A Home In Sunset Bay

by Rebecca Pugh

  Marnie rolled her eyes. ‘I knew this would happen.’

  ‘So why? Why did you keep it from me?’

  Marnie’s lip began to tremble. Her fingers dug into the sleeves of her pale pink blazer as she visibly fought with herself. ‘Because this is not the life for you. I wanted better for you, Laurie!’

  Laurie frowned. ‘But that wasn’t your decision to make. My life is my own and you should never have interfered with it. My mother or not, you don’t get to make my decisions for me. Not any more. I had a right to know about the diner, and you know I did. I don’t care whether you thought it was right or not. I love it here. I love it more than anything else I’ve known and you are not taking me back to London where I felt like I was suffocating every single day.’

  ‘I grew up here, Laurie. I know what it’s like, remember? I lived here with your grandma. It’s just as suffocating as London, perhaps even more so. Nothing ever changes. I didn’t want that for you. I wanted you to see the world! I couldn’t sway Mia. She fell in love with this place practically from birth, but I had a chance with you, to give you a better life than the sea, and greasy bags of fish and chips. I wanted big things for you. I thought you did, too.’

  ‘I’ve never wanted big things. I’ve been craving the small things all of my life. Can’t you see that? Can’t you see, just from looking at me, the effect Sunset Bay has had on me? I love it here. Whether you liked it or not doesn’t come into it. We’re different people, Mum. I’m an adult now. You can’t make my decisions for me, not any more. I’m not a stupid teenager who you can control. I’m thirty years old, and I make my decisions for myself. End of.’

  Marnie’s eyes widened. ‘What are you saying, Laurie?’

  ‘You know exactly what I’m saying.’ Her voice was quieter now, but it hadn’t lost its firmness. ‘I’m saying that I’m not coming back with you. And it doesn’t matter what you say, I won’t change my mind. I won’t go back to Neil because he hurt me and I didn’t deserve to be hurt in that way. He had no right to come here to Sunset Bay, and he deserved what he got. Did you know he tricked Mia into going on a date with him, just to get to me? He’s a pig and I never want to see him again, I don’t care what you think of him.’

  With her mouth opening and closing like a goldish, Marnie glanced between Laurie and Mia. ‘I didn’t know that.’

  ‘I had a feeling he’d forget to include that minor detail.’ Laurie sighed. ‘So, this was a wasted trip for you, I’m afraid. I’ll be going back to London after the New Year, but until then, I’m not leaving Sunset Bay, whether you like it or not.’

  ‘Sounds like your mind is pretty set,’ their father chipped in.

  Marnie glared at him.

  He shrugged. ‘What? Well, it does, doesn’t it?’ He turned back to Laurie with a kind, soft smile. ‘And you say that you’re happy, Laurie?’

  She nodded. ‘Happier than I’ve been in years.’

  He turned back to Marnie. ‘And isn’t that what you’ve always wanted, darling? To see our girls happy?’

  To Laurie and Mia’s surprise, Marnie’s bottom lip began to wobble. She turned away from them quickly, sniffed and shook her head. ‘Yes. Yes, I suppose it is. I’m just stepping outside for a moment.’ Marnie slipped through the door.

  ‘This is all one big fat mess, isn’t it?’ Nigel laughed lightly as he turned back to Laurie.

  ‘Just a little bit.’ She looked at the photograph of Grandma Dolly on the wall, then turned back. ‘I don’t understand what she meant about this place not being enough for me. What did she mean, Dad?’

  ‘She hated it here when she was younger,’ he explained quietly. ‘She couldn’t wait to get out and begin her life somewhere exciting. She told me she felt suffocated here, hated the people and the smell of the salt coming in off the sea.’ He shrugged as he looked through the window to Marnie outside. ‘I guess she didn’t want you to feel like that, too. You know?’

  Laurie softened just a tiny bit. ‘I get that, really I do, but it was a big thing to keep from me. Don’t you think?’

  ‘I do. I know it’s a bit late to be telling you this now, but I watched you when you were younger, all that hard work and studying that you did, and I was counting down the days until you’d turn around and tell her to bugger off. I was surprised to find that weeks, months, even years went by without you snapping.’

  Laurie winced. ‘I just wanted to make her happy, and you. It was easier to go along with it than fight against it. I know. I’m a coward.’

  He stepped closer to the counter and reached across the surface to take her hands in his own. ‘You’re not a coward, love. Not even close. Look at you! You took a six-month break, you left it all behind, and you took the time you needed away from it. There’s not many people I know who would be able to do that, but you did it. Your mum just wanted the best for you, kiddo. Try not to be too hard on her, eh?’

  Laurie sniffed. ‘I’m still angry.’

  ‘I know.’

  Marnie came back into the diner then. She looked around the place as if seeing it for the first time, let out a defeated sigh, then looked straight at her husband. ‘Are we off then?’

  Nigel nodded. ‘I think so. Oh, before I forget, your mother and I would like to invite you for Boxing Day dinner. We’ve spent the last couple of Christmases away, as you know, so we thought it would be nice to spend it at home this year. What do you say?’

  ‘Yes, we’ll be there!’ Mia said. ‘Both of us.’

  ‘Grand. Well, take care, and we’ll see you soon. Love to you both.’ After embracing both his daughters, Nigel held the diner door open for Marnie and they left.

  ‘Well, I wasn’t expecting for that to happen today.’ Laurie laughed. ‘I was shocked to find her standing there, but I suppose I should have seen it coming. Come on, let’s get back inside.’

  ***

  Laurie turned to the side and studied her reflection in the mirror. She’d gone for a simple but classy look, she hoped. Skinny jeans, matte pink heels and a silky, blossom-pink blouse. It was understated, nothing too ‘in-your-face’, which she felt was exactly what she needed for the evening ahead.

  When Marco had asked to take her out for a drink the morning after the restaurant fiasco, she’d been flattered. There’d been something simmering between them for a while now, but after Neil, she just couldn’t bring herself to get into another relationship. She was terrified it would end in disaster. She’d stuttered at first, unsure of how to reply, but since falling into a routine beside Mia and the diner and Sunset Bay life in general, and after being certain that she’d seen the last of Neil, Laurie thought she deserved an evening out with a very handsome man who seemed to be showing keen interest in her, although nothing more serious, of course. But it couldn’t hurt to be wined and dined, could it?

  She added a last spritz of hairspray to her hair, which she’d scooped up into a neat chignon, wisps dangling prettily either side of her face, then stood back to get a last full look at herself. She nodded at her reflection with a satisfied grin. ‘You look good,’ she muttered. ‘Pretty damn good, Laurie Chapman.’ And she did. Her face appeared fuller and her cheeks rounder than before. Her thighs and backside looked curvier, and softer somehow. And her skin was glowing! She was certain that the fresh sea breeze had something to do with that, and her new appetite. Her hair now had a glossy sheen to it and she felt good. Better than she’d felt for years. She tried to think back to whether she’d felt this good in her old life in London, but couldn’t remember if she had. Sunset Bay had worked wonders on her, and her and Mia’s relationship seemed to be stronger than ever again, too, which she was thrilled about. They spent almost every day side by side in the diner; they chatted about their shared childhood, both of them pulling up memories they’d long since forgotten about. Laurie had even started taking up the morning jog across the beach with Mia and her body felt better for it. Life was turning out to be better than ever, but she was aware that at some point she’d have to return
to the life she’d left behind.

  When the phone began ringing, Laurie picked it up and smiled when she saw Mia’s name on screen. ‘Hello, baby sister.’

  ‘Hello, big sister,’ Mia replied. ‘All ready for your date with Marco?’

  Laurie rolled her eyes and headed towards her open bag on the bed. She rifled through, making sure she had everything she needed. ‘I’ve already told you, it’s not a date. He just asked me out for a drink and some food, that’s all.’

  Mia giggled. ‘So, it’s a date, then?’

  ‘Whatever, Mia. Call it whatever you want.’ She laughed cheerfully.

  ‘Okay, I will. Do you know where he’s taking you yet?’

  Laurie shrugged as she replied. ‘Not sure. I think he mentioned the Cobbler’s Pub, but I could be wrong. I’m not too fussed anyway. Easily pleased, me. A glass of wine and I’ll be more than happy with that. Do you know, I haven’t had a drink since arriving here in Sunset Bay? I hope I don’t make a fool of myself and fall off my seat.’

  ‘I just wanted to ring to wish you a good night.’ Mia giggled. ‘And to say, don’t drink too much.’

  ‘Thanks, Mia. What are you doing tonight?’

  ‘Cal and I have got a pizza in and we’re going to watch some movies, his choice. God help me. He’s obsessed with horror, I miss half of the film because I’m hiding behind a pillow.’

  ‘Oh, that sounds lovely, enjoy! Look, I’d better go. I don’t want to turn up late.’

  ‘Oh, no, go! Have fun, and I can’t wait to hear all about it.’

  ‘Byeee!’ Laurie ended the call and dropped the phone into her bag. She zipped it closed and placed it into the crook of her arm, before spinning on her heels and setting off.

  ***

  Marco was already settled and waiting at a small corner table when Laurie stepped inside. She spotted him immediately and made her way towards him, picking her way through the groups of people surrounding the bar and milling about between the tables. It was cosy inside the pub, made even more so by the mellow lights and soft jazz crooning into the large room from unseen speakers. A fire was crackling merrily away beside the table Marco had chosen and his face glowed, appearing almost ethereal, from the flickering flames. It looked inviting and the warmth had already reached her, curling its way around her body.

  ‘Hello.’ Marco stood right away when she arrived at the table, his face lighting up at her presence. She loved that he reacted that way; it made her feel wanted and special. ‘Here, let me take your coat.’ Laurie shrugged it off and smiled politely. He was such a gentleman, and looked irresistible in his dark shirt and jeans. Once he’d taken her coat and lain it gently across the back of her chair, he inclined his head towards it, indicating for her to sit down. ‘What can I get you to drink?’ he asked, once she was snug on the cushioned seat and her hands were resting nicely in her lap. She could hear the logs in the fire crackling and she relaxed, soaking up the atmosphere and the handsome company.

  ‘I’ll have a white wine, please.’

  ‘Back in a sec.’ Marco headed towards the bar with his hand in his jeans pocket to grab his wallet.

  Laurie watched him from afar as he ordered her drink. She couldn’t quite believe how different he looked when out of his cook’s uniform. He seemed taller and broader somehow. And he looked positively heroic. His dark hair and even darker eyes made him stand out a mile from the men either side of him. When he glanced back towards her, she felt a delicious shiver of anticipation travel down her spine. He smiled slowly, then turned back when the barmaid returned to take payment. Within moments, he was striding back towards her with the glass of wine in hand and a pint for himself.

  ‘There you go.’ He placed the wine glass in front of her then returned to his seat with his own drink, taking a small sip.

  ‘Thank you, Marco. That’s really kind of you.’ Laurie took a sip and suddenly felt nervous. She could feel his eyes on her, watching as she drank. She licked her lips. ‘So, thanks for inviting me out tonight. It’s been a while since I went out for a drink. With, you know, a man.’ Oh, wow. She swallowed and wanted to slap herself for sounding so ridiculous. ‘That sounded odd.’ She laughed at herself and to her joy he laughed along with her.

  ‘That’s surprising,’ Marco commented, his deep voice making her inch her eyes back towards him. ‘A beautiful woman like you? I would have thought you’d have a queue of men wanting to take you out. But I suppose after the restaurant and all …’ He raised a dark eyebrow and Laurie almost swooned. She wasn’t sure what it was, but tonight, here, in this cosy dark corner of the pub, she felt incredibly attracted to the man sitting opposite her. The intimacy of their secluded little corner didn’t help matters.

  She’d thought he was striking anyway, and had felt seriously flattered when he’d begun to make their morning chats a regularity, as well as the lunchtime chats and evening chats. When he spoke to her, his attention was on nothing else. He had this way of staring right at her, not once turning away or glancing at his phone. It made a refreshing change from Neil. His mobile phone had practically been a third person in their relationship, glued to his hand or ear. He’d been unable to part with it, even when he’d taken her out to dinner. Not only had Laurie found it frustrating trying to converse with him when he’d been smiling or laughing at his phone, but she’d found it downright rude, too. Marco hadn’t even taken his phone out of his pocket once. Instead, he sat and listened to her, his eyes refusing to leave her face even when he picked up his pint and sipped.

  ‘I see you’re enjoying Sunset Bay, then?’ Marco asked after they’d spoken about their day and what they’d been up to. Marco had been at home, DIYing. Laurie hadn’t done much other than taking a stroll and catching up with Mia.

  She nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yes! I love it here. It’s a beautiful place and, surprisingly it’s already beginning to feel like home. I can’t stay here for ever, but I think I’d like to.’

  Marco smiled indulgently. ‘Yeah, it’ll do that to you. I never planned on staying here, either.’

  Laurie placed her glass down and studied him, remembering when Mia had said that Marco never really spoke much. ‘How long have you been here, then?’

  ‘Oh, man. A long time now.’ He laughed. ‘I came here for a holiday and decided I liked it more than home. Which was in Blackpool, by the way.’

  Laurie smiled. ‘And you just decided to up and move here? Something must have helped to make your decision?’ She knew she was prying but she couldn’t help herself. Something about the expression on his face made her want to know more. She wanted to know Marco’s story. Everybody had a story.

  For the first time since she’d arrived, Laurie watched as Marco’s eyes slipped from her face and landed on his pint glass. He rubbed his stubbled chin and appeared anxious. ‘A few things happened back then. It was best that I got away from it all while I still had the chance. Mum came here, too, but she passed away.’

  Laurie nodded slowly. She didn’t know what to say. She had a feeling that there was more to it than that but didn’t want to pry after he’d mentioned the death of his mum. She forced her face to remain neutral but her mouth was threatening to morph into a grim line. ‘I’m so sorry, Marco.’ Tentatively, she reached her hand across the table to touch his. She squeezed his fingers, hoping to provide some comfort, and he raised his head.

  ‘Thank you.’ He returned the squeeze then shook his head quickly. ‘It was years ago now, but the pain never lessens. Everybody thinks I’m just a moody, brooding man but I just don’t feel like laughing and smiling a lot of the time. When I met you, I realised it was time to change that.’

  Nearly choking on a mouthful of wine, Laurie covered her mouth with a hand. ‘Sorry, that just took me by surprise. I wasn’t laughing, I promise.’

  He laughed, too. ‘You totally were laughing, weren’t you?’

  ‘No!’ she protested, shaking her head from side to side wildly. ‘I really wasn’t, I swear!’

  �
��I’m kidding,’ he laughed. His shoulders shook as he tried to compose himself. “It was a bit cheesy.”

  Laurie felt her cheeks blushing for the first time in years. She lowered her gaze to the glass on the table and felt her cheeks bulging from the smile she was now wearing. ‘I don’t think it’s cheesy,’ she said quietly, wanting to look at him, but also not wanting to at the same time. She felt ridiculous, like a teenager who’d just stumbled across her first real crush. She licked her lips and slid her gaze across to the fire. Annoyingly, Neil flashed into her mind and she forced the image of him back.

  ‘Are you blushing, Laurie Chapman?’

  ‘No,’ she said quickly. ‘I’m not. It’s the fire. It’s really warm.’ She peeped up at him only to find him smirking at her. ‘Okay,’ she said with a shrug. ‘I am a little bit, but take that as a compliment.’

  ‘Oh, I will,’ he whispered as he leant forward with his elbows on his knees. ‘That’s a definite compliment in my eyes.’

  She looked back at him. Her heart was racing. She felt dizzy all of a sudden but perhaps that was the wine? She couldn’t be sure. All she knew was that being Marco’s centre of attention was deliciously exciting. He was still watching her, even now, as she attempted to analyse her thoughts. It was simple really. He was gorgeous, charming, but not in a slimy way. In a completely addictive way that she could see herself never tiring of. And what made it even more pleasing was that he wasn’t launching expensive gifts at her. He’d completely won her over with just his words and his smile, and the fact that he’d chosen this small, intimate corner of the pub for them to spend some time together. The chatter coming from near the bar was very much still present but seemed to have faded since she’d sat down and been consumed with Marco’s presence.