by Karen King
‘Neither can I. When I came down as a child, I remember the cottage as bright and cheerful. There were pots of flowers in the back yard, and around the front door, I remember their smell – and the smell of cooking from the kitchen. It was lovely. I had a shock when I saw how scruffy and neglected it had got, but I guess as he got older Uncle Albert let things go a bit. Marcus said that he was lonely. It’s so sad.’
‘I know. It sounds like Marcus kept an eye on him, though, and the woman next door, so he said last night. You couldn’t help if you didn’t know, could you?’ Nick pointed out. He got to his feet. ‘Right, let’s start this sightseeing tour then. And can we stop off for a pub lunch maybe?’
‘Sounds good.’ Hattie grabbed her bag, locked up the cottage and then they set off down the hill to the harbour.
The day passed quickly and very pleasantly, starting with a walk around the harbour front, the local art gallery – where they were both chuffed to see two of Marcus’s paintings on display – and a paddle in the sea. They stopped off at the Old Sea Dog for a pub lunch washed down with a fruit cider. Then they had a wander around the shops, where Nick bought a few souvenirs to take home and Hattie spotted some yellow cushions which she simply had to buy.
‘It might have been an idea to take the car,’ Nick said as they walked back to the cottage, their hands full of bagged-up cushions.
‘They will look great on the sofa, they’ll really add colour to the room,’ Hattie told him.
She was right. The vibrant yellow cushions transformed the old brown sofa and brought a splash of much-needed colour to the living room. ‘Now, I can pick out the yellow in flowers, or rugs, or lampshades. It’ll look really bright and cheerful,’ she said, feeling really pleased with how much they had transformed Fisherman’s Rest.
Hattie’s phone started to ring. She glanced at the screen and saw it was her dad, video-calling her. ‘It’s Dad,’ she mouthed, swiping the screen to answer. There was a crackle and then Owen’s face appeared.
‘Hello, love. Is this a good time? I just wanted to check how you and Nick were getting on with tidying up the cottage.’
‘We’ve done more than tidy it, we’ve transformed it. Let me show you.’
Taking the phone from room to room, she showed him what they’d done.
‘That looks brilliant. I think I could do with you two over here helping with the hotel renovations.’ Owen was clearly impressed.
‘Maybe me and Glenn can talk to you about that . . . but I’ll have to discuss it with him first,’ Nick said, peering over Hattie’s shoulder.
‘You’re going to take a chance on setting up on your own then?’ Owen clearly knew what Nick was talking about and Hattie felt a bit sad that Nick had a closer relationship with her dad than she did. She pushed the resentment away. The past was done with – at least she and her dad were building a stronger relationship now.
‘We’re still talking about the details but yes, I think we’re going to give it a go,’ Nick told him.
‘That’s great. And seriously, thank you both for all your hard work there. I really think this will make a huge difference to how quickly the cottage sells as well as to the price. And I really need a quick sale.’
‘It’s going on the market Monday, Dad,’ Hattie told him.
‘That’s such a relief,’ Owen told her.
Then Raina joined in and they all sat chatting for a while. Owen gave them a bit of a tour of the hotel, and even Lacey gave them a wave and a cheery ‘bonjour’. For the first time in years, Hattie felt like she had her dad back. It was a lovely feeling.
‘You’ve done a good job on this,’ Marcus said approvingly as Hattie and Nick showed him around after they’d transferred a very perky Buddy back into his large cage in the corner of the lounge. ‘I’m not usually a fan of white walls but it’s opened up the rooms, and those yellow cushions really brighten it up.’
‘Gorgeous, aren’t they? I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them,’ Hattie told him.
‘You should have seen the struggle we had carrying them home!’ Nick quipped. ‘We decided to walk, rather than take the car, in case I was still over the limit, and then we ended up loaded up like packhorses.’
Marcus grinned. He could imagine. ‘The new bathroom suite makes a difference too. That’s one of the things I changed as soon as I moved into Curlew Cottage.’ He nodded. ‘I reckon this will get snapped up.’
Why did that make him feel sad? He had always known that Hattie was only here temporarily.
‘I’m going to have to accept the first reasonable offer; I’m sorry if it’s someone who wants to rent it out as a holiday let but my dad can’t afford to wait.’ He could see that Hattie was genuine.
‘It’s okay, you do what you’ve got to do. I’ll cope.’
He opened his rucksack and took out a dish covered in tin foil. ‘I don’t know if you two are hungry but there’s some leftover casserole here from the hotel. It’ll only go to waste.’ The same words he used to say to Albert.
‘That sounds perfect. Does it need warming up?’ Nick asked.
‘It should still be hot, it’s in an insulated dish,’ Marcus replied.
‘I’ll get the plates,’ Hattie said, going over to the wall cupboard where the plates were kept.
‘I’ll open a bottle of wine.’ Nick went to the fridge.
Marcus grinned as he watched them. Nick and Hattie had certainly jelled this week and he was pleased for Hattie. When she’d told him about her parents break-up and her father moving to France, he had got the impression that she’d been a lonely, resentful child but now, thanks to Albert leaving this cottage to Hattie and her father, that all seemed to have changed.
It was a noisy, fun meal, with them all exchanging anecdotes and memories. They demolished the casserole and swigged glasses of wine. Albert would have loved this, Marcus thought, remembering how he used to sit with the old man, sharing leftovers from the hotel and sipping a glass of whisky. But Albert had gone. And soon Hattie would be gone too.
He watched her talking to Nick, her face alive, her eyes sparkling, and thought how much he was going to miss her.
‘Well, I need to be getting to bed, I’ve got a ferry to catch tomorrow and if I drink any more wine I won’t be fit to drive.’ Nick held out his hand to Marcus. ‘It’s been good to meet you, mate, and if you ever decide to take a trip over to France do look us up. Better still, pop over with this one. She’s coming for a visit once the cottage is sold.’ He grinned at Hattie. ‘Maybe we’ll even persuade her to stay there.’ He bent down and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Night, sis.’
‘Night.’
‘Night,’ Marcus replied automatically, his head reeling at Nick’s words. Was Hattie seriously thinking of living in France?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Nick left early the next morning and Hattie went straight to the Saturday market to look for curtains and a new blind. She found some pretty white curtains with tiny yellow roses on them that would go well with the yellow cushions, and some light blue blinds for the bathroom. She bought some new duvet covers too, knowing they would brighten up the bedrooms. As she stuffed her purchases into the saddlebags and top box on her motorbike, though, she thought about getting a car. It would certainly come in handy for shopping, and if she wanted to expand her photography business she could do with getting some props and would need a car to carry them around. A motorbike had been great when she lived in Bristol, she could get in and out of the traffic so much quicker, and it was easy to find a parking space, but she didn’t fancy moving back into the city. She was enjoying the slower life in Port Medden. Maybe she could move to Exeter instead?
She pulled up outside the back gate of Fisherman’s Rest just as Marcus came out of his yard. He looked at her packed bike in amusement. ‘You’ve been shopping, I see.’
‘Yes and I got a little carried away.’
‘Well, next time let me know and I’ll give you a lift in the van. It’d be safer than car
ting all that on your bike.’
‘It’s quite safe. The saddlebags and top box are fixed on tight, and I’m not over the weight,’ she retorted, then checked herself. Marcus was only offering to help. ‘But thanks for the offer. Actually, I did want to pick up some big tubs for the back yard tomorrow and they’d be difficult to carry on the bike. Don’t worry if you’re busy,’ she added quickly.
‘I’m not and yes I’d be happy to take you. I might even get some for my back yard,’ he told her. ‘You’re making my cottage feel a bit shabby with all your refurbishments.’ He walked over to the gate and unbolted it for her so she could wheel the bike in. ‘Want help unpacking that?’
She shook her head. ‘No, I’m good thanks. I’m just taking it inside and then I’m off to see Ellie and Reece; they’re back today and want to discuss some things with me.’
‘I’m working tonight – want to share a nightcap when I come home or is that too late for you?’ he asked.
‘I’d love to; it’s going to be quiet without Nick.’ She hadn’t been on her own much in the two weeks she’d been here, she realised. First Mali and Lou had come to stay, then Nick. Now she would be on her own until the end of next month when Mali and Lou broke up from school for the summer and were planning on coming down again. Mali had offered to cancel this as the cottage would be on the market with people viewing it, but Hattie had assured her it wouldn’t be a problem to have them there.
‘I’d love that. See you later, then. About ten thirty?’ She knew that the last meal served at the hotel was nine thirty, then Marcus always tidied up the kitchen.
‘See you!’ he set off down the hill.
It was comfortable, this friendship with Marcus, Hattie thought as she watched him walk down the hill, hands in his pockets. He was a nice guy. Thank goodness they’d got past that awful hiccup at the beginning. Her thoughts went back to how they had been planning on going back to Marcus’s cottage after the garden party. If Nick hadn’t turned up, they might be more than friends now, they might be lovers. Her pulse quickened at the thought of Marcus’s hands caressing her body, his mouth on hers . . . She shook the thought away. It was a good job Nick had turned up; she didn’t need the complications of a love affair, not when she had to find herself a new home. But right now, she had half an hour to unpack this stuff and get to Gwel Teg.
She unlocked the back door and took everything into the kitchen, said a quick ‘hello’ to Buddy then grabbed herself a yoghurt out of the fridge to tide her over. She thought about getting changed but didn’t want to keep Ellie and Reece waiting. It wouldn’t look professional.
Hattie finished the yoghurt, and, after a quick check of her make-up, set off.
Mandy looked up from the computer screen at the reception desk as Hattie walked in. ‘Afternoon, lovey. Go straight through to the private quarters. Ellie and Reece are in the garden.’
‘Thanks.’ Hattie indicated her shorts and top. ‘Do I look all right? I’ve been shopping and didn’t have time to change.’
‘You look gorgeous,’ Mandy assured her.
Hattie threw her a grateful smile and walked through into the garden. Ellie and Reece were sitting at the green ornamental metal table drinking lemonade. They both stood up as she came out and Hattie was relieved to see that they were both wearing vests and shorts too.
‘Did you have a nice honeymoon?’ she asked.
‘It was wonderful.’ Ellie gave her a hug, and Reece kissed her on the cheek. ‘Would you like a glass of lemonade?’ he asked.
‘I’d love one, thank you.’
They chatted for a while about the honeymoon, and how Hattie was settling in, and then turned the conversation to the wedding photographs. ‘They are all gorgeous, it was hard to make a selection,’ Ellie told her. ‘And there are a couple I really like but I don’t like my expression on them. I wonder if you can do anything about that?’
‘Yes, I can swap the faces. Can you show me which ones you want replaced, and the ones you want them replaced with?’
When all that was sorted out, they chose the album they wanted and then Sue came out too with a plate of sandwiches and cakes. Sue wanted a few photographs as well so Hattie made a note of her choices.
‘There’s something else I wanted to ask you, Hattie,’ Sue said. ‘We’re updating the hotel website and adding a “Meet our Staff” page. I wondered if you would be interested in taking the photos of the staff for us?’
Hattie was delighted. Her photography work was certainly taking off since she’d come down to Port Medden. She was beginning to think she might make a success of it, after all.
‘I’d love to,’ she said. ‘What timeline did you have in mind?’
Then she realised Marcus was a member of staff there – she would have to take a photograph of him. The thought of his sensual mix of tawny and hazel eyes staring into the camera lens made her heart flip.
He’s just a friend, she reminded herself. And that’s the way it’s staying.
The hotel had been busy this evening and Marcus had been rushed off his feet. A couple of guests had come into the dining room at twenty-five past nine, wanting a three-course meal. ‘I know it’s past last orders, but can you do it, please?’ Sue had asked, so Marcus had agreed. It had meant he was late cleaning up, though, and it was almost eleven before he was knocking on Hattie’s door, bottle of cava in his hand. He’d texted her to say he’d be late, of course, saying it was fine if she wanted to cancel, but Hattie had replied swiftly to say he should drop by, she wasn’t going to bed quite yet.
‘Back again,’ Buddy squawked as soon as Marcus stepped into the lounge. ‘Back again.’
Marcus laughed. ‘Well, that’s a new one! He’s really chirped up, hasn’t he?’ He went over to the cage to talk to the parrot. ‘Hello, Buddy, how are you?’
‘Fine and dandy! Fine and dandy!’ He danced along the perch.
‘I haven’t heard him say that for ages! Albert taught it him,’ Marcus said. ‘He looks so happy and settled here now.’
‘He never shuts up,’ Hattie said with a grin. ‘He’s really cheeky.’
‘It’s good to see him looking so much better.’
He sounded so wistful that Hattie glanced at him. ‘Are you missing him? You can come and see him anytime.’
‘I am a bit,’ Marcus confessed. He held up the bottle of cava. ‘I’ve brought this so we can celebrate.’
‘Celebrate what?’ she asked.
‘You being the official hotel photographer. Word travels fast,’ he said with a grin.
‘Who told you?’ she asked. Then she guessed. ‘Mandy?’
‘Yep, she’s taking the credit, of course, telling everyone she spotted your talent right away.’ He put the bottle down on the table. ‘It will certainly give your photography business a boost. Reece and Ellie have connections.’
‘I know. I’m chuffed.’ She took two glasses out of the cupboard and took the cava over to the sink to open it, just in case it sprayed everywhere. ‘Thanks for this,’ she said, as the cork popped out.
‘You’re welcome.’ He held out his glass. ‘To Hattie!’
Hattie clinked it with her glass. ‘To us!’ As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she realised how they sounded. ‘Because you’ve got some new commissions for your paintings,’ she added quickly.
He grinned. ‘It looks like things are looking up for both of us.’
They chatted easily for a while, and had another glass of cava each, then Marcus got up to leave. ‘See you in the morning,’ he said. ‘Will nine thirty be okay? The garden centre doesn’t open until ten on a Sunday and I’d like to go for a surf first.’
‘Do you go in the sea every day?’ she asked.
‘If I can, yes. Winter and summer. It keeps me fit. I love being out there, riding the waves, just me and the ocean. It’s a wonderful feeling.’
No wonder he was so fit. Memories of his taut, toned body flashed into her mind.
‘I’ll take your word for it. I
t’s a bit early for me. I’m shattered. It’s been hard work doing up the cottage this week. Nick and I have had loads of late nights.’
‘I’m sure you have. Well, I won’t keep you up any longer. Pop around any time after nine thirty tomorrow. I’ll be back and showered by then.’
She nodded, her eyes almost closing of their own accord. She’d have to set the alarm. At this rate she’d be still asleep at midday!
Chapter Thirty
It was actually almost ten when Hattie knocked on his door the next morning. ‘Sorry, I overslept,’ she said.
She still looked tired, Marcus thought, noticing the dark shadows under her eyes. She was really working hard to sort out the cottage, determined to get the best price for her dad.
‘It’s not a problem if you prefer to go another day,’ he told her as she followed him inside.
‘No, I need to go today. Jonathan is coming to take the photos tomorrow.’
‘Then let’s go!’ Marcus grabbed his bunch of keys off the table.
The garden centre was busy, even that early in the morning. ‘I’m glad we didn’t come any later, there’s loads of customers with big pots of plants in their trolleys. I don’t want the best to have been taken,’ Hattie said.
‘Are there any particular plants you’re looking for?’ Marcus asked.
‘I want the garden to look vibrant and summery. I thought hanging baskets by the back and front door, and two pots outside the front door, and smaller ones dotted around the back yard. Maybe in some unusual pots – like that.’ She pointed to a big boot-shaped pot overflowing with assorted petunias. ‘And that gorgeous cascade corner planter. I can just imagine that full of primroses and fuchsias and we could have a pot of lavender, and some begonias . . .’
