Chapter two
It had been a tearfuldeparture at the train station, saying her thanks and goodbyes to Evelyn. Somehow, Tammy knew her stay in Seagull Bay was going to be longer than the brief visit she first envisioned. She needed to escape the city and be in a place where there was zero chance of running into Richi—zero chance of running into men full stop.
She found a seat with a table and placed the large container down in front of her. What on Earth had possessed her to make such a big birthday cake was beyond her.
As the train sped through towns and then countryside Tammy gazed out of the window and imagined what type of idyllic lives the residents of the houses that flashed past were living. Were there any facing the same uncertain future she was?
Lost in her thoughts, Tammy almost missed the conductor’s announcement of the train’s arrival at the station she needed and hastily gathered her belongings. With a large suitcase, a cake box, and her handbag, she struggled off the train and onto the platform where she found a quiet space to book a taxi.
Taxi booked; Tammy took a moment to take in the magnitude of her decision. She was out of the city and away from Richi, but she had also cut off her support—her friends. Ben might well be family by blood, but in all senses of the word, he was a stranger.
Tammy didn’t have time to contemplate her situation any further, because her phone pinged to say her taxi had arrived. Fifteen minutes later, she was paying the driver and standing on the seafront, looking down at the beach six feet below. Inhaling deeply, she filled her lungs with fresh sea air and looked out into the horizon across the ocean, before turning her attention to the squawking of the seagulls lining the cliffs on either side of the Bay, relaxed and at one with nature as the early morning sun beat down on her shoulders.
As the sun penetrated her jacket, Tammy glanced down at the cake container at her feet. Thank goodness she’d decided against using fresh cream in her icing. Still, in this heat, even the buttered frosting would spoil soon if she didn’t get it stored in a cool place.
Turning around to view the different coloured houses lining the seafront, Tammy’s first impression of Seagull Bay was one of wonderment. Compared to the dreary city she’d left behind Seagull Bay held the promise of something magical. It felt almost as if she had come home, which was an impossible notion, as she’d never visited this part of the country before.
A very handsome man with unruly dark curls walked past whistling with a newspaper curled up under his arm and his hands stuffed into his pockets. He looked at Tammy and flashed her a perfect toothy smile. ‘Morning.’
Tammy noticed he had a slight American accent. She smiled back, thinking how out of place he looked here with his designer tan and centrefold good looks.
‘Erm, excuse me. But could you point me in the direction of Ben’s house, please?’
The man paused and then changed direction to walk towards her. ‘Old fisherman Ben?’
Tammy nodded, feeling foolish that she’d omitted to mention his surname. The handsome man studied her intently. ‘And who are you?’
Tammy stiffened. Who was he to question her? All she wanted was directions. What was it with men—especially handsome men? ‘I don’t see how that is any of your concern?’
The man took the paper out from under his arm and crossed his arms. ‘Well, let me tell you. A stranger coming into my close-knit community asking about a very dear friend is my concern.’
Tammy’s mouth dropped open. ‘You’re friends with my Great-Uncle Ben?’
Now it was time for the handsome man’s jaw to drop open. ‘You’re related to Ben? I didn’t know he had any relations.’ He uncrossed his arms and extended his hand. I’m Oliver, the landlord of the pub and hotel, The Cheese Wedge and Pickles. I’m so sorry about the inquisition—I didn’t mean to be rude... It’s just, with all the tourists that come here, we like to look out for each other.’
Tammy nodded. ‘I understand... No that’s a lie, I don’t. I come from the city. Nobody knows who their neighbour is, let alone looks out for them. By the way, I’m Tammy.’
Oliver nodded, ‘Hello Tammy.’ He gestured to Tammy’s suitcase and cake container. ‘So, what brings you here? A holiday with your uncle?’
Tammy shook her head. ‘A long-term visit, with a view to moving here permanently if I can find work.’ She pointed down at the cake container. ‘It was Ben’s birthday yesterday, and that’s the cake I made him. I didn’t expect it to be so hot this early though, so I hope it hasn’t melted into a pile of goo.’
Oliver’s eyebrows rose. ‘Ben kept that quiet. He actually lives on the edge of town, right at the top... I have an idea. Why don’t I store your cake in the pub’s refrigerator and you can coax Ben down to the pub tonight? We’ll have a little celebration for him.’
Tammy was overcome. Other than her friends, she’d never known strangers to be so kind. ‘Erm, I can try. I don’t even know if he drinks alcohol.’
Oliver chuckled, ‘Nor me, he hasn’t been to the pub in the three months I’ve owned it, but we serve non-alcoholic drinks, so he can’t give you any excuses when you ask him to come tonight.’
Tammy nodded. ‘Okay, that sounds like a lovely plan if I can get him to agree.’
Oliver dipped his head towards a large white pub a little further on and reached for Tammy’s suitcase. ‘Come on then. Let’s put your cake on ice and then I’ll drive you to Ben’s place. If you hadn’t already noticed, this seaside town isn’t exactly on the flat.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, I’m sure. My fiancé Pippa will see to the cake while I drive you.’
‘I don’t want to put either of you to any trouble.’
‘It’s no trouble at all. Come on—this way.’ Tammy followed Oliver, keeping half a step back. ‘In fact, you’re doing me a favour. It will get me out of mopping the cellar. There’s a sticky spillage that needs seeing to, but if I help you, I’m hoping Pippa will clean it up.’ Oliver chuckled to himself as he led the way.
