Chapter 21 #2
‘I always sleep well here.’
Holly smiled. She would never have thought it, but it had been so nice sharing her home and working with Lucy.
As if she was reading her thoughts, Lucy suddenly added, ‘I’ve really enjoyed living and working here, Holly.’
‘I’ve enjoyed it too–’
Lucy cut her off with a wince, ‘Which is why I hate to have to move out.’
‘Move out? Why?’ Holly grimaced - this was not what she wanted to hear.
‘Well, you’re doing so much better now. You don’t need me anymore.’
Holly took in Lucy’s dishevelled appearance. On any other morning, she would have assumed it was because she’d just woken up and hadn’t done her make up yet, but coupled with what she was saying, she worried it had been the thought of this conversation that was having this effect on her friend.
‘I’d really like it if you stayed,’ Holly said simply, meaning every word.
Lucy ran a hand down her face. ‘Tony is struggling with the cafe. Apparently it isn’t doing so well. He’s asked me to move back in and help him.’
‘What about the divorce papers?’
‘It’s still going ahead, I think. But I’m worried about him. I wish I could stay but I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happened to him.’
Holly moved towards Lucy and when she was in arms reach, she pulled her in for a hug. Initially, Lucy was stiff in her arms, but when Holly kept hold, she relaxed and melted into the embrace. They stayed like that for a few more seconds until Holly released her.
‘You’ve been a life saver for me, and selfishly I would love it if you stayed here. But if this is what you need to do, I understand.’
When Lucy went to go back upstairs, Holly added, ‘But remember. The door is always open.’
Lucy turned and gently nodded her head. As her foot reached the first step, something stopped her.
‘I couldn’t help but overhear some of your conversation with Rose earlier. I wasn’t sure whether to say anything, but you’ve been so kind to me, Holly, and I want to see you happy.’
‘I am happy, Lucy.’
‘I think you could be happier. If the opinions of someone with a failed marriage under her belt is worth anything to you, don’t waste this opportunity with Seb.
He clearly adores you and Natalie. And from the amount of times I’ve heard Natalie ask about him, he clearly means a lot to her too.
Instead of worrying you two missed your chance, maybe make the most of this second chance? ’
Without waiting for a response, Lucy made her way back upstairs, leaving Holly alone with her thoughts.
*
With both Lucy and Rose on similar pages, Holly found it hard to keep thoughts of Seb out of her head that morning.
But finally being able to move more freely around was a wonderful distraction and she managed to keep herself busy, resisting the urge to reach out to him for a good couple of hours. Until he messaged her.
Seb:
Can you meet me at the beach in half an hour?
Holly:
Not sure that’s a good idea
Seb:
Please. It won’t take long
Holly:
Easy for you to say. My ankle is still not 100%
Seb:
Then meet me at The Book Nook?
Holly:
And have Rose and Eleanor eaves dropping
No thanks
Seb:
See you at the beach then
Holly let out a sigh, but she knew she’d go.
Holly:
OK
Half an hour later, with Luke covering for her at the pub, Holly eased herself onto the beach and found Seb staring out at the rough waves that crashed against the rocks.
She was hit with a serious case of déjà vu as the sight reminded her of the last time they’d been at the beach together like this.
As if sensing her approach, he turned and smiled at her.
It was an easy smile, the sort they’d shared countless times as teenagers. She’d missed that smile.
‘You came,’ he said, taking a step towards her.
At those words, combined with the hope in his eyes, her shattered heart started to piece itself back together. It was still a little battered, but felt stronger than before. She’d been foolish to think she’d be able to just stay friends with this man, not now she knew how he felt about her.
‘I came,’ she simply said, fighting the urge to make a flippant response. She didn’t want to do anything to make that smile go anywhere.
‘So I received a letter this morning,’ he said, turning to look out at the water again.
‘Is everything OK with Danny?’ Holly’s thoughts raced with possibilities.
‘It was a hand delivered letter. From you.’
‘From me? Seb, I didn’t write you a letter.’
‘Are you sure?’ He reached into his pocket, and Holly caught a glimpse of purple. Her recently healed heart started to beat a little off kilter. She looked up from the letter into his dark eyes.
‘Where did you get that?’
‘Natalie found it under her bed. Which I’m guessing was your bed once? She gave it to Rose this morning.’
‘I was going to give that to you,’ she released a strangled laugh, ‘until Sloane told me it was a stupid thing to do.’
‘I think it’s the most mature thing you’ve done for a while.’
‘Have you read it?’ She cringed, wracking her brain to try and remember the words she’d used all those years ago.
‘Of course. And I’ve written you a reply.’
Holly couldn’t help but smile at that, her cheeks flushed pink at the intensity of his gaze. From his pocket he pulled out an envelope and gave it to her. With trembling fingers she eased out the folded paper from inside.
Dear Holly
I finally got your letter. I wish you’d given it to me twelve years ago. It would have saved me from a lot of heartbreak.