Chapter 5
Chapter Five
A n hour later, Verity walked towards the bay and kicked off her shoes. Paddling at the water’s edge she embraced the sunshine that had finally followed the dismal weather of the morning. She looked across to the lighthouse that was guarding the scenic coastline and wondered whether it was still in use. She began to walk across the bay towards the sand dunes, which led to a coastal path that meandered to the top of the cliffs where the puffins could be found.
Thankful for the sea breeze, Verity powered her way to the top of the cliff and stood in amazement. Clemmie was right. She hadn’t seen anything quite like it before. Thousands of comical creatures, each in its glossy black dinner jacket with a crisp white bib and a brightly coloured, parrot-like bill, and with orange feet, covered the rocky cliffs. A sign informed visitors that they couldn’t touch or feed the puffins, and it was clear that this part of the island belonged to the puffins and the puffins only. Verity was in awe. Perching on the edge of a rock she pulled out her phone and began to video them so she could remember this moment. This was the first time she’d ever seen a puffin up close. They were incredible. She sat still, watching the adults return from fishing at sea, sand eels hanging from their mouths, to feed their pufflings. She could happily have sat and watched them for hours, but she wanted to stretch her legs and she knew exactly where to head. She was curious to discover the real-life Cliff Top Cottage, which, according to her map research, should be just a little further on up the cliff path.
The most sought-after cottage on the island (according to Granny’s stories) stood three hundred metres above the sea with fantastic views of the Puffin Island coastline, including Blue Water Bay and Castaway Cove, where lobster boats and fishing boats bobbed on the waves. Fish were clearly plentiful in these waters, something welcomed by puffins and locals alike.
Verity took the gravel track towards the top of the cliff, excited to be greeted by the most gorgeous-looking cottage, just like in her granny’s stories…but was surprised to find there wasn’t much picturesque about Cliff Top Cottage. In fact, it looked as if it had been abandoned years ago.
It definitely lacked tender loving care. The garden around it was a little overgrown, the front door and windows rotting away but miraculously still intact. Verity knew this could be transformed into a place of beauty as it once had been, according to descriptions from the past. Knowing she was trespassing but too curious to pass up this chance, she walked up to the front window. Surely it wasn’t possible for anyone to still be living here? Cupping her hands against the grimy window she peered into the gloom.
The room was sparsely furnished. A battered old sofa and an armchair stood beside a rug in front of an open fire. Verity nearly jumped out of her skin when she noticed an elderly gentleman asleep in the chair, a flat cap on his head and what looked like a glass of whisky in his hand. She took a deep breath and watched him for a second. Then, just as her pulse began to settle, his eyes flicked opened and he stared straight at her. She stumbled backwards as his eyes widened, and before she could do anything he was up and out of the chair. The look on his face wasn’t welcoming but she couldn’t blame him. She shouldn’t have been snooping. Within seconds the front door had been flung open and the man was charging towards her. ‘You tourists think you can come onto my land whenever you like but you can’t!’ He pointed to the wooden sign hammered into the ground. ‘ Private Property, Keep Off . Just like it says. Now shoo.’ His voice was gruff, and he wasn’t anywhere near as welcoming as the other islanders she had met.
Verity began apologising profusely. ‘I’m so sorry, I was just curious to see this place.’
‘The path is that way.’ He dismissed her with his hand. ‘You people think you can wander up here but this is my space. You tourists have the rest of the island. Be on your way.’
He stormed back inside and shut the door with a slam. Verity was thankful it didn’t fall from its hinges.
She knew she’d overstepped the mark but she hadn’t meant any harm, and there was a way of speaking to people. Turning and walking away she dared to look back over her shoulder. The man was standing in the window watching her. Verity couldn’t help wondering what had happened here. Cliff Top Cottage had featured many times in the stories her grandmother had shared. Henrietta had described it as cosy, with oak beams and a log fire, certainly nothing like the dilapidated cottage of today. In her stories the wild cliff top flowers grew all around, and a garden gate led to a lawned garden with a patio area to the side of the cottage for sitting in during the summer months. Racking her brain, Verity couldn’t remember who her granny had said lived there. Still, those stories were from a long time ago and it was possible the previous occupants had moved on since. Verity knew the upkeep of any property was a massive commitment and cost. The man who’d shooed her away looked as if he might be in his seventies, so perhaps age had prevented him from returning it to its former glory. Or maybe he liked how unwelcoming the property had become. It was obvious from the few seconds she’d spent in his company that he didn’t welcome visitors.
‘But what a view,’ she murmured, welcoming the light breeze as she headed back towards the harbour. This might be her only chance to wake up to this view so she made the decision there and then: she would drive the van down to Blue Water Bay and park for the night. She’d watch the sunset and enjoy every second sleeping under the stars, even if it was only for a few hours before she drove back over the causeway. Taking a breather, she sat down on a rock. She took one look at the puffins, then briefly closed her eyes and tilted her face up to the warmth of the sun.
She suddenly felt as if she were being pushed. Her eyes sprang open and she screamed, then made a strangled noise as she was met with a pair of huge eyes. A wet tongue swiped across her face and two gigantic paws pounded against her chest, causing her to lose her balance.
‘What the…’ she shouted, stumbling backwards. ‘Get off me. Get this dog under control.’
There was a sound of footsteps hurrying along the path. Verity was trying to get up off the ground and to keep the dog licks at bay. The dog managed to give her another lick before his lead was clicked into place.
‘Jimmy, get down.’ Sam attempted to reprimand him but all he could do was laugh. ‘I’m so sorry. I’ve tried to tell him he can’t go kissing every new girl in town, but in our defence, he’s just a friendly guy.’ There was a spark of humour and a glint in Sam’s eye.
Verity’s mouth fell open. She knew she was catching flies but she couldn’t help it. Here he was again, Sam Wilson, making her heart thump twice as fast as he extended his hand to pull her up. She was secretly pleased. ‘He’s your dog?’
‘He is, and, as you can see, he’s a little excitable. But don’t worry, he’s very friendly.’
‘I know he’s friendly, I’ve never received so many kisses in such a short time.’ Verity smiled as she ruffled the fur on top of the dog’s head.
‘I find that hard to believe.’ Sam caught her eye, and the blush upon her cheeks darkened slightly. ‘But we’re sorry, are you okay?’
‘Dented pride and dirty shorts, but I’ll live.’
‘Glad to hear it. We couldn’t have death by kisses on our conscience, could we, Jimmy?’
The giant chocolate curly labradoodle danced around for a moment before sitting down by Sam’s side.
‘He’s the size of a Shetland pony. Who exactly is taking who for a walk?’
Sam laughed. ‘He’s taking me. Let me introduce you properly. Jimmy, this is Verity, Verity, this is Jimmy…Jimmy Chew…because he likes to chew shoes and usually no shoes are safe. He’s seven months old and still growing into his paws.’
Verity stared. ‘Wow! Seven months. Look at the size of him.’
‘He’s like a mini human but has the most lovable nature.’
‘I can’t argue with that.’
‘He doesn’t normally take such an instant liking to just anyone, he’s got good taste. Isn’t that right, Jimmy?’
Verity noticed Sam biting his lip to suppress a smile.
‘Clearly,’ she replied, embracing the playful banter.
‘And what are you doing on this part of the island?’
‘I wanted to see the puffins before I left.’
‘They’re an incredible sight. What did you think of them?’
‘So fluffy and I love their waddle.’
‘They’re certainly special. I’m heading that way, do you want to walk with us?’ Sam pointed down the path.
Verity looked between Sam and Jimmy. ‘Okay, as long as I don’t get swept off my feet again.’
‘I can’t promise that,’ replied Sam. The air crackled between them.
As they began walking, Verity looked back over her shoulder towards the cottage. ‘Who lives there?’
Sam followed her gaze, and she was sure he bristled.
‘Pete,’ he replied. ‘He looks after the wildlife on the island and is in charge of the puffin census.’
‘Puffin Pete,’ said Verity. ‘I bet he’s not heard that before.’
Sam smiled. ‘Have you ever thought of being a stand-up comic?’
‘Humour is one of my talents… You’re kidding about a puffin census, right?’
‘Nope, the puffins get counted every year. It used to be every five years but now they keep a closer eye on the colony so they can see what’s changed season to season. It allows them to make important decisions to help protect the puffins.’
‘Because with no puffins it would just be called “The Island”. But how do you know which ones have already been counted? They all look the same.’
‘I’m not quite sure. Pete is in charge of the census, overseeing the rangers.’
‘How many rangers?’
‘Usually around six to ten.’
‘I’ve just had the pleasure of meeting Pete.’ Knowing how close-knit communities could be, Verity decided not to share that it wasn’t the best first impression.
Sam nodded. ‘We don’t cross paths that often as we don’t have anything to do with one another.’ He looked as if he was going to add something but had changed his mind.
They carried on walking in silence. As soon as they set foot on the sand of Blue Water Bay, Sam unclipped Jimmy’s lead. He woofed as he chased the gulls off the sand and followed them straight into the water.
‘I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes, trying to get him in the bath. Have you ever tried one of those portable pet showers? I’ve got one in my van.’
‘I’m lucky if I have any shoes left, at the rate he likes to chew them! Why do you have a portable pet shower?’
‘I didn’t like the idea of not knowing when my next shower would be, so I pinched one from work.’
Sam raised his eyebrows.
‘I’m a veterinary assistant,’ she filled in quickly. ‘Well, I was up until yesterday. Now I’m officially unemployed, but by choice. I’ve thrown caution to the wind, rented out my house and am travelling with my friend Ava for the next six months.’
‘Oh right. I think you mentioned you were going to Amsterdam?’
‘Yes, that’s right. I’m catching the ferry early tomorrow morning.’
‘Make sure you stock up on sickbags and don’t eat anything after midnight.’
‘Good advice. Look at Jimmy! He’s heading towards that boat. Is that the restaurant?’
‘It is, The Sea Glass Restaurant, the glass-bottomed boat. Always making waves.’
‘I see what you did there.’
‘The interior is just as pretty as the outside. It’s got a nautical theme – polished wood, a blue and white colour scheme, a grand piano, and a private terrace at the bow with stunning views of the lighthouse, the ocean and the gorgeous harbour.’
‘You sound like an advert.’
Sam grinned. ‘I never miss an opportunity to sing its praises. It’s a shame you aren’t around a little longer to sample the experience, but we’re fully booked tonight.’
‘We?’
‘I’m the proprietor. I renovated the old boat. It once belonged to my grandfather and when I was eighteen it was given to me by my mother. She called it junk and couldn’t wait to get rid of it. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it – create a floating restaurant. It’s now booked up three months in advance and even a few celebrities frequent the place.’
‘I bet your mum is proud of what you’ve achieved.’
‘I wouldn’t think so.’ Sam stared out towards the restaurant, his cryptic comment leaving an awkward silence.
Verity sensed that his relationship with his mother might just be as unhealthy as the one she had with hers. Jimmy was now clambering out of the water and up onto the ramp. After shaking his body several times, he barked at the restaurant door. The door opened and a woman appeared. She waved across at Sam before letting Jimmy inside.
‘Wife, girlfriend?’ asked Verity, the words leaving her mouth before she could stop them.
‘That’s Robin, owner of Beachcomber Bakery. She’s dropping off the freshly baked bread for this evening.’
‘I’m a little disappointed that I won’t get to eat at the restaurant.’ What Verity didn’t add to that was that she was also a little disappointed that it was more than likely she wouldn’t see Sam again before she left, if he was working at the restaurant tonight. ‘I’m leaving in the early hours of the morning. I was thinking I’d park my van here tonight in the meantime.’ She pointed to a parking space just in front of the bay.
Sam looked up at the sky. ‘Now the black clouds have moved on, you should have the perfect view. It’s an amazing view at night, the harbour is lit up with fairy lights along with The Sea Glass Restaurant, it sparkles like diamonds on the water. I bet you won’t get any sleep – the view will be just breathtaking.’
‘Then I’ll try and sleep on the ferry tomorrow. It’s going to be a very long crossing.’
‘If you need a coffee and an early morning croissant, the Cosy Kettle is open throughout the night because of the early morning crossings.’ He pointed towards the coffee hut on the edge of the bay.
‘I’ll remember that.’
They both stared out to sea in a contemplative silence before Verity finally spoke. ‘It’s been lovely meeting you, Sam,’ she said. ‘Maybe I’ll call back at the island on my return journey and book a table at your restaurant.’
‘Maybe you should do that.’
Savouring the moment, Verity briefly closed her eyes and inhaled his woody, masculine aroma, which made her heart beat a little faster. When she opened her eyes, his blue gaze flashed towards her.
‘It must be nice knowing where you belong, especially in a place like this,’ she murmured. ‘I bet you want for nothing.’
‘I wouldn’t quite say that,’ he replied, running a hand through his hair, but he didn’t elaborate.
‘I’d best be off.’ Reluctantly, Verity turned and walked away with a little sashay. She suspected he was watching, so she gave him something to remember her by. When she dared to look back over her shoulder, she saw she’d been right. Her heart thrummed with adrenalin, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in ages. For the first time since planning her trip, Verity found she didn’t want tomorrow to come. In fact, she wished she could stay on the island for a little longer.