Page 96 of The Forbidden Fling

Once she’d steadied her breathing, she flicked on the bedside light, casting a yellow glow about the room. When had it gotten so dark? The year, along with her brain, was running away with her. Always running. Always, always running. She was tired.

She scooped up her phone and opened the email she’d been avoiding.

Hello to all of you wonderful people!

I hope you’re having a lovely day, week, and year. We have some news to share with you from Sandy Springs—two of our own are tying the knot! Riley and Ella want to invite all of you to share the joy and celebration of their wedding day, October 11th.

Cabins can be reserved for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Boats to and from the island will also operate more frequently if you choose to stay on the mainland.

We hope to see you there to celebrate love in its finest form. Please RSVP your attendance.

Diana bit her lip, torn between the possibility of seeing Faye and the implications of returning to the scene of the crime. The ache in her chest cried out for reconciliation, and the sensible part of her brain urged her to let it go. As much as she’d love to see Riley and Ella get married, she had to put her relationship with Molly first. She couldn’t go back to the island. Seeing Faye again had the power to completely unravel her and annihilate any hope of fixing things with Molly for good.

She darkened the screen and tossed it away from her, tucking her knees to her chest.

She’d bounce back eventually. She always did. But for now, she’d stay curled up, marvelling at how she could simultaneously feel so close and yet so far away from those she truly cared about.

* * *

Diana lingered on the kerb opposite her family home. The red-brick semi-detached stood in front of her, unchanged by all the years that had passed. The empty hanging basket still hung there, flowerless since her mother’s death. It creaked as it swung in the breeze, barely clinging to the rusted chain.

She pulled her coat tighter around herself, the chill creeping into her bones—or maybe it was the ghosts of her past gathering around her. What was she waiting for?

She’d been so sure this morning, but now the black door loomed before her, and she shrank under its shadow. Like she’d reverted back to that little girl crying alone in her room.

She’d made her mum a promise in her letter. To keep talking about her, not to shy away from her feelings. Diana had accepted the reality of her relationship with her dad. Some things couldn’t be fixed. If she wanted an apology from the stubborn man, or a heartfelt epiphany, she wouldn’t find one. But maybe she could find her mother’s pictures.

She straightened her spine. He couldn’t control her now. He hadn’t for years. She could do this.

She forced her feet across the road and knocked loudly on the door. Her heart thumped hard, inching into her throat with every passing second.

There was movement on the other side. The thud of footsteps. Her breath caught as the door opened, and her heart plummeted into her heels.

“Molly?” she breathed.

Her daughter blinked back at her, confusion knitting her brows together until anger hijacked her features. “How did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t. I…” She glanced at the house, even though she knew it was the right one. She’d been staring at it for the last god knows how long. “What’re you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question.”

“I…came for the photos. Mum’s photos.”

Maybe it was a trick of the light, but she swore Molly’s gaze softened, just for a second. Her fingers flexed on the handle, then the door inched open, inviting her in.

Not wanting to give her time to change her mind, she hurried inside. Not much had changed in all these years. The same worn green furniture crowded the coffee table, the same coals glowed orange in the fireplace. It was surprisingly tidy—no pots or glasses left out, no dust gathering on the bookshelf, just a stack of old shooting magazines stacked by the door. She removed her shoes, then hovered, feeling like a guest somewhere she used to call home.

Molly closed the door behind them, then took a seat on the sofa, crossing her legs.

Mum’s old spot.

“Thank you for letting me in.” Why was Molly here? She barely felt prepared to face her dad…this was something else entirely. She cleared her throat. “Is Grandad here?

“He’s out,” Molly grunted, shifting her gaze towards the TV, though there was nothing on.

“Molly…” Tears pricked Diana’s eyelids as she sank into the chair beside her. Close enough but not too close. “I’m so sorry for how things ended in Portugal.”

Her eyes cut towards her. “For fucking my ex under my nose, you mean?”