Page 66 of My Summer of Magic Moments

Well, if he was here, she’d leave him alone. She’d say ‘hello’ if he was out and about, no more. There was no way she was going to intrude on his privacy. She had to respect it. Many times she’d thought about his devastating loss, felt gutted for him, but she realized there was no real way for her to help. All he ever wanted was to have them back, for it never to have happened. How could anyone put that right?

She indicated, feeling a little shiver of excitement as she pulled in off the road. No black 4x4 parked outside his cottage. She felt a sense of relief, and yet a weird pang too. How she wished the situation wasn’t so damned complicated. But it was what it was, and it would probably be better if they didn’t have to face each other again. She hoped he wasn’t going to turn up later.

Here was her stone cottage by the sea – the ramshackle, quirky yet lovely old place. She smiled as she got out of the car and found the rusty front-door key under the flower pot. She couldn’t wait to get a cup of tea in her hands and sit up on the balcony overlooking the golden sands and the rolling waves. She’d keep her coat on this time though. The air was cool, the sky a subtle grey. Getting the fire going was definitely going to be her first job. She knew how to light it now, thanks to Ed. Dumping her bags in the hall, she went straight back out to the lean-to at the side of the house and stocked up the logs and kindling next to the hearth in the lounge. She’d brought some old copies of the Herald that had been lying about at the office, a box of firelighters, matches (the long ones) – the works. She was armed and ready, tackling the house on its own terms.

Fire lit and warming the house through, she was soon sitting on the old deckchair, with her mug of tea in hand, overlooking the stubbly-grass garden where Ed had lit storm candles and tea-lights, made her langoustines and luscious meringues. Neither of them had known quite what a storm they were heading into. Knowing the truth of his situation, she didn’t regret their one romantic night – even if that was the only one she would ever know with him. She could only wish him well. She wondered if he would ever find happiness again, or at least some calm in his ocean of grief. She dearly hoped so.

She sat watching the dog walkers, the terns. There were no children playing in the stream today, too chilly for that, and of course they’d all be at school anyhow. The summer holidays were long gone.

She’d go and put all the groceries she’d brought with her away in a minute, and then go for a walk. The light would soon fade this time of year. The days were so much shorter – it would be dark of an evening. She’d get cosy with a book and a mug of hot chocolate later. Hah, she grinned at herself – she was sounding like a ninety-year-old! Outside on the balcony the chair was comfy, and though the air was cool, the sun was directly in her face; she closed her eyes for a second or two.

Awaking with a start, fuzzy-headed at first, she took in where she was – the sea view, the cool air. Gosh, she must have been tired – over half an hour had passed. The activity of the move, her charity run, the worry of the scare must be catching up on her.

The light would soon be beginning to fade; four o’clock. If she got going, she’d still have time to reach the village and get back before dark. A walk would be nice; she’d pop in and see Lynda at the deli for a quick hello, buy some fresh bread if there was any left, and a nice wedge of local cheese. She popped her trainers on and set off. The rhythm of her stroll took over and she relaxed into the walk. The sand slowed her down, but it was also soothing. A couple were walking towards her in the opposite direction with a black Labrador that reminded her of Bess. Ed. She hoped he was okay, that he was finding some way through his devastated life. How could fate be that cruel? Life was beautiful, yes, but it could be harsh sometimes too. She would have loved to be able to wrap her arms around him, tell him that somehow everything would be all right. But it wouldn’t, would it?

‘Hey, honey, lovely to see you. How are you?’

‘Hi, Lynda, I’m really well – thank you. It’s so good to be back. I’ve missed my rickety cottage by the sea.’

‘Hah, you’ll be the only one misses that place! You look great, by the way. The hair …’ She studied her with a smile.

‘It’s grown a bit.’ It was now in a long wavy bob of chestnut brown. She felt a little more like her old self, though her hair had been far straighter pre-chemo.

‘Yeah, that’s it. Suits you. How long are you up for?’

‘Just the weekend, unfortunately. I’ve just about used up all my annual leave.’

‘Ah well, a quick recharge of the batteries, hey. What can I do for you, petal? Or are you just in for a quick chat?’

‘Both a chat and some of your gorgeous food. I’d love some of that scrummy local cheese. Do you have any of the blue one from Doddington Dairy? That was great.’

‘I do indeed.’

‘And any bread?’ She looked hopefully along the shelves.

‘Sorry, petal, too late in the day. It all went by lunchtime, except for these two wholemeal rolls. But I’ll put a loaf by for you tomorrow, if you like. Any preference? Plain, wholemeal, rosemary and sea-salt bloomer? Or I’m doing a nice Red Leicester and caramelized onion at the moment?’

‘I’ll go for the caramelized onion one – sounds great.’

‘And for now, I do have some lovely black olive crostini – they’ll go nicely with the cheese.’

‘Okay, I’ll take a pack of those too, with a wedge of the blue.’

‘And how’s life been back down in Newcastle?’

‘Pretty good. I’m getting back into it all at work. Oh, and I’ve moved house, so it’s been all go.’

‘You have been busy.’

‘I had a bit of a health scare, too, but it’s all fine now, thank goodness.’ Claire found she didn’t mind talking about it now that it was good news.

‘Well, that’s good to hear.’

‘And how’s life in Bamburgh?’

‘Much the same as ever here. I’ve had a busy spell here in the shop in the past couple of weeks. September’s been a good month. The weather held, so we saw a lot of retired couples – ramblers and so on. I like all the different people coming in, and I’ve got to know the regulars over the years. Nice to have a chat, catch up with everyone. Some people have been coming back year on year for about fifteen years, since I first started this place. It certainly makes the day pass quicker.’

‘Yeah, that must be good.’