by Rebecca Pugh
Laurie nodded. ‘Yeah, you’re right.’ She sighed. ‘Anyway, enough about me. Poor you more like. I can’t believe he turned up here, charmed you and then took you out for dinner. I’m so sorry if he hurt your feelings, Mia. As soon as I realised who it was, I shot out of the cottage and got there as quickly as I could.’
‘Don’t worry about it.’ Mia moved behind the counter to begin setting up for the day. ‘Actually, turns out I had a really great night.’ She glanced up and caught the knowing smirk Laurie was now wearing.
‘Oh, do tell, little sister. I want all of the juicy details!’ She propped herself up on the counter with her head resting on her hands, eyes wide at the promise of gossip. ‘Come on, spill.’ Her fingernails tapped against the counter impatiently but there was a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.
Mia shrugged. ‘It’s nothing much. It’s just …’ She peered at the closed kitchen doors, making sure the man in question wasn’t within earshot. ‘Me and Cal. He came after me last night, after I left the restaurant and … we kissed. And told each other how we felt and … It kind of carried on from that, when we got back to the cottage.’ Her mind filled with images of the night before and her cheeks began to burn. She tried to shake them away but they stayed firmly in place.
Laurie grinned. ‘That’s my girl.’
With a laugh, Mia rolled her eyes. ‘Shut up, Laurie.’
‘What?’ Laurie protested. ‘I’m proud of you! The chemistry between you two was driving me wild. I felt like I was reading a romance novel where the two main characters were so obviously meant to be together but neither of them would make the first move. Honestly, so frustrating.’ With a cheeky wink, she nipped into the back to grab her apron and returned moments later.
‘Did you ask how Neil managed to find you here, by the way?’ Mia thought it odd that he’d just turned up out of the blue. ‘I mean, he must have found this place somehow. Have you ever told him about the diner?’
‘I probably mentioned it to him once or twice if you cropped up in conversation, but at the time, you and I weren’t really talking so …’ Laurie shrugged and began filling up the straw and napkin containers. ‘But it was Mum who sent him down here. She probably told him everything. About you, about the diner, about Sunset Bay itself. It wouldn’t have taken him long to figure out how he could find me. He’s disgustingly clever, almost as much as he’s disgustingly slimy.’
Mia laughed. ‘He’s definitely slimy, I’ll give him that.’
***
It was lunchtime when Hannah strode into the diner. She looked purposeful, like a woman on a mission, and it didn’t take Mia long to figure out who she was looking for as her icy-blue eyes scanned the diner with eagerness.
‘Where is he?’ she asked when she arrived at the counter. ‘Cal? Is he here? I need to speak to him. It’s urgent.’ Hannah’s glare was hard. ‘Well?’
‘He’s in the kitchen, where he normally is,’ Mia replied in confusion. ‘Why? What do you need to speak to him about?’ She couldn’t help but ask, worry suddenly flooding through her. What if Cal took one look at Hannah and realised how stupid he’d been in leaving her. What if he thought he’d made a mistake? She gulped. She was being childish. That wouldn’t happen. They’d shared something special the evening before, she was certain of it.
‘It’s not really any of your business, is it?’ Hannah raised a single eyebrow and pinned her with a pitiful look. ‘If you could pop through and get him that would be great. Thanks.’ Hannah began to inspect her perfect nails, then flicked her perfect hair back over her shoulder, glancing towards the kitchen doors as she did so.
Mia bit her tongue. She’d always been perfectly well mannered so she refused to rise to Hannah’s rudeness. ‘Of course, I’ll be back in a sec.’ She pushed through the doors and caught Cal’s attention. ‘Cal, Hannah’s out here. Says she needs to speak to you, and that it’s urgent.’
Cal turned away from the food he was frying. ‘Seriously?’ He looked annoyed, which Mia was pleased to see. ‘What the hell does she want?’ He strode past her, muttering beneath his breath, and Mia followed him back out.
‘What can I do for you, Hannah?’ He was polite, ever the gentleman.
‘Cal, I’m here to forgive you.’
Mia’s brows rose immediately. What was she talking about?
Cal laughed. ‘What?’
Hannah hitched up one shoulder and peered up at him from beneath long, thick lashes. ‘I said I forgive you. For yesterday. I know you didn’t mean it, when you said that you didn’t think we were working out any more, so I forgive you. Let’s forget all about it, pretend it never even happened, and get back to normal. Okay?’ She smiled demurely, her teeth white and even and ridiculously straight, and slid a hand across the counter towards him.
Cal stared at the hand moving towards him in horror. ‘Hannah, yesterday wasn’t a mistake. Surely you know that?’
Her hand paused. ‘Of course it was! Don’t be silly, Cal. You know we’re perfect for each other. Our relationship has always been amazing, physically and emotionally. Don’t you think life’s too short for this? You can’t have been serious. Of course you weren’t.’
‘No.’ Cal shook his head quickly. ‘You’re wrong. I was deadly serious. We hadn’t been working for a long time Hannah, and you know that. Yesterday, I meant every word I said. I mean, you’re lovely and stuff but, you’re just not the girl for me. I’m sorry.’ He shrugged, then smiled at her. ‘Everyone has a someone, but you’re not my someone.’
Hannah’s soft, angelic expression changed in an instant. ‘But you’re my someone!’ Her voice was louder now. ‘And you know I’m yours. Why are you being like this? You’re acting stupid. This isn’t like you.’
Cal rolled his eyes. ‘Hannah, you’re not listening to me, and apparently you didn’t listen yesterday either. You and I are over. That’s it. End of. We’re not a couple any more.’
Hannah’s jaw tensed. ‘You’re lying,’ she snapped. ‘I know you are.’
‘No,’ Cal replied. ‘No, I’m not. Hannah, I can’t pretend any more. I’m sorry, but …’ – he turned adoring eyes to Mia who had been watching from beside the kitchen doors – ‘… I love Mia. I have all along. I’m sorry for making you think otherwise. I kept it secret for a long time, barely even acknowledged it myself but it’s true. Mia’s my someone.’
Mia smiled back at him while Hannah watched, aghast. ‘You’ve got to be kidding me!’ she screeched, flashing daggers at Mia. ‘You?’ She turned back to Cal. ‘You want her?’
‘Yes, I do.’ He nodded solemnly. ‘I am sorry, Hannah. Really, I am. But I couldn’t deny it any longer.’
‘I can’t believe this.’ Hannah took a few steps backwards, focus flicking between Cal and Mia. ‘I knew she had eyes for you. I just knew it.’ She pointed a finger in Mia’s direction as Cal moved to stand beside her, his arm curling immediately around her waist. ‘And now she’s got her claws in you, hasn’t she?’ Hannah spat each word out in disgust, eyes wild. ‘You’ll change your mind,’ she said to Cal with finality. ‘I promise you, you’ll change your mind and want me back. I know you will. Don’t come crying to me, Cal, when everything goes down the drain with her, because I will not be there to pick up the pieces.’ Hannah shot them both a piercing last look, then turned on her heel and stomped out of the diner, slamming the door behind her so hard it shook the diner windows.
Mia let out a long, slow breath. ‘Wow. I wasn’t expecting that this morning.’
‘I was,’ Cal said as he shook his head. ‘She’s always been a bit of diva, and that just proved it, didn’t it?’
Mia turned in his arms and placed her head against his chest. ‘You won’t change your mind, will you? About me?’
Gently, Cal’s fingers moved beneath her chin and tilted her head up to face him. ‘Not in a million years.’ It was the way he said it, so firm and decided. ‘I told you, you’re my someone. Things were okay with Hannah, but she wasn’t you, Mia. Now that I
’ve got you, after wanting you for so long, I’d be an idiot to let you go. Not a chance. Not now, not ever.’ His lips met hers in a long, lingering kiss. When he finally drew back, to Mia’s surprise, a small round of applause rose from the customers in the booths. A few wolf-whistles were thrown into the mix for good measure and Mia blushed as she took a little bow, Cal doing the same beside her.
‘See? We even have fans now. That’s something, isn’t it?’
Mia wasn’t sure how, but despite the few people in the diner, whenever she turned to Cal it seemed like they were in a world all of their own. Everything else faded into the background and it was just her and him, together, in their own little bubble of love. It was perfect, everything she’d ever hoped for, and she couldn’t believe it was really and truly happening.
‘By the way, I meant what I said.’ Cal paused beside the kitchen doors.
‘What’s that?’ Mia gazed at him. He was deliciously handsome, ridiculously so.
‘I love you.’ His dark eyes, pools of beguiling green, remained steady on hers. ‘I love you, Mia Chapman.’
Mia smiled slowly. ‘I love you, too, Cal.’ She was still standing there in the same spot even after he’d stepped through the doors, still smiling at how his words made her feel. Light, floaty, incredibly happy.
‘Excuse me, Mia! We’re ready to order now, love!’
Mia turned quickly and hurried towards the table where an elderly couple were waiting for service. Even now she’d got him, it seemed she’d continue to stand around daydreaming. It was a funny thing, love, Mia thought to herself with a smile.
Chapter Sixteen
The air was growing nippier by the day as October approached, the balmy summer breeze long gone. Debbie had given in after holding back for as long as she possibly could and turned the central heating on in the B&B. Laurie was glad of the toastiness she felt when she stepped into her room after a day in the diner. The narrow streets were being whipped up by the bitter chill like the cream used in the diner’s puddings. Before they knew it, winter wear would be making an appearance and everyone would be donning their woolly hats and scarves.
The day felt like it had got off to a good start. At least, it had until Laurie stepped into the diner, smiling and ready for the day ahead, only to find their mother standing at the serving counter. She turned when the door closed and raised her brows as she looked at Laurie.
Laurie froze on the spot. She was completely unprepared for the arrival of Marnie Chapman and it was a shock to find her standing there, her prim and proper appearance so out of place in the diner.
‘Hello, Laurie.’ Marnie greeted her with a tight smile but didn’t do much else other than watch her. ‘I had a feeling I’d find you here.’
It was then that Mia rushed out of the kitchen. Her eyes grew wide when she spotted Laurie. ‘Morning, Laurie,’ she said in a trembling voice. She wrapped her arms around herself and looked guilty. ‘I was meant to call you this morning.’ She inclined her head towards Marnie, indicating that she’d meant to warn Laurie of their mother’s presence.
‘It’s fine, don’t worry.’ Laurie swallowed, avoiding her mother’s gaze. She walked steadily past Marnie, around the counter, and pulled her apron out from beneath it. Once she’d tugged it over her head, she forced a smile onto her face and finally faced Marnie. ‘What can I get you?’
‘An explanation would be wonderful, if you have that on the menu?’ Marnie stared at her, her eyes piercing right through Laurie’s armour. ‘With a cup of coffee on the side, please.’ She settled herself onto one of the stools and placed her handbag beside her.
Laurie bristled, but set about making the coffee. ‘Is Dad with you?’
‘Yes, he popped in to see an old friend of his. He should be back soon, looking forward to seeing you and Mia.’ Marnie’s voice was a monotone. ‘Thank you,’ she said when Laurie placed the coffee in front of her. She picked it up, sipped, and winced. Laurie fought back the sarcastic comments flittering about in her mind. She muttered, ‘You’re welcome’ instead, then crossed her arms. ‘So, to what do I owe this pleasure?’
‘I’m worried about you, Laurie. I had a call from your lovely Neil. Apparently, you’ve lost your mind.’ Marnie placed the cup down and eyed her daughter. ‘He said it was best if I came down here and tried to talk some sense into you.’
‘My lovely Neil?’ Laurie said the words with distaste. It was laughable really. ‘Is that what he told you?’
‘Apparently, you left him in a car park for dead. Very uncouth, Laurie. I don’t know what’s come over you, but you’ve obviously lost your way. That’s why I’m here. Your father and I think its best you come back to London with us. You’ll be back on track in no time, darling.’ Marnie smiled happily.
Laurie scowled. ‘You’ve come to take me back to London?’ She laughed bitterly. ‘Like a naughty teenager who’s run away from home?’
‘Well, you seem to be acting like a teenage girl rather than a grown woman. Running down here like it will save you. Neil misses you terribly, you know.’
‘Neil is no longer part of my life. He can miss me all he likes. Has he told you what happened between us? Do you know how much he hurt me?’
Marnie rolled her eyes. ‘Laurie, these little arguments happen all the time in relationships. It’s all part of being a couple, unfortunately.’
Laurie saw Mia disappear back into the kitchen out of the corner of her eye. Thank God the diner wasn’t busy; she really didn’t need an audience. ‘Have you lost your mind?’
‘Come along dear, let’s get your things from wherever it is that you’ve been staying and head back.’ Marnie hopped down from the stool and checked her watch impatiently.
Laurie watched in astonishment. ‘I’m not coming home.’ The words left her mouth slowly, but firmly. ‘At least not until my time away from work is up and I have no choice but to go back. But today? Here? Right now? Not a chance.’ She fixed Marnie with an icy stare.
Marnie narrowed her eyes. ‘Oh, I think you are, young lady. You’re coming back with me and your father right this instant, whether you like it or not. I don’t know what you think you’re doing, prancing about down here, but it’s ridiculous and you need to grow up. Now, come on. I’ll come with you, we’ll pack your things, and then we’ll head home.’ Marnie turned, effectively ending the conversation, but Laurie wasn’t finished yet.
‘I don’t think you heard me. I said I’m not coming home.’ She straightened her posture, felt taller and stronger.
‘That’s right. She’s not.’
Mia had returned. She was standing to the side of the counter with her arms firmly crossed.
Marnie turned to Mia. ‘Oh, yes, she is, Mia. She has no choice. She needs to come back and think about the mess that she’s making of her life. She has no need to be here. This place holds nothing for her; she needs to come back to reality.’
‘I’m not making a mess of my life, Mother. You are. You have. And I have every need to be here, seeing as I was left the diner by Grandma Dolly, too, but you, for some strange reason, forgot to mention that, didn’t you? You kept me and Mia apart by doing that, you do know that, don’t you? It’s a good job I managed to find my way here and learn the truth. Who knows how much more time we would have wasted.’
Marnie raised her chin. ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about, and I really don’t have time for this. Oh, here’s your father.’
‘Hi girls, how are you doing? So good to see you both.’ He entered the diner and approached both his daughters, embracing them tightly. He noticed the tension and raised his dark, bushy brows. ‘Everything all right?’
‘No, everything is not all right,’ Marnie snapped. ‘Laurie is refusing to come back with us.’
Laurie stiffened. ‘I don’t need to come back with you, I’m perfectly fine where I am.’
‘You are not perfectly fine. Look at this place. It’s so … tacky.’
Mia opened her mouth to protest, but Laurie qui
ckly silenced her with a shake of her head. ‘Tacky or not, I love it here, and I’m staying until I have to go back to work.’
‘Laurie …’ Marnie took a few steps closer to her, the counter between them the only thing stopping her from speaking right into her eldest daughter’s face. ‘You are coming home, right this instant.’
‘I want to know why you kept the diner from me.’ The words rushed out before Laurie could stop them. ‘I want to know why you took it upon yourself to keep it hidden from me. Why? Why would you do that?’
Marnie took a step back. ‘This doesn’t need to be discussed right now. Come along.’
‘No, Mum!’ Laurie shouted. ‘Tell me why you kept it from me. Why did you think you had a right to do that? Who do you think you are?’
‘I am your mother,’ she snapped back, pointing a finger towards Laurie. ‘I am your mother, therefore I know what’s right for you, and this place isn’t it.’
‘You’re avoiding the question.’
‘I don’t understand what answer you’re searching for.’
Mia stepped in. ‘She wants to know why you did it. It’s not hard to understand why she’d want to know that, Mum.’
Marnie closed her eyes momentarily. ‘Because I didn’t want you making the same mistakes as Mia. Does that answer your question? Now, come on.’
Laurie glared. ‘What mistakes? What bloody mistakes has Mia made? Do you know how wonderful this place is? If anyone made a mistake it was me, going along with your stupid, ambitious plans for me. I shouldn’t have listened to you, and you should have told me about the diner as soon as you knew that Grandma Dolly had placed it in my care, too.’
‘Why?’ Marnie laughed. ‘What good would it have done? Are you telling me that you would have come down here to live beside the sea? Of course you wouldn’t. You had Neil, and a fabulous career and life ahead of you.’
‘It’s been crap. All of it has been crap. I would have been happier here than you could ever know. You have no idea how much pressure I was under, do you? Do you really think I was happy in London? Do you really think I enjoyed it? Going through the motions of a career chosen by you? And Neil cheated on me, Mum. I don’t know what world you come from to think that that’s okay, but it’s not. It’s not okay. So I left him and came here to be with my sister, and I’ve been the happiest I’ve been in years.’
