‘You’ve done an incredible job.’ Finn made Madison jump as he reached across the bar to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. ‘And I could have predicted Amy and Jesse would get back together. Shame, I do like that girl…’
‘You were never serious about Amy. Far too many fish in the sea,’ Madison teased. ‘What do you want to drink?’
‘I’m here for a sundae. You choose which – I hear you have a gift for the unusual. Perhaps that’s the wanderer in you…’ Finn leaned his elbows on the counter as Madison dolloped vanilla and chocolate ice cream into a dish, adding Smarties, popcorn and a smattering of space dust before handing it to Finn.
‘On the house – for all those Pink Flamingos you keep making me, and for helping with the decorating.’
Finn shrugged. ‘It looks good – what do your aunt and uncle think?’
‘Don’t know, but I’m expecting them any minute.’ Madison frowned. ‘My aunt looked tired. I hope she’s all right.’
Madison glanced across the room, searching for Connor, who was standing with Jaws at one of the side tables, surrounded by a group of men she recognised from the builder’s yard. One of them nodded before taking a business card from him. Connor glanced up and caught Madison’s eye. Something was off in his expression, and once Madison got out from behind the bar, she was determined to find out what.
‘The press are on their way.’ Stanley appeared at her side. ‘Are your aunt and uncle here? It would be great to have them in the photos. Oh, and a dessert would be good,’ he added, spying Finn’s bowl. His question was answered as Sandy and Jack walked down the stairs, looking around the cafe. Their eyes widened as they took in the rows of customers, who shook their hands and kissed their cheeks as they passed.
‘It’s like the old days,’ Sandy said as she scanned the new yellow paintwork, ice cream cabinet and cappuccino machine. ‘Except there are tons more people and no rhubarb or liquorice ice cream.’ She shuddered. ‘I can’t believe you made all this happen, Madison. You’ve never been so…’ She paused. ‘I want to say committed, but that sounds rude.’
‘Maybe it’s true.’ Madison nodded. ‘You’re right, I’ve not exactly been reliable – and I know I kept leaving – but I’m here to change that. And you should know, this wasn’t just my doing. You’d be surprised by how many people wanted to save The Hideaway.’ Her aunt and uncle looked at each other and frowned. ‘Is everything okay?’
‘Of course.’ Jack nodded without looking at Madison. ‘Although there are a few things I probably need to say.’
‘Perhaps we should talk about that later, after the party?’ Dee interrupted on her way to the kitchen, holding a tray of empty cups and plates. ‘When you’ve got time to explain properly. Besides, didn’t Stanley say the press were due soon?’
‘Yes, and it’s getting busier,’ Stanley exclaimed, coming to join them as another crowd of people walked down the stairs and approached the bar.
‘What’s going on?’ Madison asked, feeling her insides squeeze. Dee and Connor looked unhappy. Her aunt and uncle needed to tell her something. What was she missing? And why was everyone so jumpy? Then more customers arrived, drowning out any chance of a heart to heart. The volume in the room increased and Madison watched Sophia and David approach across the cafe.
‘You came!’ Madison shook off her bad feeling and gave Sophia a quick hug. ‘This is my aunt and uncle. Sophia was a guest of The Hideaway until a few weeks ago. She’s a midwife – this is her boyfriend, David O’Sullivan. They came for her birthday.’
Jack blanched as he shook David’s hand.
‘I hope you had a good holiday?’ David asked, his eyes flicking around the room.
‘You know each other? Of course, David, you mentioned you’d stayed at The Hideaway before,’ Madison said.
‘I’ve known your aunt and uncle for a while,’ David explained. ‘We had an enjoyable time staying here while you were away,’ he continued, looking at Jack. ‘The place has a lot of potential.’
‘It’s very special.’ Sophia glanced around the cafe. ‘And has more than lived up to its potential already.’ She sounded annoyed. ‘Madison has done wonders, introducing the yoga and walks, these incredible sundaes. You must be so proud to see the results of her work.’
‘It’s… an astonishing transformation,’ Sandy agreed. ‘We weren’t expecting so much to change. It’s a little overwhelming.’
‘I’ve been recommending The Hideaway to everyone I know.’ Sophia beamed, ignoring David as he glowered at her. ‘Obviously we stay at Lake Lodge regularly, but there’s something about this place I love. Besides, David enjoys a little competition…’ She grinned at him.
‘Lake Lodge?’ Madison asked, taken aback. ‘I don’t understand.’ She picked up a couple of mugs and set them under the cappuccino machine, keeping her hands busy.
‘David owns Lake Lodge. Sorry –’ Sophia’s face dropped – ‘David asked me not to mention it.’
‘I know you’ve only just got back from your holiday, but I’m keen to move on with the sale,’ David interrupted before Madison could respond.
‘What sale?’ Madison’s hands froze as she turned to pick up the drinks.
‘I’m going to buy The Hideaway, assuming we agree on a price.’ David nodded at Jack and Sandy. ‘I’ve been speaking to the Skylars since it went on the market. Connor’s advised it’s structurally sound and I see no reason not to progress.’ He glanced around the cafe. ‘You’ve realised some of the potential here, but with the right management there’s even more that can be done.’
‘You’re selling?’ Madison whispered, her eyes flicking from her aunt and uncle to Dee and Connor, who’d extracted himself from the group of men to join them. ‘You all knew?’
‘I didn’t.’ Sophia glared at David. ‘I didn’t mention that David owned Lake Lodge because he said he wanted to leave work behind completely.’ She frowned, shaking her head.
‘It’s only just gone on the market,’ Jack explained. ‘After your aunt nearly died, we knew we needed to slow down. There’s so much to do here, visitor numbers were dropping, the place had got shabby – we couldn’t keep up. It felt like there were no other options…’ He paused. ‘I asked Dee to keep the sale quiet… I had no idea you’d come home, or that you’d do all this.’
Madison swallowed, unable to take everything in. Her eyes filled with tears. ‘Aunt Sandy nearly died?’ She knew her voice was wobbling, could hear the emotion even as she tried to hide it. ‘When?’
‘I had a small…’ Sandy paused, looking upset. ‘Episode. Back in September. It was a surprise. I spent a week in hospital. It’s one of the reasons we went away. I…’ She looked embarrassed.
‘Small episode?’ Dee sounded annoyed. ‘Shall we call a spade a spade? I know I didn’t say anything, but Madison deserves to know.’
Sandy sighed. ‘Perhaps it wasn’t so small. I had a heart attack. I was doing yoga in my office, then there was this awful pain in my chest. I was lucky – Dee popped in to talk to me, otherwise it might have been too late. The doctor said it was linked to lots of factors, including stress.’ She shrugged. ‘There’s been a lot going on. We’ve been losing customers for a while and it got worse when Lake Lodge opened. I hadn’t realised how much it affected me.’
‘You didn’t tell me.’ Madison felt numb. She picked up some chocolate sprinkles and sprayed them over the drinks, barely caring where they landed. Everything about Sunflower Island felt like it was slipping away, an illusion disappearing. It was as if she were seven years old, at the airport again, being sent away.
‘You were in Thailand – we didn’t want to worry you. These things always sound so much worse than they are. I made it to the hospital in time, got some medicine, had a rest. The doctor recommended a complete change of lifestyle, working less and avoiding stress. I’m getting better…’
‘We knew you’d want to come home,’ Jack continued. ‘But with everything being so grim here, we… well, what could you hav
e done?’ He looked around. ‘A lot, obviously – I can see that now. But we didn’t know… we didn’t realise. All we knew was how hard you find this kind of news to hear… and how much you enjoy travelling. We’ve only ever wanted you to be happy, Madison.’
‘You could have called me.’ Madison shook her head, absorbing the news. The Hideaway was up for sale, her aunt had nearly died – Connor and Dee knew, and no one had told her.
‘You’ve had your own life, love, travelling,’ Sandy murmured. ‘You’ve never wanted to stay.’
‘That’s… that’s not true—’ Madison’s breath caught. Everyone was looking at her and she couldn’t breathe. Suddenly she was making her way out from behind the bar, pushing between the bodies of her so-called friends – people she could hardly see. Someone tried to stop her, another wanted a hug, but Madison couldn’t stay. She had to get out, up the stairs, to find her way into the light – away from these people she’d believed loved her. The people she thought were her friends.
Had they all known? Had everyone been laughing while she’d been trying to save The Hideaway – the place she’d claimed as her home? She was an idiot – she’d never belonged here, didn’t belong anywhere. Seth was right.
‘Madison,’ Connor shouted from behind her. ‘Wait.’
Madison didn’t want to – everything inside her screamed at her to run, to head to the bedroom she’d started to think of as hers, and pack. But she waited, hoping it was a mistake, that there was some explanation that would make everything okay.
‘I’ve been wanting to tell you—’
‘But you didn’t, because…?’ Madison snapped, turning so she could look at Connor. In the distance more people were walking towards the cafe. One held a camera – maybe they were the journalists Stanley had talked about? It doesn’t matter now.
‘It wasn’t my place, and I know that sounds bad. I talked to Dee – it was up to your aunt and uncle. Besides, we never thought you’d stay.’ Connor blushed. ‘At least, not at first.’
‘So what, you slept with me, let me…’ Madison swallowed the lump in her throat. ‘Care for you – because it was convenient? Georgie told me you only date tourists. I suppose that means I fell into your normal category.’ Madison’s chest felt tight. The tears pooling in her eyes were in danger of spilling over. She straightened her back. She wasn’t going to cry, wasn’t going to show Connor how much he’d hurt her.
‘That wasn’t it,’ Connor said quietly. ‘Your uncle asked me to decorate. I knew the place was up for sale, and David came to see me when he stayed at The Hideaway. I couldn’t exactly refuse to speak to him.’ He swore. ‘And that sounds bad – I’m not good at this.’ He stared at her. ‘You know I’m not good with words. I believe in keeping promises, in doing the right thing, and I made a promise to your uncle – to Dee – to keep this quiet.’
‘You did.’ Madison pushed aside her emotions. This wasn’t the time to let her feelings out. ‘You promised your client that you’d fix his guesthouse, respected the sanctity of the deal. I get it. I know how much your work means to you. No doubt you’ve got more lined up at Lake Lodge…’
Connor looked guilty. ‘Not anymore.’
‘But you did? Ah, that’s just…’ Madison’s hands shook as she whipped around, following the bunting along the house to the kitchen. She pulled her mobile from her pocket and dialled a cab, barking instructions seconds before the battery ran out.
‘You’re leaving?’ Connor followed as Madison charged up the stairs, heading for her bedroom. Jaws followed behind, but she ignored them both. She pulled her backpack out from under the bed and opened her wardrobe, grabbing handfuls of clothes and stuffing them inside. She paused, looking at the photo album on the floor of the wardrobe, at the picture of her aunt and uncle on the bedside table, then shook her head. She didn’t need them. Didn’t need anyone. Never had. She was a wanderer, would always be a wanderer. It was the only way to protect herself.
‘What about The Hideaway?’ Connor watched, his hands by his sides, his voice desperate. ‘Who’ll teach yoga, take the walks?’
‘I’m sure David will find someone.’ Connor stared as Madison gathered up her toiletries from the bathroom and dropped them on top of her clothes. Finally she snatched the envelope from her bedside drawer. ‘I guess I do need this after all.’
‘You’re leaving – after everything you’ve said?’
‘I don’t belong here,’ Madison said quietly. ‘I thought I did, but I don’t.’ Her throat felt raw, her legs were shaking and she wanted to throw up. But she finished packing, waiting for Connor to say something, waiting for him to tell her not to go.
‘I’m being the person I’ve always been. I wasn’t lying, Madison. I couldn’t tell you the truth. It wouldn’t have been…’ Connor paused, perhaps knowing the words wouldn’t sound right. ‘Professional.’
‘Ah.’ Madison’s voice cracked. ‘And of course being professional is what it’s all about. I forgot that while I was falling in love with you. I forgot what’s really important.’
‘You’re leaving because you’re afraid,’ Connor said quietly. ‘You’re doing what you’ve always done. Running before you get hurt, because running is easier than staying. You’re less vulnerable that way.’
‘That’s not it… You lied to me. Everyone did. I’ve never been part of this place. I’ve always been an outsider. You’ve all just proved that.’ Tears pricked Madison’s eyes again and she swiped at them with the back of her hand. The doorbell rang and she looked out of the window, at the cab already parked outside.
‘I’m coming!’ Madison held up her hands as Connor moved towards her. ‘There’s no place for me here.’ She picked up her backpack and headed for the stairs, gripping the envelope tightly between her fingers, wondering if Connor would follow. If he’d try to explain, or win her back.
But as Madison raced towards the front door and the cab waiting on the drive, she didn’t hear any footsteps behind her – there was no shout and no one begged her to stay.
Instead, The Hideaway stayed silent as she opened the door and half ran, half stumbled to the cab, holding back a sob as she gave a final backwards glance to the only place she’d ever wanted to call home.
Thirty-Nine
‘What are you doing in here?’ Finn asked mildly from the doorway of Connor’s home office. ‘Because there’s a party in the cafe that you’re partly responsible for – the press are here and no one can find Madison.’
‘She’s gone,’ Connor replied, ignoring the ache in his chest. If he pushed it down for long enough he wouldn’t notice it soon. Instead he shoved the papers round his father’s old oak desk, trying to remember what the hell he was meant to be doing with them.
‘Gone?’ Finn asked, scanning the empty room. ‘I’ve got to wonder why, considering you two have been so close.’
‘Madison’s done what we all knew she would,’ Connor said bitterly, checking his watch. ‘She’s probably buying her ferry ticket now.’
‘She walked out on Sunflower Island without saying goodbye to anyone?’ Finn looked thoughtful. ‘I’m guessing that’s not the full story.’
‘She was upset.’ Connor swallowed the pain burning a hole in his heart. ‘I don’t know why you’re so surprised.’
‘Because, duh.’ Finn shook his head. ‘The woman’s in love with you. I’ve never seen her as happy as she’s been these last few weeks. So I’ve got to ask, what happened?’
Connor closed his eyes. ‘She found out her aunt was sick and The Hideaway’s up for sale.’
‘And that you knew all along?’ Finn guessed. ‘You didn’t think to tell her?’
‘I planned to, but the Skylars came home early and she found out by herself.’ Connor shuffled the papers on his desk again. There were quotes here he should have finished weeks ago, invoices to record. Instead he’d been swimming, eating ice cream or practising yoga – basically losing his mind. ‘It doesn’t matter, it’s obvious she hasn’t changed.’ He stoo
d up. The ache in his head was back and there was a matching one in his chest. He might need to go for a run later – to chase the feelings away.
Finn put his hands in his pockets and looked around the office. ‘So your plan is what, to bury yourself in work? Step back from the world and live out your days a lonely old man, like your father?’
‘No… yes. It’s not me leaving on that ferry,’ Connor snapped, thumping the switch on his laptop so he could do some work. Jaws wandered into the office from the hall and sniffed Finn’s shoes.
‘It’s you sitting here, shutting down, when you should be following Madison and begging her not to leave.’
‘This isn’t a movie, Finn,’ Connor said bitterly. ‘We’re not all going out to fly kites. There’s no happy ending for me here.’
‘That’s your father talking,’ Finn said sadly. ‘But you’ve a chance to change that path. I’ve seen it over the last few weeks, seen you coming alive. Don’t shut everything out now.’
‘You don’t understand.’
‘I understand what you’re giving up – which is why I’m asking, are you really ready to let her go?’
Connor closed his eyes, remembering the last month, how he’d lived before. But all he could see was Madison – forcing him to eat bananas, getting lost on the beach or flashing her red underwear as she slowly brought him back to life.
The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with Page 24
