face. ‘You have a way of bringing lightness into the world that’s difficult to ignore.’
‘Oh… well.’ Madison was tongue-tied but she didn’t look away, even as Connor leaned down to give her an unexpected kiss. He tasted sweet and her insides warmed as he gently ran his tongue across hers. She tried to edge closer, but their ice cream bowls bumped, making them both step back. Connor watched her for a beat, his eyes intense, and Madison shivered, pulling his coat tightly around her.
The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with Page 15
