Getting over Gary (Whitsborough Bay Trilogy Book 2)

by Jessica Redland

  I fiddled with a loose thread on my jumper. ‘Is that why you’re angry with me?’

  ‘Angry may not be the right word. It’s a bit strong. I’d say… a bit miffed.’

  ‘So is that why you’re a bit miffed with me? For keeping it secret? I’m sorry, Kay. I should have told you, but—’

  ‘I’m not talking about me, sweetheart. I’m talking about Sarah. This is huge news and you haven’t shared it with your best friend. Yet, if I’m not mistaken, both Stevie and Clare know. And I believe Michael might too. A couple of comments he’s made make sense now. Am I right?’

  I lowered my eyes. ‘You’re right. I didn’t set out to tell any of them. They all stumbled upon the news somehow. Nobody else knows. Not even my family.’

  Kay reached forward and took my hand in hers. ‘You’re one of the kindest, most selfless people I’ve ever met, Elise, so I know that you’ll have had good reasons for keeping this a secret and I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the reasons was avoiding stealing the spotlight.’

  I looked up, surprised. ‘It was.’

  She smiled. ‘It’s so like you to think about others like that, but secrets have a way of surfacing and, no matter how good your intentions were, this is one secret that should probably have been shared with your family and your best friend at least.’

  ‘Has Sarah said anything?’

  Kay let go of my hand. ‘Not directly. She hasn’t guessed you’re pregnant, if that’s what you’re thinking. However, she has noticed the closeness between you and Clare and is confused by it after years of bad feeling between you both. She knows you’ve been confiding in each other and she suspects that Clare’s opened up about her past. Understandably, she finds that hurtful. She has no idea it’s you who has the secret.’

  My stomach sank. Poor Sarah. I’d really screwed up. ‘I was going to tell her after her honeymoon.’

  ‘I think you should tell her now.’ Kay stood up. ‘Actually, I want you to tell her now. I can’t make you, of course, but you should be prepared for the repercussions on your friendship if you leave it any longer.’

  ‘You think it’s that bad?’

  Kay nodded. ‘I do. Would you like me to see if she’s come down to breakfast and ask her to come and see you?’

  I stood up, shaking my head. ‘No. This isn’t the time or the place.’

  ‘Will there ever be a right time or place?’

  ‘Probably not, but there’ll be better ones than this. I promise I’ll tell her before she goes and hope it’s not too late.’

  ‘I shouldn’t have left this till today.’ Sarah planted her hands on her hips the following day and shook her head at the piles of clothes on the bed. She sighed. ‘I hate packing. Especially when it’s last minute like this.’

  ‘I thought you weren’t driving to the airport till teatime.’

  ‘We’re not. I’ve got six hours, but I’m still feeling that it’s too last minute.’

  ‘To be fair, you have had a wedding to think about, a shop to manage, and Christmas.’

  She rubbed her hands across her face and shook her head. ‘What was I thinking, getting married so close to Christmas when I own a shop? Durr!’ She moved a pile of clothes aside and sat down on the bed. ‘I need to sit down and relax for a moment or I’m going to forget to pack something vital.’

  She leaned across and moved a pile of clothes on the other side of the bed so I could sit down beside her. We both plumped the pillows and leaned back against the headboard.

  ‘Where’s Nick?’ I asked, wondering whether he was likely to walk in on me mid-confession.

  ‘I sent him out to The Old Theatre with Stevie for a Full English. He’s rubbish at packing. He somehow manages to fill a suitcase with only three items of clothing. It’s quite a talent.’

  My pulse raced at the mention of Stevie’s name and I hoped Sarah wouldn’t notice the colour in my cheeks. ‘I bet he did it deliberately so you’d relieve him of his duties.’

  ‘You may have a point.’ Sarah picked up her mug of tea and took a slurp. ‘So what happened to you on Saturday night? Stevie said you were tired and had gone for a lie down, but I’m sure I didn’t see you again.’

  ‘I managed to fall asleep and not wake again till morning. I’m so sorry, Sarah, but I missed everything after your first dance.’

  ‘No! Nightmare. You must have been exhausted to sleep right through.’

  ‘I was. But there’s a reason why I was exhausted.’ I took a deep breath. ‘I’m pregnant.’

  Sarah’s eyes widened. ‘Oh my God! Who? Where? When? How? Actually, scrap the last one. I know how. But … oh my God! I need details!’

  ‘Who? Daniel. He knows, but he’s not interested which is fine by me. Where? On the beach near the caves.’

  The smile slipped from Sarah’s face. ‘On the beach? But that happened in the summer, which would mean you’re—’

  ‘Five months pregnant and a rubbish friend for not telling you sooner. I’m sorry. With the twins being born and you getting married, there never seemed to be a good time to share the news.’

  She grabbed my arm and gasped. ‘Your family don’t know? You’ve gone through more than half your pregnancy on your own?’

  I squirmed. ‘A few people knew. Mainly by accident.’

  She let go of my arm and twiddled with one of her curls. ‘Oh my God! Clare knows doesn’t she? That’s the secret you’ve been sharing.’

  As I curled up under my duvet that night, I couldn’t stop picturing the hurt expression in Sarah’s eyes as I told her about Clare finding out and how she’d joined me for my scan. With Kay’s warning that secrets had a way of surfacing heavy on my mind — especially with it being the same warning I’d given to Gary about confessing his sexuality to his mother — I’d told her everything about who knew, how, and what they’d done with that information.

  She’d cried. She’d actually cried. She thought she’d failed me as a friend if I’d felt I couldn’t open up to her about something so important. I’d then jumped to defensive mode and reminded her of her reaction to Callie’s pregnancy announcement. We argued. We cried. We argued some more. I’d never argued with Sarah, even as kids. It was hideous.

  ‘It’s been a heck of a year for both of us, hasn’t it?’ Sarah had said, hugging her teddy bear, Mr Pink. She wiped tears from her cheeks. ‘I don’t want it to end with me losing my best friend.’

  ‘I don’t either. I really am sorry, Sarah. I wish I could turn back the clock, but I can’t. I thought I was protecting you, but I think I was really protecting me.’

  We’d talked some more then I’d helped her pack before driving back to Smuggler’s View. Peace was restored, forgiveness was granted, but damage was done. I prayed that Sarah would have such an amazing honeymoon that things would be back to normal when she returned. I’d certainly make every effort to include her in my pregnancy and my life in general to try to repair the damage I’d caused. No more secrets.

  Then it hit me. I’d not mentioned my feelings for Stevie. Shit! Another secret. Even worse: another secret that Clare knew.

  Chapter 39

  Christmas Eve arrived and, with it, my next scan. I was nearly twenty-two weeks gone by then, but had wanted to wait for the school holidays before I booked it. Once again, Clare was in the waiting room.

  ‘I thought you couldn’t come.’ I hugged her.

  ‘I managed to move a couple of things around. I wanted to be here. As I said before, I don’t think anyone should go through this alone.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Will you find out what you’re having?’

  ‘A baby I hope. Or I’m in big trouble.’

  ‘Ha ha.’ Clare stuck her tongue out. ‘You know what I mean.’

  ‘I wasn’t going to. The gender of your baby can be one of life’s few genuine surprises if you let it b
e, but I’m far too practical for that. As a single mum, I want to know that I’m decorating my nursery in the right colour and have a good supply of the right gender clothes because I don’t think I’ll have any time to think about stuff like that once bean arrives.’

  ‘I know it’s a stupid question, but it’s the question you have to ask all expectant mums…?’

  I smiled. ‘I honestly don’t mind, but I have this very strong feeling that it’s a girl, which is another reason why I’d like to find out the sex. If today reveals a boy, I have plenty of time to get the thought that it’s a girl out of my mind.’

  ‘It’s a girl,’ the sonographer confirmed ten minutes later.

  Clare grinned at me. ‘You were right.’

  ‘She’s laid in a really clear position so I’d say there’s very little doubt.’ The sonographer pointed to the screen. My baby girl.

  ‘Thought of a name?’ Clare asked.

  ‘Not yet. I’ve always liked Hannah, but our Jess has beaten me to it. It’s only Emily’s middle name, but it still wouldn’t feel right. I’ve got a shortlist of nine names so I just need to narrow that down to one favourite. I suppose one of the benefits of being a single mum is that I get to pick the name. No compromises needed there.’

  We walked to the car park together fifteen minutes later. ‘Have you been in touch with Stevie since you ran out on him?’ Clare asked.

  ‘I didn’t run out on him. I got spooked so I went to my room to think about whether I was brave enough to give him a sign, like you said, just in case he rejected me.’

  ‘He wouldn’t have rejected you.’

  ‘How do you know?’

  ‘I just know.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘A wee leprechaun told me.’ Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

  I gave her a playful shove. ‘I give up trying to get any sense out of you. If Stevie and I are meant to be, it will happen despite me messing up on Saturday. Destiny will prevail.’

  ‘I want to say bollocks to that, but I think, on this occasion, you might be right.’

  I sat in Bertie five minutes later, looking at the new scan photo. ‘Could she be right?’ I whispered. ‘I hope so, but no time to dwell on it right now. Your mummy has a mountain of Christmas presents to wrap for your cousins so I’d better get home and get cracking.’

  * To Stevie

  Quick text to say I’m so sorry for not making it back downstairs on Saturday night. I meant to, but pregnancy fatigue must have got to me and I fell asleep. I’m really sorry we didn’t get to finish our dance. I was really enjoying it. Maybe another time? Hope you have a great Christmas Day tomorrow xxx

  I looked at what I’d typed that evening. It wasn’t blatant, but it was definitely a suggestion. Let’s see if he responded to it. I turned the light off and drifted into sleep.

  I drove to Jess’ house the next morning armed with bags of gifts. I’d gone a little overboard on the twins, but it had been so exciting buying for them whilst knowing that I had their cousin growing inside me. Their female cousin. I’m having a girl! I’m having a girl! And today was the day I’d tell my family. At long last.

  As soon as I walked through the door and saw the ‘Happy First Christmas’ banners everywhere, I canned my plans. Damn! Why was it never the right time?

  It was lovely spending the day with my family, or at least the ones who counted.

  ‘What’s your mother doing today?’ Dad asked over Christmas pudding. I knew he could only have been asking out of self-preservation to make sure she wasn’t about to pay a visit.

  ‘Drinking herself into oblivion with her friend Irene I suspect,’ Jess said. ‘Why should Christmas Day be different?’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ he said.

  ‘Dad, you have nothing to be sorry about,’ I said. ‘You tried to change her, but she didn’t care enough about you or us to last more than a day without a drink or a fight. I don’t know how you managed a year, never mind a couple of decades.’ We both knew he’d only stayed because of us and I’d admire him for eternity for that. Even though the divorce had come through when I was fifteen, he’d stayed in the house until Jess was eighteen and old enough to leave home, and had continued to be the only parent in our lives. As soon as she moved in with Lee on her eighteenth birthday, he moved to Spain and finally started living.

  ‘What are you all planning for New Year?’ he asked, tactfully changing the subject.

  ‘Lee and I are planning a romantic night in with a candlelit meal and a film… if a certain pair of babies allow us, that is. Doubt we’ll still be awake at midnight, though.’

  ‘Elise?’ Dad asked.

  I shrugged. ‘I’ve been so busy that I haven’t made any plans. Are you still going to see Bryan?’ Bryan was Dad’s best friend from school. He lived in Liverpool and, like Dad, was divorced and hadn’t remarried. They took it in turns to visit each other at New Year.

  Dad nodded. ‘Don’t think we’ve missed a year since I moved to Spain. You make sure you get something planned, Elise. New Year can be a funny time and you’ve been through a lot this year with Gary. Make sure you’re not alone and melancholy.’

  ‘I won’t be, Dad. I promise.’ I stood up. ‘Now why don’t you all go into the lounge and relax while I clear this lot away?’

  ‘I’ll help you,’ Dad said. ‘No protests. Jess and Lee, you’re under strict instructions to relax before my grandchildren wake up. Elise and I will do the washing up.’

  ‘Can I wash?’ I asked. ‘I hate drying.’

  ‘Be my guest,’ Dad said. ‘And while you’re doing it, tell me how you are.’

  My stomach lurched. ‘I’m fine, Dad. Why?’

  ‘You look tired and like there’s something on your mind.’

  I gulped. ‘I’m really fine. I’m always tired after the autumn term. You know that.’

  I thought he was going to protest and I’m not sure I had it in me not to confess all. Instead he said, ‘Okay. Whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll open up when you’re ready.’

  I wondered for a moment whether he’d guessed. I felt my cheeks flush. ‘Let’s get these pots done then put the kettle on, eh?’

  We’d no sooner finished the dishes than my Blackberry rang. I dug it out of my bag in the hall. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Stevie’s name flashing on the screen. Was he going to respond to my suggestion? I hoped so!

  ‘Hi Stevie, Happy Christmas!’ I sat down on the bottom stair.

  ‘Hi you. Happy Christmas too. Was Santa good to you?’

  ‘Very good. They clubbed in and got me some gorgeous things for my new home — wherever that may be — and I feel quite spoilt. What about you?’

  ‘Uncle George is the only one who buys for me and he gave me what he’s given me since I was about six — a gift voucher for WH Smith, bless him.’

  My heart went out to him with only one immediate family member. He just had to say the word and I could double the size of his family. ‘How was Christmas dinner?’ I asked.

  ‘Delicious. It was a joint effort by which I mean Uncle George peeled one carrot and I did everything else. He overdosed on sprouts, though, so I’ve had to leave him snoring and farting in the front room and come into the hall for some fresh air.’

  I laughed. ‘That sounds very pleasant. I’m in the hall too so that’s spooky. The twins are asleep, Dad and I have just done the washing up and he’s making a brew. It’s party central here!’

  Stevie laughed. ‘Have you told them about the baby?’

  I lowered my voice. ‘I was going to, but Jess had all these Happy First Christmas banners up and it didn’t feel right.’

  ‘It’s your choice, but there’s always going to be a reason not to say anything, isn’t there? One of the twins has smiled for the first time, or taken their first step.’

  ‘I think bean will have made an appear
ance by then,’ I whispered.

  ‘Fair point. You know what I mean, though, don’t you? Look, it’s none of my business, but don’t you think it would be lovely to tell your dad face to face?’

  ‘That’s why I was going to tell them today.’

  ‘Then still do it. Don’t let some banners put you off. I’m sure they’ll all be thrilled for you. I’m going to stop lecturing you now.’

  ‘It’s fine, Stevie. You’re right. I’ll tell them.’

  ‘Good. Believe it or not, my reason for calling wasn’t to have a go at you. I wanted to ask whether you’d made any New Year’s Eve plans yet.’

  ‘Not yet.’ But I’d love to spend it with you. ‘Probably TV and an early night. Everyone I know seems to have plans.’

  ‘Not everyone. I don’t, although I’m hoping you’ll change that. Would you do me the honour of dining at mine on the evening and seeing the New Year in with me if you’re not too tired?’ YEAH!!!!

  ‘Just the two of us?’

  ‘And Meg, of course.’

  I smiled. ‘Sounds good.’ Sounds amazing.

  ‘Brilliant. I don’t like the idea of you driving back home when you’re tired so the invitation extends to staying over. We could maybe take Meg for a walk round The Headland the next day.’

  I hesitated. Stay over? What did that mean? In the spare room or with him? My stomach did somersaults at the thought of the latter.

  ‘Elise? Are you still there?’

  ‘Sorry,’ I said. ‘I… erm… I thought I heard the twins. It’s a yes. The meal would be great. And the walk the next morning.’ And a night in your bed.

  ‘Is six too early?’

  ‘Six is good. Enjoy the rest of your day and I’ll see you next week.’

  ‘Now go and tell your sister and your dad that there’s another baby on the way.’