Page 67 of The Forbidden Fling

“Is that what your painting was about? But…I don’t understand.”

Diana could see the cogs turning in Molly’s head, trying to piece it together.

“The seaside used to be my happy place.” At Molly’s look of encouragement, she kept going. “Every summer, we’d go to the beach, and they were some of the best summers of my life. Mum and I would spend hours combing the shores for pretty shells and stones to decorate our sandcastles.” She breathed deeply, letting the memories fill her. The cold English sea beneath her feet, Sarge splashing them as the dog catapulted through the waves. Her mother’s laughter as she tipped her head back, tugging Diana after the giant furball. “Come on, Di. First one to catch him gets an ice cream!”

“When she died, everything changed.” She blinked back the tears that threatened. “We never went to the beach again. At first, I was so upset. It was something we’d always looked forward to every year, but now…well, I’m glad. It’s one of the few places my dad didn’t taint with bad memories. But in a way, that makes it harder too. I miss her.”

Her voice broke on the last word, and a treacherous tear slipped down her cheek. Her chest ached, the crater she’d kept covered for years hissing and spilling out hurt into every fibre of her being.

“I sometimes wonder how different my life would have been if she hadn’t died. If I’d have been a better person or a better mother. I tried my best, Molly. I know that might not always have been good enough. I—”

“Mum,” Molly said forcefully. “You are good enough.”

The words hung in the air for a moment, silencing Diana’s racing thoughts. She drew in a few shaky breaths. In…and out.

Molly rested her hands on the sand. “I had no idea you felt like this. You’re always so…put together.”

A bark of laughter left Diana’s lips. “I can assure you, I’m not. My time here has been particularly testing.”

“I like this side of you. Tell me about it.”

Had she said too much? Diana shifted position. She could hardly mention the knots Faye had her tangled up in. The fear and excitement that being around her brought. But having this conversation with Molly was therapeutic. Sorry, Marco Marcos.

“It seems I haven’t fully grieved my mother,” she admitted. “And your grandad and I haven’t spoken in a long time.”

“What? Why?”

Diana sighed, looking out to the sea. The surfing class were gathered by the shallows, each figure carrying a board by their sides. “Our relationship is complicated. There are a lot of things that have gone unsaid throughout the years. I understand he was also grieving when my mother died, but I was only ten and…”

The slamming of the photo album rang in her ears. “We have to move on now. This is for your own good.”

She shook the sound away. “I wish I could show you some pictures of her.”

Molly smiled. “I’d like that.” At the conflicted expression on Diana’s face, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know where they are. Grandad hid them from me.”

“He did what?” The anger in her daughter’s tone jolted her. “Mum. He can’t do that. That’s not fair.” She grabbed Diana’s hand. “I’ll go get them. I’m sure we can find them together.”

The determination in her eyes reminded Diana of a younger version of herself. The comparison warmed her, but then she admitted what she’d been afraid to voice. “I’m not sure they’ll still be there, love.”

“He can’t throw them away. He can’t do that. They must be there somewhere.” Molly huffed. “We’ll turn that house upside down if we have to.”

A joyful holler echoed across the beach, and they turned their heads. Ella and Riley had each caught a wave, spray flicking up behind their boards. The others looked on as they slid onto the shore, their expressions a mixture of eager and fearful as the demonstration turned into their own practice.

Diana was thankful to be on this side of the beach.

They watched in peaceful quiet as the group swam out on their boards.

Molly laughed as a woman rose to her knees and immediately plopped into the sea with a splash. “It was a good idea. Coming here.” She kept her gaze on the scene at sea, but her voice softened. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Actually…I’ve been thinking about possibly moving abroad. I feel much happier in the sun.”

Diana’s mum-mode activated. What would Molly do for work? What about finishing university? How would she afford it? She forced herself to relax. Maybe Molly’s painting had more depth than she realised. She shouldn’t be so quick to judge. “I think you should do whatever you think would make you happy.”

She felt Molly’s gaze on her. “Okay. What has happened to you? No talk of me completing my studies and getting a degree? Have you been poisoned too?”