Debra chuckled. ‘We want to spark joy for our guests as soon as they arrive. Let them know this is a safe space where they’ll find peace and happiness.’
‘I hear you work with ex-military as well.’
Debra nodded. ‘Yes, everyone’s welcome here. Jed said you were in the navy. Which areas were you thinking of volunteering for here, Will?’
‘Tell me everything you have on offer. Jed mentioned rock climbing. I worked in mountain rescue for a year before I came here, so you can use me for those kind of activities. All activities actually. I love a bit of adventure.’
Debra laughed. ‘And what about as a member? Would you like to come here sometimes for your own health?’
Will raised his eyebrows. ‘My health?’
‘Just letting you know people find their peace here, so if you do need respite anytime, feel free to bake a cake, paint a picture, or plant some seeds in the allotment. Whatever you need. We also have therapists here and social workers.’
‘Oh, thanks. But I’m okay.’ It was a complete and utter lie, but as she had blindsided him with her statement, he didn’t know what else to say.
Debra walked around the reception desk to stand at his side. ‘Come on, I’ll show you around. We can walk and talk.’
As long as she doesn’t try and delve into my feelings . . .
* * *
Will had a real spring in his step by the time he headed back to his truck. His estate agent in Wales had sent him a text, scheduling a date to take photos of the flat, so a short trip back there tomorrow would sort that. Life seemed to be coming together. He felt he might just be able to fit in at Port Berry and make friends — so very important for someone with no family.
All he had to do was forget how he was conceived, the fact his mother didn’t want him, and that he couldn’t run away with the navy again.
Piece of cake.
Chapter 8
Ginny
‘You stand with your hands against that wall, young lady, and if you dare move, you’ll feel the flat end of my slipper.’
Ginny quivered at her mother’s sharp tone. Her palms were pressed against the flock wallpaper, her head dipped, and eyes filled to the brim with water.
It wasn’t her fault the kettle was broken. Lee dropped it, not her, but when asked, he blamed her and that was that. He could’ve said aliens landed on the roof and stole the aerial and their mum would’ve believed him, because her precious son never lied.
Ginny gulped down some silent deep breaths, steadying her nerves. The slipper was coming at some point. Once mentioned, it was used. The punishment of standing against the wall was simply torture added into the mix. Mind games were nothing new in the Dean household.
A small dinghy gently bobbing on the calm sea looked so tranquil as the sun woke the sky. The nameBlue Manwas scribbled on the side in dark blue, and a tall mast held a white flag with a silhouette of an anchor.
Ginny visualized her getaway vessel in bright, bold colours. Someday she’d sail away to a place where no one could hurt her again.
She wished she could hold her own hand. It always comforted her. Raising her gaze to the wall, she wondered why she bothered with endurance. She was going to take six of the best to the backside no matter how long she stood for. But survival mode kicked in, as always, telling her not to move.
She closed her eyes, seeing only the boat once more, but it was sailing away. Leaving port without her.
‘No, come back,Blue Man,’ she yelled, too afraid to move her hands. ‘Don’t leave me here. Please, please. Come back, come back. Save me.’
* * *
Ginny jumped, inhaled deeply, and sat up to stare down at the pool lounger she was sprawled on. She must have drifted off. The deep tissue massage she’d not long received at the spa certainly hit the spot if it had made her that relaxed.
‘You okay, Gin?’ asked Sophie, sitting cross-legged on the sunbed next to her. ‘You woke with a start.’
Ginny shook her head and faked a laugh. ‘Think I had a mad dream.’
Sophie rubbed a white towel over her damp legs. ‘What was it about?’
