“I’m glad you came. My gran would’ve wanted you here. I want you here.”
Jody’s mum and sister acknowledge me before moving away to continue talking to other people.
“I’m sorry about your gran.”
“It should be me saying sorry to you.”
“Your gran was good to me, and I wanted to pay my respects. How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay. How about you?”
“My nerves are shot from the journey, but I’m glad I came.”
We stand in silence, though the unspoken words are deafening. I’ve missed her after two weeks apart. I can smell a hint of her perfume, and I want to step closer, but I resist.
“I’m impressed you took the leap. My gran would’ve loved to see you here.” She smiles sadly, and I return the gesture.
“Your gran was a smart lady and taught me some important lessons, including not leaving it too late to spend time with the people you love.”
“She taught me a lot of things too. How long are you staying?”
“I can leave anytime today. I bought an open ticket.” I show her the orange ticket from my pocket.
“After the wake, will you stay with me for a couple of hours?” She touches the edge of the ticket before letting go.
“I can do that.” I offer a small smile.
“I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye.”
“Under the circumstances, I understand why you did.” She could’ve text me, but I know how hard it can be to find the words.
Our decision to avoid false promises was the right one at the time, but now I’m wondering if I should’ve given the long-distance relationship a try.
“Thanks for being understanding.”
The wake is as expected. The mood shifts to happier memories and people catch up with old friends. I see a few of the older community of Clover Bay, and I make time to pay my respects. Nobody seems fazed by my presence outside the village. Molly was a special lady, and being here seems almost natural.
“What would you like to do with your time in Manchester?” Jody asks me when we’re done.
“Can I be honest?”
Jody scratches her neck and I feel her shut down, ready for whatever blow I’m about to unload. “Sure.”
“This is my first trip out of my small haven. I’m sure the city is beautiful, but can we go somewhere less busy.”
“How about one last date in a more secluded area of Manchester?” She smiles shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Is she nervous?
“Yes. That would be great.”
“I’ll just say goodbye to my friends and family. I know a place we can go.”
I nod.
I watch Jody navigate between the people she loves. They hug and kiss her. It’s both a sad and happy moment to see her like this. Manchester is her home. The people here care about her. I’m now in her world, and I have no idea what will happen, but I’m done being scared to find out.
Thirty-Five
Jody
“Max’s Bakery is the best one for miles around. It’s where my lifeline treats came from. We can grab a couple of sandwiches and take a stroll in the park.” My choice of place for our date feels more important than it should. This is my chance to show Adam there are nice sides to big cities, but I also want to play it safe.
I’ve picked up the phone too many times this last two weeks and fought an internal battle with the decision to reach out. The fact he’s here is major, even if it’s not completely for me. He’s spending time with me now, so I feel I must have been partly what swayed his decision.
We enter the bakery, and the owner greets me like we’re old friends. After I handed in my application, he’d near enough told me the job was mine. Being able to work in close proximity to Sarah made my future more bearable. Until laying eyes on Adam, I was feeling more positive.
“I’ll have my usual, Max,” I say, and wait for Adam to add his order.
“I’ll have the same.” He reaches into his pocket to pull out his wallet, but I bat his hand away.
“This is my treat.”
“I’m a guy. I should pay.”
“Do you hear yourself? Welcome to the twenty-first century, where women can organise dates and execute them without a man’s help,” I tease.
Adam cracks a smile before nodding.
“Is this your guy?” Max asks.
“I wish. He’s just visiting.” I hand some money over the counter.
“His loss,” Max says as he gives me my change.
“That it is,” Adam says, taking the paper bag from my hand. He smirks like he’s waiting for me to argue, but I don’t. I can give him this small gentlemanly gesture.
I hook onto his arm as we exit the bakery and head to the park. Bernard isn’t in his usual spot, but I try not to worry too much. He’s a grown man and probably around somewhere. He’s another fixture that’s slotted into my life with ease. Max’s place has become his regular source of food, and the three of us have been covering the cost.
I lead Adam through the iron gate, and we find a quiet spot under a tree.
“I know it’s not a seafront view, but Manchester has its nice places.”
“I’m sure it does.”
“There are art galleries, cinemas, and almost anything you fancy.”
“You. You are here and you’re the most attractive thing to me in Manchester.”
“You’re sweet.”
“As in like a sincere way or more?” He looks deep into my eyes.
“I know we haven’t talked in a few weeks, but I needed some time to sort out my head.”
“I get that. It’s been a tough time for you and your family.”
I fidget with my hands. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me too. Clover Bay hasn’t been the same without you. Betty has had to find someone else to terrorise.”
A small laugh escapes me. “The poor soul. I hope they can keep up with her.”
“Plus, Peter needs help with Kayleigh. He’s started turning to me for advice. He’s obviously desperate.”
“Poor Peter. I’ll have to give her a call. There is so much I miss about Clover Bay already, but it’s you I’ve been thinking about the most.”
“There hasn’t been a day go by I haven’t wondered what you were doing,” he says in honesty.
“You should’ve texted.” I would’ve liked to have heard from him.
“You could’ve messaged me too.” He’s right, I could have. We could’ve both done better. “It doesn’t matter. I’m here now.”
My smile is uncontrollable and I want to kiss him. I should pinch him to make sure he’s real. The fact he’s here is unbelievable. “I wish we could…” I don’t finish my sentence because I’m lost and overwhelmed by all the things I wish for us. Adam squeezes my hand.
“I’m willing to try the long-distance relationship if you are. I know I said it wasn’t what I wanted, but I miss the connection between us. Having you next to me feels right, and I’m done playing it safe. I want you to be my girlfriend.”
“I’d like to try for a relationship too.” I reach for his hand, only now realising how much I needed his comfort today.
“You’re a special girl and I don’t think I’ll ever find anyone like you.” He rubs his thumb over the back of my hand.
“You’ve made me feel like I’m worth something and I can’t imagine not being able to share my victories with you.”
“If I end up owning the café it will be me ringing you for advice.”
“I never thought I’d see the day I’d be giving you an idea. I can’t wait.”
“I’d like you to visit Clover Bay.”
“I will.”
“Good.” We rest our foreheads against each other’s.
“I know this is supposed to be a sad day, but I love you.” He kisses me softly. He’s the only person that made me feel like I could do anything. He’s supportive, kind, and sexy. Adam is everything I ever wanted in a partner, e
ven though I didn’t know it. “You don’t have to say it back,” I add when we break away.
“Jody.” He holds me with a stare. My breath catches in my throat, waiting to see what he says. “I love you too.” He kisses me again, only with more intensity.
“I never thought I’d be this lucky,” I say.
“You’re not the only one.”
We kiss again. It’s intense but tender at the same time. When we break apart, Adam hands me my sandwich before kissing me again. I feel like a heavy weight has been lifted off my chest. I need him in my life. I want him more than I realised. We eat our lunch in between kissing each other, and the whole thing feels surreal. I’m floating high right now, and even though the day has to end, I really don’t want to let him go. After our food, we take a slow stroll through the park.
“I have one more stop for us before you leave.”
“Your bedroom?” He raises his eyebrow mischievously.
I laugh. “Unfortunately, no. My family will be around and the sort of things I’d like to do to you would be inappropriate.”
I smile, hoping someday I can have it all; the boyfriend, the house, and dare I think, children. “Deep down, you’re a sentimental soul. I don’t know why you pretend to be grumpy.”
“It’s you who broke down my defences. Before you came to Clover Bay, I was just getting by.”
The walk to Sarah’s shop only takes ten minutes, and I don’t bother to pre-warn her. She’s wanted to meet Adam since the first day I mentioned him. When we enter, she’s in the back, and the strong smell of vanilla is lingering in the air.
“Wow. Hello, gorgeous,” Sarah says, dropping the bowl in her hand on the counter as she races towards us. She hugs Adam before he can come up with a reaction to her greeting. “Look at those arms. Maybe I should give up my little shop and move to the beach. Do you have any brothers or hot friends?”
“Ignore her. Sarah is happily in love with her boyfriend.”
She pouts. “I have to live my fantasy single life through Jody.”
“Actually, Sarah, meet Adam, my boyfriend.” It’s a late introduction, but the names were already implied.
He laughs. “At least I know there isn’t anyone else waiting in the wings since I didn’t need an introduction. You know who I am.”
“I saw a picture of you guys. My Jody can have any guy she wants, so you better treat her like the lady she is.”
“I bet she can. She’s a great girl,” Adam says with amusement.
“My girl’s all woman,” Sarah says, emphasising my curves.
“Okay. I’ve had enough embarrassment for one day. Adam and I are official now, and you’re going to have to get used to sharing me.”
“You’re leaving?”
“No. We’re going to try making the long-distance thing work.”
“Thank God. I don’t want to lose you again.” She hugs me and I smile. Sarah can be dramatic at times, but she’ll always be cheering in my corner.
“Okay, so we’re going to go before you start telling him stories he’s not ready to hear. I’d like to keep my boyfriend for more than one day.”
We say our goodbyes and slowly make our way to the train station. We sit on the bench, waiting for the inevitable.
“I wish you could stay longer,” I say, hugging him tightly.
“We will make this work,” he says, stroking my hair. We kiss until our time is up. Adam gets on the train and I wave as he rides off into the distance. My phone chimes with a text.
It reads: I love you.
I reply: Have a safe journey. I love you too.
My smile is bittersweet as I make my way home.
Thirty-Six
Jody
Thursday
“Have you heard the news?” Sarah practically shouts down the phone as I answer.
“Aiden finally proposed?” I ask, pulling the phone away from my ear and putting her on speaker.
“No, but I wish that was my news. Bernard is Bernard La Cross.”
“Is that supposed to mean something to me?” I ask, having no idea what she’s talking about.
“He was a famous playwright in the nineties.”
“I’m totally lost.” I scratch my head in confusion.
“Bernard the homeless guy has reunited with his daughter. It’s all over the newspapers this morning. He wrote some of the best TV dramas.”
“That’s great. I didn’t see him yesterday and I was worried.”
“This is one happy ending we needed.”
“Why? What’s happened to yours and Aiden’s?”
“Nothing, he’s just dragging his feet.”
“I’m sure when he needs his next reason for a guy’s holiday, you’ll be sliding that ring onto your finger.”
“Oh, God. I hope you’re wrong. It’s funny, but sad. You don’t think he’s going to wait for next summer, do you?”
“You’re insufferable already. I can’t wait that long.”
“Very funny. You’ll be crying about being left on the shelf.”
“Okay, you win. I’ll stop. Besides, I have Adam now and I can start hinting to Aiden that married life is the way forward.”
There’s a knock on my bedroom door and Hannah lets herself inside my room.
“Hi, Sarah. Jody, Mum’s here to talk to us,” she says.
“Okay, I’ll be out in a few minutes,” I say to Hannah.
She pats me on the shoulder before slipping back out into the hallway.
“I better go,” I say unenthusiastically.
“Okay. Call me later.”
“Sure. See ya.” I hang up the phone and head to the bathroom. With a wet flannel, I quickly wash my face and prepare for whatever my mum has to say. The fact she’s come down to see us means it’s probably important. She doesn’t do social visits.
My sister’s making a pot of tea as I pass the kitchen, and I help her carry the cups into the living room. I settle on the sofa, pulling my knees to my chest. The silence settles over us as I wait to see why Mum is here.
“You look nice,” I say to my mum.
“Thanks. Okay, I’ll cut to the chase. Your grandmother’s death has got me thinking. I know I haven’t always been there for you girls, or my mum for that matter, but I want to help you both get ahead in life.”
“What are you talking about?” Hannah asks.
“I’ve always put my career first and may not have always supported my family.”
“We all know that, even Gran did. While we’re having a heart to heart, it’s me that’s looked after Jody and helped Gran with decorating for Christmas each year.” My sister was forced to grow up too young. and this is reflected in her snappy comment.
“Wait, you’ve been visiting Gran every year and you never told me?” I ask, almost shouting my words.
“You were always working a temporary job or partying with Sarah,” Hannah says.
“I might’ve come if you’d given me the option.” I pout.
“Stop,” Mum says. “I didn’t mean to cause an argument. I just wanted to say the money from the sale of the café is yours to be divided equally.”
“Wait, you’ve already sold the café?” I ask.
“We had an offer this morning. I need to call them back and accept it.”
“Did Adam make the offer?”
“Yes, or his father,” mum says.
“I can use the money to set-up my own permanent beauty shop,” Hannah says eagerly.
“Don’t accept the offer. I don’t want to sell the café.” Maybe Clover Bay should be my permanent home. It already holds a place in my heart, and I want a place that belongs to me.
“I can’t use my half of the money if it’s locked away in the business,” Hannah says, a little hurt. She’s done so much for me; it wouldn’t be right to crush her dreams.
“What if we sell fifty percent?” I’m ready to fight for what I want. Nothing has ever felt so right.
“Who’d want to buy half of the café and cotta
ge?”
I give my mum a pointed look, hoping she’s understanding what I’m asking. I’m a spontaneous person, and usually it doesn’t work out, but I think this is different. If Adam’s willing to start a partnership with me, I’m ready to take a leap of faith. He’s proven time and time again he can ground me and keep my focus. He would be a good person to own a business with as he’s patient with me. When I was in Clover Bay, he helped me so much, and I can see a future with him.
“I’ll make the call and see if Mr Davis will accept the partnership. Are you sure this is what you want, Jody?”
I nod. “I’m sure.”
Instead of answering, she picks up the phone and hits the dial button. She gives nothing away when the estate agent picks up, and I wait patiently for her to end the call.
“They’re going to ring me back when they have the decision. Your gran would be glad she can help both of your futures.”
“Thanks, Mum,” Hannah says.
“Yes. Thanks, Mum. This means a lot to us. I’ve been meaning to ask you, why did you leave Clover Bay?”
“That was a long time ago. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t, but I’ve always wanted to live in the city.”
“Do you miss Penny?”
“Of course I do. What happened was tragic, but I didn’t want to work in the café all my life.”
“So, Harrison dumping you didn’t sway your decision?”
“Tactful, Jody. Real smooth,” Hannah says.
“If you’re moving to a small village, you need to stop believing the rumour mill. I’ll admit I envied their relationship. Penny seemed to have it all, but Harrison and I were just a teen fling. The reality was, we didn’t have anything in common. After we shared a few kisses, our dates fizzled out. I thought I wanted what they had, but truthfully, I needed to find myself. Leaving Clover Bay was the best thing I ever did.”
My mum’s phone rings and my pulse quickens. She scrambles to answer it while I hold my breath. This is the moment of truth. Can Adam meet me halfway and share his future with me?
My mum gives me a thumbs-up as she hangs up. “He’s accepted the offer.”
The Heart of Baker’s Bay Page 18
