Page 66 of The Forbidden Fling

“Why not? We might as well while we’re here, right?”

Warmth filled her chest. Though not the most direct invitation, it was progress. Maybe coming to Sandy Springs had been the right move after all.

Just disregard the Faye factor, and everything is fine.

They left their paintings to dry and followed the rest of the class, stepping out into the humid air.

“Where would you like to go?” Diana asked.

Molly looked out at the horizon. “We could go to the beach. Then we’d have five-star entertainment watching people failing to surf.”

The beach.

She’d already braved the sand this trip, walking along the shore with Faye, so why did the thought still make her stomach twist into knots?

She cursed inwardly. Her emotions had been much easier to control before she stepped onto this infuriating island. The topsy-turviness of it all was making her seasick.

But she wasn’t going to let this get in the way of her and Molly bonding, so she nodded. “Sounds wonderful, love.”

They walked along the pebbly steps, passing Senhor Arenoso meditating outside his hut. Molly happily filled in the silence with chatter about the class, and Diana tried to focus on the new ease that was growing between them, instead of the irrational fear creeping up her throat.

You have this under control.

But when sand crept onto the path, she stopped at the edge of the vast, sandy beach, her sandals sticking like glue. Molly continued walking, her curls bouncing. She paused, glancing behind her.

“Are you coming?” she called.

You have this under control.

“Mum.” Her voice was louder. Closer. But she couldn’t see. The darkness and the monster had merged into one, the painting becoming real. “Are you alright?”

A hand grasped hers, and she focused on her breathing, as Riley had guided them in yoga classes many times before. In…and out. After a few rounds, she opened her eyes, the brightness blinding her.

Molly squeezed her hand. Concern creased her brow.

Diana pulled in another deep breath. “I’m…fine. Come on.”

Molly tugged her forward. Her feet sank into the soft sand, and she breathed out shakily. If Molly thought she’d lost her marbles, she never commented, but kept leading them further towards the sea.

Molly picked a spot away from other beachgoers and set down her bag. Letting go of Diana’s hand, she pulled out her pink towel and laid it on the sand. She sat at one end, patting for Diana to take the other.

The crash of waves reached Diana’s ears, and she watched, hypnotised by the movement. How could the sea be so soothing and so terrifying at the same time?

“Mum,” Molly pressed. “What’s going on?”

Patience never was her daughter’s strong suit, but she supposed she’d made her wait long enough. She brushed the towel with her fingertips.

“I’ve never really spoken about your grandma much, have I?”

Molly’s nose wrinkled. “Granny Jane?”

Not that old crowbag, Diana wanted to say, blinking away the unwelcome image of Jason’s mum, the tight-lipped vulture. “No. Your other grandma. My mother.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Charlotte.”

“Charlotte?” Molly echoed. “I don’t think I ever knew Grandma’s name.”

That landed a blow to Diana’s chest. She’d been so afraid of her mother’s memory, she’d prevented Molly from ever knowing her. That stung.

She tensed her jaw, pushing the emotions back under the surface. “Yes. I’m sorry I’ve never really spoken about her. I…it’s painful for me.”