Eight
The three cottages were very similar on the outside, so I wondered if they were also similar inside. Judging by my welcome, I would probably have an opportunity to find out. I’d been invited for drinks with Adele and Marcus that evening, so if I went, I would see inside End Cottage. I had a feeling that, before the week was out, I’d also have the chance to see inside Middle Cottage.
I had seen the photos of Far Cottage online, but sometimes photos could be misleading and make things look better – or worse – than they were in reality. But when I opened the door to the sitting room, having taken off my jacket, scarf, and gloves and left them on the rack in the hall, it looked exactly as it had in those photos.
There was a wood burner that was clearly brand-new set on a gleaming tiled fireplace from the 1930s, above which was a large screen TV. A plush, rectangular rug lay in front of the hearth, and a pale oak coffee table on which a few magazines were displayed, sat on the rug. A sumptuous looking two-seater sofa with two matching chairs, all with small side tables next to them, took up most of the room, and the only other piece of furniture was a tall, pale oak bookcase filled with books. There were table lamps on each side table, and I could recall how cosy this room had looked in the photos with that wood burner lit and the table lamps switched on. Right now though, sunshine was streaming through the window, and the central heating was doing an excellent job.
The dining room opposite had a table and four chairs, together with a sideboard, all of which matched the furniture in the sitting room. The artwork on the walls was of a similar ilk to that in the rest of the house, I soon discovered.
The designer kitchen with a huge Aga that was also clearly brand-new, took my breath away. I had a feeling I would be the first person to use this kitchen, although I assumed that either Adele or Marcus had tested everything functioned as it should. The sliding doors that overlooked the garden were also, no doubt, part of the refurbishment Adele had mentioned, but I was surprised they hadn’t installed bi-folds when I opened them to step outside.
The garden wasn’t massive but there was a table and four garden chairs on a pristine looking patio that led onto the lawn. The fields surrounding the cottages, separated by hedgerows bursting with berries and buds, were visible from where I stood, but the fence, bushes, and trees on the left side of the garden were far too tall for me to see into the garden of Middle Cottage. That was probably a good thing. Was there anything worse than being overlooked by neighbours? Especially if, like me, you tended to fall asleep and snore, while sunbathing on a lounger, with slices of cucumber protecting your eyes. Not that I’d be doing a lot of sunbathing in February, although today was warm enough to sit outside … with a coat or jacket on.
I went back inside and closed the sliding doors, remembering to lock them right away.
A welcome pack sat on one of the granite counters containing a bottle of red wine, a loaf of bread, and some snacks, along with the notes Adele had mentioned. There was milk in the fridge and butter in the small butter dish. I’d stopped on the way to buy groceries, and wine, of course, so the first thing I did before going upstairs, was to unload those and put them away.
I then grabbed the rest of my bags and went to inspect the two bedrooms and the bathroom.
The bedrooms were furnished with the same pale oak, and the bedding and accessories were light and bright, modern florals. Each room had a small dressing table and a chair, a wardrobe, and a chest of drawers.
From the window in the back bedroom, I could see into the garden next door, where an abundance of wild birds, including four magpies, were taking advantage of the plentiful food supply provided on the bird table, and in several hanging feeders. I stood and watched them for a while wondering if the two magpies I’d seen earlier were in that group of four. Two magpies meant joy, four stood for a boy. My heart did a little flip as an image of Sam popped into my head.
‘Now you’re being ridiculous,’ I chastised myself loudly, before turning from the window and heading towards the bathroom.
The bathroom contained a top of the range white suite, and the walk-in shower had an overhead rainfall cascade in addition to a power shower. Again, I would be the first to use it, it seemed. There were built in shelves containing towels and some water related ornaments, like a little boat, a lighthouse, and a row of ceramic and brightly painted ducks. I’d never seen a duck with yellow and blue spots, but these were rather cute. It all looked exactly as it had in the photos.
Suitably impressed, I video-called Erin to tell her all about it, and to give her a little walk-around. She laughed when I told her about meeting all my neighbours and the invitation to drinks.
‘The place sounds fantastic,’ Erin said. ‘And you were worried you might be alone this week. Are you taking them up on the invitation?’
‘It is fantastic,’ I replied. ‘As for the drinks, I haven’t made up my mind. It’s kind of them to invite me, and they do seem like genuinely friendly people, but I’m not that good at making conversation with people I don’t know. How long would I need to stay without appearing rude?’
‘Thirty minutes at least. Maybe an hour. If they left the invitation open, why not see how you feel later? You could always send a text saying the journey and your first day have left you feeling tired but that you’d love to meet up with them later in the week.’
‘You’re a genius,’ I told her.
‘Tell that to the top brass here,’ she said. ‘I love my job but I hate all the bureaucracy and the politics involved in policing.
‘Bad day?’
‘Nah. Just me missing you. And I’m working this afternoon and all evening until midnight, and again tomorrow, so that stinks. Bumped into Sam yet?’ Erin added, laughing.
‘Haha. Very funny. I wish you were here.’
‘I wish that too. But someone must solve crime, and that someone is me.’ She winked. ‘And we’re not all lucky enough to be able to take time off at a moment’s notice. Call me later. Or tomorrow, if you decide to go for drinks.’
After chatting with Erin, I phoned my mum and stepdad, before realising my stomach was rumbling. I could’ve cooked myself some lunch but decided I would venture into Fairlight Bay and have lunch there instead.
I recalled Noelle saying that parking in town on a Saturday took time, and she would know all the best places to park whereas I would have to search for them. It was such a beautiful day, so I decided to walk. I’d checked the map and it didn’t look that far.
I threw my jacket, scarf, and gloves back on and headed towards the wooden bridge.
From the car park, the lane I’d driven up earlier, led back down to a fork, and one of those was the way to Fairlight Bay. But there was also a footpath that took a route across the fields and hills and that would be much shorter, so I followed that rather than take the lane.
Despite all the recent rain, the ground was firm underfoot and the walk was pleasant and peaceful, only improved by the wonderful birdsong that serenaded me most of the way. Although the path was longer than I’d anticipated and I was pleased to finally reach the town. I was also glad I’d worn my low-heeled ankle boots today.
Memories came flooding back and I recognised several buildings, shops, and restaurants as I walked. I spotted Fairlight Bakes Café, where Adele had told me she worked as a waitress, and I noticed it had a bakery attached. That was clearly where the Artisan loaf in my welcome pack had been baked. I now knew where to come each day if I wanted freshly baked bread. Or perhaps I could simply ask Adele to bring some back with her after her shifts. Or would that be rather cheeky? I didn’t recall seeing the place the last time I was in Fairlight Bay, but at eighteen, bread had been the last thing on my mind. Especially after I’d met Sam. Its navy and white frontage looked pristine, but the swinging signage of a baker and some bread could easily have been ten years old, or more. I could simply ask Adele the next time I saw her.
The town was heaving with people, the glorious weather having no doubt brought everyone out after so many dreary days of nothing but rain. Assuming Fairlight Bay had experienced similar weather to that in Kingston upon Thames. So much for getting away from the hustle and bustle of my own town. I don’t remember this place being that busy the last time I was here.
I stopped and admired the window display of a bridal shop called Fairlight Brides. That was definitely a new addition. It was smaller than the shop I helped run with my mum, but the window display was equally impressive. I couldn’t stop the loud and lengthy sigh from escaping. Would I ever be a bride?
‘You’d looked beautiful in that dress.’ I was lost in my thoughts and I hadn’t seen the elderly woman, and her little Dachshund, approach until she stood beside me and spoke. ‘When’s the big day?’
‘What? Oh! Erm. There isn’t one. That is, I’m not engaged.’
‘Forgive me, my dear.’ Her expression was apologetic, tinged with a hint of sadness. ‘My hubby always says I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. But there was a look on your face that … Oh well. There’s no harm in dreaming, is there?’
I snorted somewhat derisively. ‘I don’t even have a boyfriend now, so there probably is.’ I hadn’t intended to be rude, so I forced a smile. ‘We broke up a couple of days ago, but we’re still friends. The reason I was admiring the dress was because it’s similar to one I designed. My mum and I own a bridal shop in Kingston upon Thames, and an online business together, and I design a few wedding dresses from time to time.’
‘Well I never,’ the woman said, her eyes wide and her smile matching. ‘I run a bridal shop too. This one, as it happens.’ She chuckled and, although I might have imagined it, so did her dog. But perhaps he was simply chomping on the toy he was holding in his mouth. ‘What a small world!’
‘It’s a beautiful shop.’
‘Thank you, my dear. Are you here on holiday? You mentioned Kingston upon Thames. My hubby took me there once, many years ago now. We went to the Royal Park at Richmond, and took a boat trip to Hampton Court. We often said we’d go back, but we haven’t done so yet.’
‘That’s a shame,’ I said. ‘And yes. I’m here on holiday. I’m renting a cottage in Midwinter.’
She glanced up towards Midwinter Ridge. ‘On Midwinter Lane?’ Her grey brows knit together and her silver curls danced as she shook her head. ‘Stock up on provisions, my dear. There’s a blizzard on the way.’
‘Really?’ I looked up at the bright blue sky and then closed my eyes at the sun, feeling the warmth of it on my face. A blizzard seemed highly unlikely. Even rain didn’t seem possible today.
‘Mark my words.’ Her tone was serious, and when I opened my eyes and met hers, I could see she was sincere. Even her Dachshund shook his head, his long ears flapping as if he were shaking off the bitter cold to come. ‘We’ll have snow this weekend.’
‘Thanks for the warning. I’ll be sure to stock up.’ My stomach rumbled as if on cue, and I laughed. ‘I arrived today and I was on my way to have lunch. It was lovely to meet you.’
‘It was lovely to meet you too,’ she said. ‘I’m Tilly, and this is Billy.’ She grinned. ‘My hubby’s name is Willy.’
I almost spat out a laugh. ‘I’m Lucy,’ I replied, maintaining as much of my composure as I could.
‘Pop in for a cup of tea if you’re passing this way again.’
‘Thank you. That would be lovely. Weather permitting, of course.’
She winked at me and smiled as she took out a bunch of keys and slid one into the lock of her shop door, having clearly closed for lunch, and probably, to walk her Dachshund, Billy.
‘You’ll see,’ she said, stepping inside with Billy trotting in behind her. ‘Just make sure you’re snowed in with someone you like.’
‘Chance would be a fine thing,’ I replied, waving as I turned to walk away.
Market Square was just ahead, although there wasn’t an actual market as such, there today. And it wasn’t really a square. The market was only held on Thursdays, although I remember Sam saying that during the festive season it was held on Saturdays too, and Market Square was more of a rectangular shape, with shops dotted around the edges.
Still smiling from my encounter with Tilly and Billy, and wondering what Willy looked like, I made my way towards the promenade. When I was last in Fairlight Bay the promenade housed several shops and restaurants. It would be lovely to have lunch overlooking the sea on a beautiful day like today. Although inside a restaurant rather than outside. The sun was shining, but a slight chill hung in the air as I walked towards the sea. Or perhaps I was imagining that.
Fairlight Bay Sailing Club, the place where I had first met Sam, sat in the middle of the long expanse of the paved promenade. It was a three-storey building with a shop front on the promenade level, an upper storey with the clubhouse and a wide balcony on which members could sit, and a lower storey where the boats and sails and all the ancillary equipment was stored. Large metal doors opened from here, onto a long concrete boat ramp that sat atop the pebbled beach and led right down into the sea.
Sam had not only been a member of the sailing club, but a sailing instructor when I met him, so I didn’t want to go as far as the sailing club today, just in case, by some quirk of fate, I should bump into him. Seeing him again after all these years, on my first day here, would be difficult to say the least.
I kept as far away as I could, and selected the first restaurant I came across, which happened to be Freddie’s Fish and Chips. It had certainly changed since I was last here. It was just a fish and chip shop, as the name suggested, ten years ago. Now, it was far grander, and twice the size, having taken over the shop next door, which I believed had been a souvenir shop. In addition to fish and chips, the rather impressive menu offered lobster, crab, and oysters. It also had a wine list. I was glad I’d chosen not to drive.
‘Have you booked?’ the smiling waitress asked me the moment I stepped inside the door. Like the town, the place was heaving. The waitress, and all the staff, were dressed in white and navy outfits, a bit like a sailor suit. Some of the females wore skirts and some wore trousers with their tops, and although they all looked smart, the uniform was also a little twee, I felt.
‘Erm. No. Sorry. I only arrived in town today.’
She scanned the spacious but packed restaurant.
‘As you can see, we’re busy,’ she said, her smile fixed in place. ‘But if you don’t mind waiting at the bar, I’ll have a table free in about fifteen minutes. Are you on your own or will anyone be joining you?’
‘I’m on my own,’ I said, feeling like a wallflower at a dance. Even though my stomach had been rumbling since I’d left Far Cottage, I suspected everywhere would be the same, and fifteen minutes wasn’t that long. ‘And I’m happy to wait.’
‘Then follow me.’ She led me to the bar which ran along one side of the restaurant. ‘Sit anywhere you like,’ she said, handing me a little wooden boat with a number painted on the wooden sail, that she had taken from a large wooden chest at this end of the bar.
‘Thanks,’ I said, searching for a free bar stool and finally spotting one at the far end of the bar. Although having seen that the number on my sail was twenty-four, I felt a fifteen-minute wait might’ve been optimistic.
The empty seat was the other side of a stunningly beautiful woman, who sat sideways to the bar and was therefore facing in my direction. As I made my way through the crowd, I couldn’t help but notice her – and I wasn’t the only one. Several people, both male and female appeared to be glancing in her direction. She certainly stood out from the crowd. She wore a red dress with a tightly fitted cross over bodice, showing off her ample cleavage, and the slit to one side of the skirt, exposed her long and shapely legs. She wore high heeled, black leather ankle boots, and an open-fronted, black leather jacket. Instantly, I thought of a model in one of those TV ads for sexy and expensive perfumes. I also felt totally inadequate. She kept flicking her long blonde, wavy hair and then throwing her head back and laughing, her full red lips pouting perfectly in between. Her companion was clearly very amusing.
He was facing her, so I could only see his back, and he needed a haircut. His somewhat messy looking hair, which under the lights above the bar, looked like dark chocolate, brushed the neck of his black leather biker jacket.
The rest of him, however, from the little I could see, was as impressive as the woman. His broad shoulders, firm shapely bum, and, as I got closer, faded jeans encasing long toned legs, made me take a quick gulp of breath.
A sudden rush of heat swept through me and then, to my surprise, the man stood up and stepped right into my path. I tried to stop but my body still appeared to be moving forward and I thudded into his back with a resounding ‘thrump’.
His tall frame was as solid as a wall, and he didn’t even tip forward by a fraction as my body hit his, but he quickly turned and faced me, towering above me by at least one and a half feet.
‘I’m so sorry,’ he said, his deep voice sounding genuinely apologetic as he scanned my face, his brown eyes filled with concern. ‘Are you okay? That was my fault entirely. I should’ve looked before I … stepped … out. I…’ His dark brows knit together and his voice trailed off, his shapely lips still parted, mid-sentence.
I took in his firm jaw line with a hint of stubble on his handsome, weather-tanned face, and my own mouth fell open as recognition dawned, but no words came out.
‘Lucy!’ he added in a tone of incredulity. ‘Is it … can it really be … you?’