The Seafront Tearoom

by Vanessa Greene

  Things had been awkward in the house for a month, ever since Séraphine had told her mother and father about Carla. Hélène had been unable to accept what Séraphine said. She refused to hear the words, even going as far as covering her ears.

  Patrick had taken the news slightly better. He seemed at first not to quite understand, and had spent the day silently working in the frost-covered garden. He’d come back inside shortly before dinner and laid a hand calmly on Séraphine’s shoulder, kissing her head. No words had been necessary.

  But with her mother it had been a different matter. Since that day, she and Hélène had avoided talking, immersing themselves in entertaining the twins or preparing food.

  Guillaume reassured Séraphine that Hélène would come round, that she just needed to get used to the idea. One evening Séraphine had even heard him trying to reason with his mother about it. She’d always imagined she’d be the one helping him settle back in at home—and yet instead he was the one trying to help her, in what seemed like an increasingly desperate cause.

  In Bristol, Flo passed Charlie a carefully wrapped present from under the tree—a package sparkling with silver paper and ribbon. Charlie and Pippa’s parents were in the kitchen making coffee and the room was relatively quiet for the first time that morning.

  “Thank you,” Charlie said, reading Pippa’s handwriting on the tag and smiling over at her.

  She unwrapped the package and took out a charcoal-gray silk dress from her favorite shop. “It’s beautiful,” she said.

  “I wanted to get you something special. After all, if it wasn’t for you, we might not all be here today.”

  She cast a glance over at Luke, who was on the sofa with Jacob on his lap.

  “Pippa told me how much you helped when I was away,” Luke said. “We’re both very grateful.”

  “There was a point when I thought I might not make it here,” Charlie said. “That perhaps our last family Christmas had already happened.”

  “No way—there’s no separating you two,” Luke said.

  “He’s right,” Pippa said. “I think we’re all stuck with each other. And him—” She tilted her head in the direction of the kitchen.

  “Are you talking about Grandpa?” Flo said, looking up from the present she’d been opening.

  “No,” Pippa said hurriedly. “Roger. I meant Roger the cat.”

  Flo narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “It didn’t sound like that.”

  “Why don’t we go and check on him?” Luke said. “I think Roger and Venus are quite confused about being here in Grandpa and Grandma’s house. We don’t want them getting lost.”

  “Sure.” Flo hopped to her feet, and Jacob tagged along behind.

  Pippa passed her sister a box of chocolate mints and unwrapped one for herself. “How’s everything going back in London?” she asked.

  “OK,” Charlie said. That about summed it up—she was managing. She had time for her early morning runs, and that cleared her mind for the day ahead. The editions of the magazine that she’d edited had sold well, and Louis seemed pleased with her progress. The hours were long but that was what she’d signed up for. “You know how much I wanted this promotion. I’m lucky to have the job.” It was all true, just not the whole truth.

  “That’s good, then.”

  “What about you?”

  “Things are better, thanks. I’m thinking of doing some part-time study. I’ll wait till Gracie’s older, but there’s a law degree I’ve been looking into and Luke’s said he’ll support me if I want to do it.”

  “That’s terrific.”

  “I hope it’s going to be a happier new year,” Pippa said.

  Charlie took hold of her sister’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m sure it will be.”

  When Christmas lunch was over, Charlie climbed the stairs to her childhood room, a cup of tea in her hand. Sitting on the bed, she texted Euan.

  Merry Christmas! We’ve had a brilliant day. Perhaps our best one yet. The kids loved their presents. It feels as if I’ve spent the day with someone else’s family, not mine! Even Dad’s behaving himself. How are things with you? Cx

  She sat down in her armchair and put her phone on the bedside table, waiting for his reply. She never had to wait that long.

  It was seeing him that was the problem. Weeks would pass when they were both too caught up in their work to make the journey in either direction. She missed him—the warm, safe feel of his arms around her in bed, the tenderness of his kiss. The way he made her laugh after a long day. The prospect of coming home to him rather than her cold, empty flat, was something she yearned for constantly.

  Séraphine went into the kitchen and found her mother arranging potatoes on a roasting tray. Her hair was up in a ponytail, and she wore a floral apron. Everything about the scene was familiar, apart from the blank look in Hélène’s eye when she saw her daughter enter the room.

  Séraphine couldn’t wait until she could get away and spend some time at Carla’s, talking through with her how hard it was to have her mother push her away. The moments she and Carla spent together—even when they had something so serious hanging over them—were precious. Snatches of time in which Séraphine had the space to be herself, and be with someone she loved more deeply with each day that passed.

  “I’m sorry, Mama,” Séraphine said quietly.

  Her mother’s eyes were shiny, wet with tears. Séraphine felt crushed at the thought she was causing her mother—who had always done everything she could for her—pain. Hélène shook her head, silent.

  “I wish this didn’t hurt you so much.”

  Her mother turned to her, her blue eyes wide, her vulnerability suddenly so visible. “You’re sure? Absolutely sure?”

  Séraphine nodded.

  “This isn’t a phase? There’s no chance you’ll change your mind?”

  “I’ve never been more certain about anything.”

  Hélène looked down.

  Séraphine bit the inside of her lip—knowing that she couldn’t ever undo what she’d said, and even if she could, the fact that it was true would always remain.

  “Well,” Hélène said, brushing her hands off on her apron. “I’d better start getting used to the idea, then.”

  She looked over at her daughter and the faintest of smiles appeared on her lips.

  So, a pretty different sort of Christmas this year,” Euan said, as he and Kat watched Leo playing with a friend on the South Sands on Boxing Day, dipping in and out of the waves in his Wellington boots.

  “Yes. You didn’t mind us being there, did you?”

  “Of course not. It made the day. It was so much more special with Leo around. I’ve always wanted a nephew.”

  “And then you gained one overnight,” Kat said, smiling.

  “He’s great, isn’t he?” Euan said, as Leo waved a stick he’d found in the air.

  “You can babysit whenever you want. Honestly, don’t hold back.” Kat grinned.

  “It seems real now, finally,” Euan said. “How have you been finding it with Mum?”

  “We’re talking more. We’re getting there. It’s taken time, but I feel lucky.”

  “You’ve not done badly with her. It could have been worse,” Euan joked.

  “Hopefully she feels the same.”

  “She adores you, Kat. She always has. I think it hurt her a lot not to be able to be honest with you. But when Mum makes a promise to someone, she sticks to it. One of the best things about her—though, in this case, it’s the thing that’s made her most unhappy. Until now.”

  As Kat’s dad cleared the table of their feast of turkey and stuffing leftovers, Letty and Kat sat on the sofa, Leo playing with his new toy sharks by their feet.

  “I think I prefer turkey sandwiches to Christmas dinner,” Letty said.

  “Probably because you’re
not rushing round after us all like you were yesterday.”

  “It’s been a pleasure, having you all here,” Letty said. “It means a lot—you know that, I hope.”

  Kat nodded.

  “I didn’t expect it. But yesterday was the happiest Christmas I’ve had in years,” Letty said.

  “I’m glad,” said Kat. “We really enjoyed it. Dad did too.”

  “Good.” Letty picked up the Radio Times and opened it. “Now, let’s see what’s on this evening, shall we?”

  Kat put her hand on Letty’s. “Actually there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”

  “Yes?”

  “You know we talked about spending more time together? Well, I’ve managed to save some money over the past month, so for the first time in ages I have a little extra.”

  “That’s good,” Letty said. “What were you thinking of?”

  “What about going abroad?”

  “That’s a lovely idea. Where?”

  “To stay with Séraphine. You remember that patisserie course near her she talked about? I know you’re as keen as I am to try that out.”

  Letty’s face brightened.

  “She’s right by a budget airport, and she said she could get us onto the course at a discounted rate. Dad’s offered to mind Leo.”

  “I could shut this place for a few days,” Letty said, looking around.

  “I’m sure the customers won’t mind the tearoom being shut for a little while if you let them know there’ll be an even better range of cakes when you get back.” Kat smiled.

  “Exactly,” Letty said, with a broad smile. “You’re on.”

  That’ll be Adam,” Euan said, when Letty’s doorbell rang.

  Adam. His face came back into Kat’s mind. She remembered how for one fleeting moment it had seemed as if everything was coming together for them—just before her life was turned upside down by the news about Letty.

  “Hi, everyone,” Adam said, stepping into the living room. His eyes met Kat’s and he smiled warmly. “Good Christmas?”

  “Yes,” Kat said. His gaze rested on her, and her attraction to him flooded back. “How was yours?”

  “Great, thanks. My parents are staying with us, and Zoe’s grandparents have come over from France, so it’s been a full house. She’s had a brilliant Christmas—with a ridiculous amount of presents. Séraphine sent her a beautiful dress she’d made. Anyway, with all those live-in babysitters, I thought I should take advantage and go out for a drink for once. Do you want to join us, Kat?” Adam said.

  Kat thought about it for a moment, but then shook her head. “I fancy a night in tonight, but thanks for the invite.”

  “Are you sure, love?” her dad said. “Letty and me can mind Leo.”

  “It’s fine,” she said, shaking her head. “Another time maybe.”

  Euan put on his coat. “OK, you guys, see you later.” Adam nodded good-bye to Kat and the two men left.

  Once he and Adam were out of the front door, Kat felt as if she’d made the wrong decision. She’d promised she’d start to be more open, grab life with both hands—and yet here, at the first opportunity, she’d let it slip away.

  Annoyed with herself, she walked through to the kitchen and stared out the window. She wanted the coming year to be different, but it was clear her life wasn’t just going to change by itself. She looked out at the sea and someone came into her mind.

  She took out her phone and pressed her third speed dial. There was one person who she was sure would know what she should do.

  “Charlie, hi,” Kat said.

  “Hello!” Charlie said cheerily. “Merry Christmas to you.”

  “Thank you, you too.”

  “How’s it been?” Charlie asked.

  “You know what, it’s felt surprisingly normal.”

  “That’s good. Same deal here. Must be something in the water.” Charlie laughed. “Is Euan behaving himself?”

  “He’s been on top from—Leo’s loved playing with him. He’s so delighted to have a new uncle. Seems to have taken it all in his stride.”

  “I’m looking forward to joining you all up there in a couple of days.”

  “I can’t wait to see you again. Euan’s popped out for a drink. Adam came around and . . .”

  “Oh?” Charlie said.

  “God, Charlie. I’m so hopeless at this stuff,” Kat said, biting her lip. “Can I ask your advice?”

  “Of course,” Charlie said. “Oh dear, am I really the closest you’ve got to a relationship expert?”

  “Afraid so,” Kat said, smiling. Speaking with Charlie made her feel instantly more relaxed, as if she wasn’t on her own.

  “You’ve realized that you’ve got feelings for Adam. And that in a way you’ve known it all along,” Charlie said.

  Kat laughed.

  “But now you think you might have missed your chance. And anyway, how do you go about asking someone out when you’ve both been out of the game so long—and you have children to think about.”

  “That’s pretty much it,” Kat said. “Am I that transparent?”

  “You’re an open book,” Charlie said. “Besides, it’s impossible to see you and Adam together and not realize that you’re both smitten with each other.”

  “I feel as if I’m fifteen again, Charlie. Where do I even start?”

  “Why don’t you go out for a drink?” Charlie said matter-of-factly.

  “He just asked me. I’m an idiot, I said no—he and Euan were going out and . . .”

  “Oh no, I don’t mean like that. Last thing you want is to end up in the friendship box. Thank God you said no.”

  “Oh, right,” Kat said, relieved she’d made the right decision.

  “What about New Year’s Eve? Have you got plans?”

  “No,” Kat said.

  “Why don’t you see what he’s up to?”

  “Just ask him?” Kat said, her heart pounding at the thought.

  “Yes,” Charlie said.

  “What if he says no?”

  “He won’t say no, Kat. Trust me.”

  On New Year’s Eve, Kat busied herself tidying the flat before Adam came round. She still couldn’t quite believe that he’d said yes—that any minute now he’d be here at her flat. After speaking to Charlie she’d gotten up the guts to text and invite him around, and he’d said yes as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He made it seem easy. Perhaps it was—she’d just put her energy into sorting out Jake’s problems for so long that it felt strange to be putting herself first.

  She had lasagna on the side, ready to cook, and melting-middle chocolate pots in the fridge for later. Leo was at her dad’s for the night, and the flat was quiet. In a good way, this time. She put some music on and straightened her dress.

  The doorbell went, and she ran to the window to check.

  “It’s me,” Adam said, looking up. He was holding a bottle of champagne in one hand and flowers in the other.

  “Hi,” she called down. She pressed the buzzer. She’d never felt surer that she was letting the right man in.

  56

  Please join us to celebrate our wedding

  The Spa Hotel, Scarborough

  3 July at 3 P.M.

  Dinner will follow the ceremony,

  with a live band till midnight

  Wear your best dancing shoes

  Charlie got into her car and put the top down. The sun was out in Scarborough and it warmed her bare shoulders, exposed in a strapless dress.

  It was a perfect day for it, she thought, with a sweet sense of anticipation. The light was glinting on the water, the air fresh. You couldn’t ask for a better day to get married.

  Kat put on a knee-length silk dress and tied her dark hair, longer now, with a delicate cream ribbon. Warm air drifted in through th
e open window.

  “You look pretty, Mum,” Leo said, watching her from his place on the sofa in their living room. He was dressed in a suit with a white shirt, his secondhand shoes buffed to a shine.

  “Thank you,” Kat replied. She felt different. Yes, she felt pretty.

  “It’s a special day, isn’t it?” Leo said, kicking up his heels.

  “It is, yes.”

  “Why’s that?”

  She came and sat down beside him. “A wedding is a way for two people to show their friends and family that they love each other, and they always will.”

  “Like you love me?”

  “No, different.” Kat considered how best to explain it. “It’s when you meet someone who’s not family, but is just as important to you, and you decide you want to go through life with them. For some people it’s a big, romantic red-heart kind of love, for others it’s a calm, peaceful thing. Some feel they’ve found the other half of themselves, and that being with that other person makes their life more complete.”

  As she talked to her son, Kat realized how well the last words captured the way she felt about Adam—that sense of completeness. It was different from how things had been with Jake—where once there had been friction, there was now openness, and patience, and laughter. They still trod gently with each other and in the new relationship between their two families. They didn’t take for granted Leo and Zoe’s tentative acceptance of what was happening, they worked every day to try and build security for the two of them, in the hope that one day their unit might feel more solid.

  “So it’s a happy thing?” Leo said.

  “Yes. It’s a very happy thing, and it’s going to be a happy day. And I’m proud I’ll have the most handsome date there.”

  She tickled Leo, and he collapsed in giggles.

  She picked up the invitation on the mantelpiece. “Come on then, shorty. Let’s go.”

  You have everything?” Carla called out to Séraphine from the hallway. Séraphine gave her handbag a final check—wallet, camera, keys, lipstick.