by Rebecca Pugh
‘But you have to take time for yourself, too, Mia,’ Laurie offered softly. ‘Have you ever even taken a holiday for a week or two?’
Mia remained silent for a couple of seconds then shrugged.
‘Seriously?’ Laurie’s eyes widened. ‘You haven’t taken a holiday? What’s wrong with you?’
‘I don’t need a holiday, thank you very much. I’m quite happy here, working in the diner, doing my thing. It’s what I’ve always done and probably what I always will do.’
Laurie frowned. ‘But what about your future? Marriage? Children? Don’t you ever want to get away? I knew I was desperate to flee London. I needed a change of scenery, fresh air and something else to focus on. Don’t you ever feel like that?’ She clocked Mia’s far-off look and knew instantly that Mia did feel like that. It was completely obvious. ‘You do, don’t you?’
‘Well, it would be nice. But the truth is, it’s just not possible. I have responsibilities here. I can’t just ditch them and run off into the sunset.’
‘You won’t have to run.’ Laurie smirked. ‘I’m sure Cal would give you a ride on his white horse.’ She wiggled her eyebrows playfully. ‘Across the sand, into the golden sunset.’ Sighing dramatically, she laughed when Mia nudged her with her elbow. ‘All right, all right, I’m only playing. But I do think that you should seriously consider a break. You’ll end up working until you’re in a coffin. What sort of life is that?’
Mia’s throat constricted. ‘A life I’m used to?’
Laurie felt saddened by Mia’s answer. She truly couldn’t fathom how Mia had never taken a break. Didn’t being here, as gorgeous as Sunset Bay was, day after day, ever get tiring? Didn’t she want to explore the rest of the world, fall in love and spread her wings? ‘Neil took me on a few holidays. We went to Lanzarote once. It was beautiful. Do you have any dream destinations?’
‘I’ve always loved the look of Italy. And Greece. And Hawaii. They look so tropical and dreamy. So much so that sometimes I doubt their very existence. I think they’re the kinds of places you have to see for yourself to know they’re real.’
‘I’ve been to Greece, too. It’s gorgeous. You’d love it.’
Mia laughed. ‘What? Are you suddenly a travel rep now?’
‘No, silly. I just think you should consider it. Taking a holiday, I mean.’
‘Like I said, impossible. Anyway, are you finished?’ Mia stood and scrunched up the vinegar-stained paper and threw it in the bin beside the bench. ‘Brrr, it’s definitely getting nippier, isn’t it? It’ll be Christmas before we know it.’
‘Come on, let’s go for a stroll. Then it’s back to your cottage for dinner, right?’
Mia tucked her arm around Laurie’s and they set off down the pier together. ‘Oh, go on then.’
Chapter Thirteen
Mia had to hide her smirk when she approached Cal and Marco waiting outside the diner that morning. It was clear from Marco’s expression that he was disappointed Laurie wasn’t by her side as she now always was.
‘She’s ill so won’t be in today.’ She made it sound as if she were addressing both of them, but she was only really speaking to Marco. She watched as his face fell and his usual tight-lipped expression reappeared. She realised he hadn’t been wearing it since Laurie had stepped onto the scene and she was almost shocked to see it now, tightening his mouth into what looked like a near grimace. ‘She should be back in tomorrow,’ Mia added in a lighter tone, and was happy to see that his eyes sparkled at that piece of news. ‘I’ve spoken to her on the phone this morning and she thinks it’s a stomach bug, so we’ll have to wait and see. Good job we’ve quietened down, isn’t it? Or I would have been on my arse today. Come on, let’s get inside.’
The day went by smoothly, a few regulars popping in and out, most of them bringing up the topic of the weather, grumbling about the chill that was beginning to make an appearance. ‘It’s definitely getting colder,’ Mia nodded, refilling another mug. ‘We’ll be donning our hats and scarves soon!’ It was true. Despite it only being September, it had definitely grown colder, and the wind that swept in from the sea only intensified it.
As she turned and went to step back behind the counter, she spotted a tall, rather broad man entering the diner. He wasn’t familiar but had a strikingly handsome face, decorated with a chiselled jaw with a sprinkling of stubble that made him look very rugged, which contrasted nicely with the sharp, tailored suit he was wearing. He slipped into the booth closest to the door and pulled out his phone to begin tapping manically at the keys. It was odd, because the first thing many of the diner’s customers did was peruse the menu, but each to their own, she supposed. As she approached with her notepad at the ready, she assumed that he wasn’t from around here. The shininess of his brogues caught the diner lights, making him appear very polished and snappy.
‘Hi, is there anything I can get you? Coffee, perhaps?’ Her breath caught as sea-blue eyes raised to meet hers. Coupled with that jet-black hair, he was quite the catch. ‘A milkshake, maybe?’ She smiled nervously and for some stupid reason grinned like an idiot. He stared at her for a few moments, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her face. It began to get uncomfortable so Mia turned over a new page on the notepad, despite the other one being blank.
‘A coffee sounds perfect. Thank you.’ He smiled at her, flashing a row of pearly white, straight teeth. ‘Nice place you’ve got here. I have to say, I didn’t expect to come across a diner in Sunset Bay. It’s not exactly in keeping with tradition.’ A rumbly laugh escaped from his throat.
‘Thanks. Yes, I’m sure some people would think the old girl looks a bit out of place here, but it’s been standing for over sixty years now, so this is her home. I have no idea why I’m referring to it as a person, but there you go.’ She laughed nervously as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. ‘Is it just the coffee you wanted? No food?’
‘No, I’ll just have a coffee, I’ve already eaten this morning.’
‘Okay, great. I’ll be back in a moment.’ She threw him a smile and wandered off to prepare his drink. While waiting for a fresh brew of the rich, dark liquid, she found herself glancing over towards the handsome stranger every so often, almost as if she was checking that he was still sat there. It was hard not to look at him, though. He looked powerful, and a little out of place, she had to admit. The last time she’d seen someone dressed in a suit was at Grandma Dolly’s funeral. It just wasn’t the way round here. He intrigued her and was confident, it seemed. And that face? Well, it was the kind of face you’d expect to find in a magazine.
‘There you go. One coffee. Do call me over if you need a refill, as they’re free, and you can have as many as you like.’ She smiled, something she kept doing and which was probably making her look ridiculous. She turned to walk away but apparently he wanted to have a conversation instead.
‘It’s a lovely area, isn’t it? Sunset Bay?’ He raised his eyebrows as he waited for a reply.
‘Yes, it is. Very quiet and peaceful, except in the summer months. It all gets a bit hectic then.’ She couldn’t help feeling flattered that he’d wanted to continue chatting. She glanced around the near-empty diner and decided why not? She took the seat opposite. ‘It’s the perfect destination for when it’s hot and sunny. The pier opens up and people flock to the beach. You’ve just missed the pier, actually. It’s closed now until next year, but it’s something everybody loves, locals included.’
‘Are you a local then?’ he asked with interest. ‘You seem pretty clued up on the place.’
Mia watched his lips as he spoke. They were a peachy shade of pink, and his bottom lip was quite plump and thick. ‘Yes, I’ve lived here for years now. I used to visit when I was younger as my grandma lived here all of her life. When I was old enough, I moved here permanently to take care of her. This diner was hers, actually. That’s who my grandma was. Dolly. This was her pride and joy, and she passed it down to me when she passed on.’
He nodded. ‘Nice. I w
as about to say, you look like you know what you’re doing. What did you say your name was?’
She couldn’t actually remember whether she’d told him her name or not. ‘Oh, sorry. It’s Mia. Mia Chapman.’
He nodded. ‘Great to meet you, Mia. I’m Greg.’ He smiled warmly. ‘I’m a journalist, been sent here to write an article on the town. Seems like I found the best person to be in touch with when it comes to this place though. Right?’ He smiled, a smile that sent shivers down her spine and she almost wanted to wriggle beneath the sexiness of it.
‘You could say,’ she replied with a nervous laugh. ‘But yes, please do find me if you need to know anything else. Anyway, I’d better get back to work. It was lovely chatting with you, Greg.’ She rose.
‘Mia?’
God, was she ever going to get away? Not that she wanted to, of course. ‘Yes?’
‘This might sound a bit forward, but it’s in a strictly professional manner. How would you fancy having dinner with me tonight? You can tell me more about the town and, this is a bit embarrassing but, you’re gorgeous. I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to let things slip by, including dinner with a beautiful woman like yourself.’
She swallowed. She didn’t dare to believe that this man, this God of a man, was really asking her out to dinner. She blinked a few times, unable to form the words to reply, but found her voice quickly when two eyebrows lifted in amusement. ‘Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you.’
‘Excellent. Are there any nice places to go round here? You are the expert, after all.’
She told him about a seafood restaurant at the other side of town which came highly recommended by the locals. ‘I’ve heard a lot of great things about it.’ He seemed pleased and took her number, adding that he’d pick her up at eight, from Honeysuckle Cottage. She reeled off the directions so that he knew where to go, and then she got back to work once he’d finished his coffee and left.
‘Who was that?’ Cal asked, appearing behind her as she peered through the diner window and watched Greg walk away.
‘Someone who just asked me out for dinner,’ she squealed with excitement, failing to see the frown on Cal’s face as she twirled on the spot like a teenager and clapped her hands together. ‘God, that has never happened to me before. Never! Oh, my God, I have to call Laurie. She has to help me choose what to wear. Move, Cal! I need my sister!’
She felt Cal following her as she raced over to the phone and dialled Laurie’s number.
‘Wait, Mia. Do you even know this guy?’
‘Yeah, his name’s Greg,’ she rushed out quickly, batting him away with her hand as she cradled the phone and bounced, waiting for Laurie to pick up.
‘That’s it?’ Cal asked with what sounded like a panicked laugh. ‘You know his name is Greg? But what if he’s a creep? What if he …’
‘Cal. Please. I’m on the phone.’ She turned away and began yapping excitedly to Laurie who croaked back with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. ‘Laurie, are you too ill to come to the cottage tonight and help me get ready? I haven’t been on a date in years.’ She realised Cal was standing there watching her, so turned her back on him. What was his problem? ‘No? Oh, Laurie, that’s the best news. Okay. Yeah. Sure. Okay, I’ll see you tonight then. Bye. Byeee!’ She spun back round once she’d returned the phone to its cradle and raised her eyebrows at Cal questioningly. ‘Didn’t your mother ever tell you that it’s rude to do that when someone’s on the phone?’ She was playing about, her tone light, but she couldn’t understand the expression on Cal’s face. He looked almost furious with her, which was strange. Why would this even bother him? He had Hannah.
‘This guy could be anyone, Mia. Are you seriously going to go out to dinner with a complete stranger?’
She laughed and shook her head. This was unbelievable. Couldn’t he just be excited for her? ‘Cal, you’re being ridiculous. Stop it, I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself.’ He clenched his jaw before turning and retreating back into the kitchen out of sight. Seriously, what was his problem?
***
‘And, with that,’ Mia flinched as Laurie eased the curling tong away, ‘you are ready for the ball. So, tell me about this dishy man again. Was he completely gorgeous?’
Mia shifted from her crossed-leg position on the bedroom carpet and turned to face her sister. ‘He is devastatingly gorgeous, and that’s no exaggeration.’
‘Well, with the way you’re looking tonight, you’re going to make the perfect pair.’
Mia beamed. ‘Thanks, Laurie. You’ve always been so much better than me at the whole make-up thing.’ She spun round to face the mirror and let out a small gasp. ‘Oh, wow. I look fantastic, if I do say so myself. What sorcery is this?’ She threw a playful look Laurie’s way, but quickly returned her eyes to her reflection. ‘He’s going to think I’m a completely different person to the woman he met in the diner.’
‘When did your hair get so long, by the way?’
‘No idea. It is long though, isn’t it?’ Mia commented as she swung it all over one shoulder and studied the length. ‘Thank you for curling it for me. It would have taken me hours to do it myself. Do you think I need more hairspray?’
‘No, you’ve almost used half a tin!’ Laurie laughed behind her. ‘If anything remotely fiery comes into contact with you, you’ll go up in flames!’
Giggling, Mia stood and stretched her legs. She’d been sitting cross-legged for most of the evening and it felt good to finally stand up. She eyed the red dress that Laurie had brought over with her, one of her own, and grimaced. ‘Are you sure I won’t look too … you know?’
Laurie gasped. ‘What are you trying to say?’ Laughing, she shook her head and picked it up. ‘You’re going to look one hundred pounds once you’ve got this and your heels on. Loverboy isn’t going to know what’s hit him.’
‘A fire-truck by the looks of things,’ Mia retorted as she took it from Laurie’s grip and shut herself in the bathroom to get changed. Five minutes later, she stepped back out and Laurie wolf-whistled.
‘God damn,’ she admired, indicating for Mia to turn on the spot. ‘You look incredible.’
Mia grinned as she performed a little curtsey, although it was difficult with the red number being so tight-fitting. She felt as if her thighs were stuck together. ‘Why, thank you!’ She gathered her bag and phone, jumping when she heard the beep of a car outside the cottage. ‘Oh, no! He’s here!’ Flustered and suddenly panicking, she looked around the room frantically. ‘Have I got everything? I feel like I’ve forgotten something but I don’t know what!’
‘Mia, chill. It’s okay. It’s just a date. You don’t need to start hyperventilating. It’s going to be great, I promise. And if he’s as lovely as you say he is, then you’ll have a fantastic time together.’ She held the door open and Mia stumbled through. She wasn’t used to wearing heels. In fact, she felt like a complete amateur and knew she’d end up making a fool of herself at least once before the night came to an end. ‘Oh, one more thing – put your phone on silent. You don’t want it blaring out while you’re enjoying a romantic meal. It will ruin it completely. Trust me.’
Mia nodded quickly. ‘Good point. Thank you, Laurie.’ She fiddled with her phone before dropping it into her bag. ‘Feel free to stay here if you don’t fancy walking back to the B&B.’
‘Good luck!’ Laurie gave her a quick hug, then Mia left the cottage. She stepped down from the doorstep, wobbling slightly on the heels. Greg was out of the car in seconds, holding out a hand to escort her round to the passenger side. He opened the door for her, then once she was settled in her seat, he leant down and gently brushed a kiss across her cheek.
‘You look stunning,’ he murmured, his breath dancing across the skin of her neck.
‘Thank you.’ She popped her seat belt on while Greg walked around the car and climbed in the driver’s side.
‘Ready?’ he asked, glancing across at her.
‘Ready.’
Ch
apter Fourteen
Laurie felt sick. Physically sick. Her stomach felt like it was detaching from her insides and flipping about manically. It couldn’t be, could it? Surely not? Not here? In Sunset bloody Bay?
Still standing by the window where she’d looked out to spy on Mia and spotted him, she felt as if she’d been frozen in place. She was too horrified to move. Her mind was reeling. She was trying to convince herself that she hadn’t seen him, but as she’d stood there and scrutinised him through the glass, she knew she couldn’t deny it. It just had to be, and she had to warn Mia. He’d obviously gone into the diner intent on getting Mia alone. Laurie seethed. What a toad! What a slimy, rotten, good-for-nothing toad! She would have bet her life on it having been her mother who had told him where he could find her, too, and the thought made her furious. She felt like she was being hunted down and wouldn’t have been the least bit surprised to find that she had a bounty on her head at this rate.
Finally able to move, she began to pace the bedroom worriedly, chewing her nails, something she hadn’t done for years. What should she do? She should ring Mia. In fact, that was exactly what she was going to do but, as the call went to voicemail, she remembered with a sickening feeling that she’d told Mia to put her bloody phone on silent. She screamed with frustration. There was only one other option.
She left the cottage and ran back to the B&B where her car was parked. As she raced along the street, she dialled Cal’s number and silently begged for him to pick up.
‘Laurie?’
‘Cal, thank God! Listen, are you busy? I could really do with your help if you’re not doing anything else. Please?’
‘What’s wrong? Is it Mia?’ His tone went from miserable to concern in less than two seconds. ‘What’s going on, Laurie?’
