The Summer Theatre by the Sea

by Tracy Corbett

  Charlotte nearly choked on her laughter. ‘You did not!’

  Barney was laughing too. ‘I swear to God, I did.’

  ‘But … but how could you not know? Surely you’re familiar with the female form?’

  His laughter faded into a seductive gaze. ‘Intimately.’

  Well, she’d walked right into that one.

  ‘In my defence, there’s only one obvious place a pipe can be inserted into a man. Things aren’t quite so apparent on a woman.’

  She giggled. ‘I imagine you must’ve been quite embarrassed.’

  ‘Mortified would be a better description.’

  ‘Well, you did a good job patching me up.’ She showed him her hand.

  He inspected the fading wound. ‘It’s healing well.’

  ‘See? You’re not completely inept.’ She laughed again, mostly to cover the tingles creeping up her arm from his warm touch.

  ‘You know, you’re beautiful when you let go.’ The intimacy of his remark killed her laughter quicker than if he’d said, ‘Shall we jump from the clifftops into the sea?’ Her hand instinctively went to the tie around her neck, but he stopped her. ‘Leave it,’ he said, sliding his hand into hers. ‘You can retie it later.’

  Nate’s voice below echoed into the rafters. ‘“Yet you, the murderer, look as bright, as clear, as yonder Venus in her glimmering sphere.”’

  Barney lowered his face to hers, the weight of his body pressing against her. His slow grin caused a bolt of something liquid to race up her spine. He was invading her personal space again. She should push him away. So, why didn’t she?

  His smile was laced with intent. ‘Now, Charlie, you can’t tell me you’re not having fun?’

  Charlie?

  And then he kissed her.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Sunday, 17 July

  It was a busy Sunday afternoon on Penmullion beach, and Lauren had the afternoon off from the café. It was lovely to kick back and savour the warmth of the July sun, and watch the wispy clouds floating across the sky. She drew in a long breath, loving the feel of the sand beneath her bare feet, and the movement of her tie-dye tunic soft against her skin. The sounds of summer ebbed and flowed: the wind kicking up and dying away, herring gulls squawking, the waves slapping against the sand, and the sound of her children laughing.

  Freddie and Florence were building sandcastles, their freckled faces happy and worry-free as they ran across the beach, filling their buckets, puzzling as to why the water kept draining away from the moat.

  It was bliss. No stressing about loans or debts, only the pleasure of spending a lazy day on the beach with her family.

  The only fly in the ointment was her sister.

  It’d been something of a surprise when Charlotte had agreed to join them for a picnic. Her aversion to sand, seawater and anything unsanitary, was evident for all to see. But she’d accepted the invitation and even offered to make the sandwiches.

  Her sister had also accepted the loan of a pair of shorts, which might have been seen as progress, if she hadn’t teamed them with an olive-green silk shirt and black court shoes, instead of casual T-shirt and flip-flops. Charlotte was sitting bolt upright on the picnic blanket, hugging her knees to her chest, flinching every time the kids accidentally splashed water over her.

  Lauren adjusted her large straw hat, protecting her eyes from the sun. ‘Why don’t you lie down? You don’t look comfortable.’

  Charlotte’s attention was fixed on the kids in the water. ‘One of us needs to keep an eye on Freddie and Florence.’

  Lauren closed her eyes. ‘They’ll be fine. Just relax.’

  ‘Have you forgotten what happened less than two weeks ago?’

  Lauren didn’t need to see Charlotte to know she was being subjected to one of her sister’s disapproving looks.

  ‘Flo could’ve drowned.’

  Her sister was being a little overdramatic. ‘Hardly.’ Thanks to Nate, anyway. ‘And besides, you can’t wrap kids in cotton wool, however much you want to. If I spent all my time worrying about what might happen to them, I’d be a nervous wreck.’

  ‘I don’t understand how you can be so blasé.’

  Lauren sighed. ‘I’m not blasé, I’m realistic. I have enough things to stress about, I don’t need to add anything extra.’

  There was a brief pause. ‘What things?’

  Trust her sister to pick up on that.

  ‘Just normal stuff. Being a single parent isn’t always easy.’ Thankfully, her expression was hidden behind sunglasses. ‘And before you start, can we please not have the lecture about how it’s my fault for not getting a better job and improving my situation.’

  ‘I wasn’t going to.’ Charlotte sounded put out.

  ‘Good. Because I’m happy with my lot. Flo’s accident reminded me there’s nothing more important than family and spending time with my kids.’

  ‘I agree.’

  For a second, Lauren wondered if she’d heard correctly. She shuffled onto her elbows. ‘You do?’

  Charlotte scowled. ‘Don’t look so surprised. I didn’t appreciate how hard you worked, and how much you have to juggle, before I came to stay. I made a judgement. I was wrong. I apologise.’

  Lauren was speechless.

  ‘I just wish you’d let me help you on occasion.’ Her sister returned to looking at the kids.

  Was she serious? ‘I do let you help.’

  ‘Actually, you don’t.’ Charlotte glanced over her shoulder. ‘When I clean the flat, you get annoyed because you can’t find where I’ve put things. When I iron the children’s uniforms, I get told I’m wasting time on something that doesn’t need doing. Even the ham I bought for the sandwiches was wrong. Although I’ve no idea why – Freddie and Flo enjoyed their lunches …’

  How could Lauren admit that she didn’t want her kids getting a taste for posh ham from the butchers when she could only afford the cheap stuff from the convenience store.

  ‘… and when I tried to pay the phone bill you went ballistic.’

  On that point, Lauren sat up. ‘Because it’s not your responsibility, it’s mine. I have to stand on my own two feet. Budget better. Not rely on others to bail me out.’

  Charlotte brushed sand away from her shorts. ‘You don’t want my help? Fine. But try and see it from my point of view. I’ve been staying with you for nearly two months, and you won’t let me contribute anything towards the bills.’

  ‘You’re unemployed.’

  ‘I have savings.’ Charlotte got to her feet, shaking sand away from the picnic blanket before placing it back down. ‘I’m living with you rent-free, for which I am very grateful. At least let me buy a few treats on occasion.’

  The awkward silence that followed was filled with Freddie and Florence charging up the beach with their buckets. Having deposited more water into the moat, and scattering sand over the blanket, they ran back to the sea.

  Lauren might have laughed if she didn’t feel so conflicted. Accepting financial help from her sister would make life so much easier. But as her dad had pointed out, she needed to be financially independent. Charlotte would be back in London soon, so what was the point of becoming reliant on extra money if it was just going to dry up again. She’d be back to square one. She’d be better off trying to manage on her own and feel the benefit of one less mouth to feed when her sister returned to London. That was the theory, anyway. It was a long shot, but what else could she do?

  Still, a bit of posh food now and again wouldn’t do any harm, would it? And her sister was right, the kids had loved their sandwiches. ‘Okay, but only on one condition.’

  Charlotte looked exasperated. ‘Why does there have to be a condition?’

  ‘Because you’re asking me to make a compromise. I think it’s only fair you agree to change something too.’

  Her sister’s expression turned cautious. ‘What is it you want me to do?’

  Aware her request might cause another disagreement, Lauren braced herse
lf. ‘I want you to let go a bit.’

  Charlotte looked puzzled. ‘Let go? Let go of what?’ On hearing Freddie yelp, she jumped to her feet, not settling until she could see he was just messing around with his sister.

  Lauren hadn’t stirred, she knew the difference between a playful yelp and when her kids were in trouble. ‘Your emotions.’

  Charlotte swung around to look at her. ‘My emotions?’

  ‘Do you remember, as kids, we joined the Mickey Mouse Birthday Club? Each year we’d go up to The Palladium with hundreds of other kids and watch a film and sing that song about Mickey being better than Donald Duck?’

  Charlotte lifted her hands to the sky, looking uncannily like their mother. ‘What on earth made you think of that?’

  ‘One year, we were on opposite teams and we tried to outsing each other. You must’ve been about ten.’

  Charlotte frowned. ‘Was that the year we ended up having a food fight?’

  ‘That’s the one. The organisers couldn’t stop the two teams from singing, no matter how hard they tried. And then a boy threw his piece of cake and all hell broke loose. Crisps and sausage rolls flying about, kids laughing and screaming.’ The vision of her sister covered in cake would be forever imprinted on her mind. ‘I laughed so hard, I wet myself.’

  Charlotte smiled. ‘Oh, God, you did, didn’t you?’

  ‘And you poured orange juice over that awful boy’s head because he made fun of me.’

  Her sister fiddled with the button on her shirt. ‘I’m not sure I understand where this is going?’

  ‘When was the last time you let go like that?’

  Charlotte raised an eyebrow. ‘Excuse me? Have you forgotten Muddy Sunday?’

  ‘Apart from then?’

  Another pause. ‘I can’t remember.’

  ‘My point exactly.’

  Charlotte looked flustered. ‘It would hardly be appropriate to act like that now. I’m an adult.’

  ‘But you never laugh anymore, not properly. You’re always so controlled and serious.’ She crossed her legs. ‘Maybe it’s being with us in Cornwall that depresses you. Perhaps in London you had more fun?’

  Charlotte transferred her weight from one foot to the other. ‘Not really.’

  ‘Not even with Ethan?’

  Charlotte looked down at the sand. ‘He wasn’t the fun type. But then, I’m not sure I am either.’

  There was a pause before Lauren spoke. ‘You used to be, before Mum died.’

  Charlotte sat back down on the blanket. ‘People change.’

  ‘Or they get stuck.’

  Lauren was subjected to a frown. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I’m no expert, but I’m not sure you’ve ever properly grieved. You were so busy taking care of me and Dad, keeping strong for us, that you forgot to look after yourself. I never once saw you cry after the funeral. You were always so practical, so … together.’

  ‘But even if that’s true, what can I do about it now? This is how I am.’

  Lauren did something she hadn’t done for years. She reached over and took her sister’s hand. ‘Just try letting go a bit. Laugh, shout, scream. I don’t know, run down the beach, jump into the sea fully clothed, do something to relinquish control. Even if it’s letting your hair curl. Do something … reckless.’

  Charlotte looked ponderous. ‘And you think that’ll work?’

  ‘What have you got to lose?’

  Whatever Charlotte was about to say next, they were interrupted by the sight of Nate walking across the beach. Her kids ran over to him, splashing him with water. He was wearing his cut-off jeans and a faded Green Day T-shirt. He looked tired. He was also the sexiest thing Lauren had ever seen. His intricate tattoos drew her attention to his forearms. His spiky hair and dark beard made his eyes stand out, and his natural shyness made her want to put her arms around him … which would be a big mistake. She could still recall the feel of his smooth skin and the gentleness of his touch from when she’d hugged him before.

  Thankfully, she was wearing dark sunglasses. She dipped her eyes anyway, just in case her expression gave her away. ‘Hi, Nate. Late night with the boys?’

  He smiled. ‘I wish. We had a call-out to one of those party boats. A few bright sparks decided to go swimming and couldn’t get back on the boat.’

  Flo was hanging on to his hand. ‘Did you have to rescue them like you did me and the cow?’

  He laughed. ‘We did. Your granddad wasn’t very happy with them. It’s not a good idea to go swimming when you’ve been drinking alcohol.’

  Flo’s little face turned serious. ‘I’ll never do that.’

  ‘Good girl.’ The way he smiled at her daughter made Lauren’s heart melt.

  ‘Will you play with us?’ Freddie offered Nate a bucket.

  Lauren jumped in before he felt obliged to join them. ‘Nate probably has better things to do with his Sunday.’

  ‘Not really,’ he said, and ruffled Freddie’s hair. ‘How about a game of volleyball. No one’s using the net.’

  Freddie and Florence ran off to get the ball from the surf kiosk.

  Nate looked at Lauren. ‘Fancy a game?’

  No harm in a game of volleyball, was there? ‘Sure.’ She got up.

  Flo sprinted back over, inadvertently kicking sand over her aunt. ‘You too, Auntie Charlie. You can be on my team.’

  There was a moment’s hesitation on Charlotte’s face, a series of conflicted emotions battling it out, before she said, ‘Er … okay. I don’t know the rules, though.’

  ‘There aren’t any.’ Flo pulled on her aunt’s hands, dragging her to her feet. ‘Girls versus boys!’

  Lauren smiled at her sister. ‘Thank you.’

  Charlotte shrugged. ‘What have I got to lose, right?’

  Lauren threw her hat onto the blanket. ‘Come on, shoes off.’

  Anyone would think she’d suggested Charlotte cut off her own feet. With some reluctance, she removed her shoes and joined Lauren on the makeshift volleyball court.

  Freddie shouted, ‘Ready?’ and without waiting for a reply punched the ball.

  When it didn’t make it over the net, Nate picked it up and handed it back to him so he could try again.

  Lauren glanced at her sister. ‘Can I ask you something? Do you miss Ethan?’

  If Charlotte was surprised by the question, she didn’t show it. She tucked her hair behind her ears. ‘I did at first, but it didn’t last long.’ She gave Flo a thumbs up when her niece asked if she was ready to receive Freddie’s serve. ‘He described the relationship as a business arrangement. Maybe he was right. I mean, if I was truly invested, then I’d miss him more, wouldn’t I?’

  ‘Do you think it’s possible you held yourself back from getting too attached so you didn’t get hurt?’

  ‘Maybe. But if I did, it wasn’t a conscious decision.’ Charlotte squealed when the ball came at her, turning so it smacked her on the bum, making Freddie and Flo laugh. ‘What about you, has there been anyone since Joe?’ She picked up the ball and threw it over the net.

  Lauren shook her head. ‘No.’

  ‘You have to punch it, Auntie Charlie,’ Flo yelled.

  ‘Oh, sorry, Flo. Next time.’ Charlotte shrugged an apology, before switching back to Lauren. ‘Why not? Haven’t you met anyone you like?’

  Lauren risked a glance at Nate. He was stretching up for the ball, his T-shirt riding up, revealing a flash of stomach. ‘It’s not that. I’m a mum. My kids come first.’

  When the ball appeared over the net, Charlotte ducked, leaving it for Lauren. ‘I don’t understand.’

  Lauren punched the ball, sending it flying over the net. ‘I can’t risk them getting attached to someone who might leave.’

  ‘Good one, Mum!’ Flo punched the air. ‘A point to us!’

  Charlotte looked at her. ‘You mean, like Joe did?’

  ‘I have to protect them.’ Lauren moved to the back of the court, crouching down, ready for the next serve. ‘Maybe
one day, when they’re older. Until then, it’s a no to relationships. No matter how generous and funny and kind that person might be.’

  As if reading her mind, Charlotte said, ‘Even if that person proves themselves to be reliable and loyal? Maybe even prepared to risk their own safety to rescue one of your kids?’

  Distracted, Lauren looked across at Nate, only to be smacked on the side of the head by the ball.

  ‘Oh, Christ!’ Nate ran to the net. ‘Are you okay, Lauren?’

  ‘Silly Mummy!’ Freddie didn’t look sorry. He was laughing.

  She rubbed the side of her head. ‘I’m fine.’

  But the sound of Glenda’s voice ringing in her ears had her wondering whether she’d suffered concussion. Unfortunately not. Glenda was heading their way. That was all she needed.

  ‘The manager of the café said I’d find you down here.’ Glenda waved at the kids, the epitome of friendliness in her baggy shift dress and Scholl sandals.

  Why wouldn’t the woman leave her alone?

  Freddie and Florence continued playing volleyball.

  Charlotte waved. ‘Hi, Glenda. Fancy a game?’

  Glenda laughed. ‘Goodness me, no. I wouldn’t last five minutes. I’ve come for a quick word with your sister.’

  Lauren moved off the court, keen to keep any conversation private. ‘What do you want?’

  Glenda looked mildly affronted. ‘Bit abrupt, love. I’m being friendly, aren’t I?’ She held out her hands as though innocent of all crime.

  ‘Sorry, but I don’t know why you’re here. I’ve paid you your money this week.’

  ‘You have indeed, love. And I’m grateful. Like I said before, you’re a good girl. But something’s come up and I need another fifty quid.’

  The sight of Glenda’s discoloured front tooth momentarily distracted Lauren from registering her words. ‘What …? But I can’t afford another payment this week.’

  Glenda sighed. ‘It’s Amanda, you see, she’s in a tight spot. Her ex still hasn’t coughed up his maintenance money. She’s short on the rent.’

  Panic was starting to grip Lauren. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘I’m sorry to hear that, Glenda. But I’m a single mother too.’