Page 81 of The Seaside Supper Club

‘Yeah, okay then, that sounds a really nice idea,’ replied Will.

‘And Cath can come too,’ Sophie launched in, even though she then took a chew of her lip.

Maddie added, ‘Don’t worry, you two can chill, and we’ll do the cooking over there for you. We have a plan, don’t we, Soph?’

‘Sounds like you two have been scheming,’ Will responded, the corners of his eyes crinkling into a gentle smile.

‘Perhaps, but it’s all for the good.’ Maddie grinned.

‘That sounds lovely. Thank you, girls.’ Cath came in to the conversation. ‘But just a warning, if you’re planning on cooking, the kitchen area is pretty small. There’s only a gas camping hob – it’s a pretty decent one, but there’s no electricity in the hut.’

‘Noted,’ said Maddie. ‘Yeah, I’d remembered about the hob from what Dad had mentioned a while back.’

‘Well, I’m coming back on Friday night. I’ll be on the train,’ said Sophie, no doubt angling for a lift, then adding, ‘But I can get a taxi from the station if you don’t feel like driving.’

‘Oh, I’m sure I’ll be all right for that, love.’ Of course, Will wouldn’t want to let his daughter down. Taxis were expensive for Tilldale, too, being a half-hour away from the station.

‘And if not, I can fetch you, Sophie,’ offered Cath, jumping in.

‘Okay, well … thanks.’ She sounded as if she’d been caught out by Cath’s kindness, seeming – perhaps naturally – nervous about some forced alone time together.

But Cath hoped that all these small steps might begin to add up to something, over time. A relationship, and with a little perseverance, a friendship with his girls. All she wanted was for Will and his family to be happy, and yes, she needed to feel that her place with them was a comfortable one. One that in time could grow, and maybe one day flourish, with some much-needed love and support. She’d keep sowing the seeds.

‘And I’ll be driving up Saturday morning, as I’ve got a long day shift on Friday,’ added Maddie.

‘Ah, it’ll be great to see you, girls,’ said Will. ‘Something to look forward to.’

‘Brill. Sounds like we’re sorted then, Sis,’ Maddie addressed Sophie, and they gave a thumbs up to the camera.

‘And hey, thanks for everything you’ve done these past few weeks. Looking after me, and everything,’ Will added, looking a little misty-eyed. ‘Your mum would have been so proud of you both.’

Cath felt all choked up, too.

‘Aw, thank you. Love you, Dad. Take care. See you soon.’ Sophie started waving. ‘Bye, Cath,’ she added, simply yet rather touchingly.

‘Thanks. Have a good week, Dad,’ said Maddie.

‘Will do. Love you, girls.’

‘Love you, too,’ said Maddie.

‘Bye, and thank you. The weekend sounds lovely.’ Cath gave a warm wave back, as Will closed the chat, saying, ‘Ah, that was lovely of them.’

Perhaps those seeds were already making roots.

*

Plans had been tweaked, mid-week, when Cath had had a call from Adam saying he wanted to come up that next weekend, too. She’d felt in a bit of a quandary. She so wanted to spend the weekend at the beach bungalow with Will and the girls. Which felt like the biggest social family olive branch ever, but she didn’t want to put off her own son coming up either. With helping to care for Will, and the Tilldale Afternoon Tea event to organise, it had been several weeks since she’d last seen him. Will saved the day, by being upfront, and asking the girls if they’d mind another guest at the beach house for the meal they were planning.

They’d been open to that, and learning that Cath’s son was much the same age, he had an invite from the girls to join them. They’d since linked up on their socials, apparently.

*

The ‘big kids’ beach bungalow day was here.

‘Right, you two, you can go for a stroll or sit out on the deck, but you’re not allowed in here for the next thirty minutes while we do the cooking.’ Maddie poked her head out of the beach hut door, and was being bossy, eldest child style.

‘You know what it’s like when we get in the kitchen,’ warned Sophie with a cheeky smile. ‘It might be wise to steer clear, or the mess’ll do your heads in. I promise it’ll all be worth it, though.’