AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Rose came back in, bringing more toast and a fresh pot of tea for Heather and Tom. “I can’t believe you know my family,” she said, chuckling. “Right, what can I get you? Will your two eat a kid-friendly English breakfast?” She looked over at Amber and Lewis. “Fried eggs?”
They both said yes. Maya and her children rarely had a cooked breakfast, so this was a real treat. Then Rose turned her attention to Maya. “And what would you like, my love?”
“Full English, please, but no black pudding.”
“Yes, I know, awful stuff, but I have to offer it for those who do love it.”
“I love it!” said Tom.
Rose smiled at Tom then turned her attention to Sam. “I’ll bring yours out with our guests’, shall I?”
“Of course, Mum.” He looked up as Rose placed a hand on his shoulder. Once his mother had left the room, Sam asked Maya, “So when did you arrive?”
“Yesterday morning,” Maya replied, still feeling a sense of shock and anxiety in Sam’s presence — and trying not to show it.
Sam laughed. “I still can’t believe you’re the family staying at Mum’s B&B. Did you know?”
Maya shook her head, frowning. “Why would I know?”
Sam shrugged. “I don’t know, Chloe might have told Amber…”
“This was a last-minute treat for the kids. Amber didn’t know I was booking anything.”
“Oh, right, I see… So, what are your plans for today?”
“I was going to see if there was availability at the surf school for Amber and Lewis.” She poured milk into her coffee and then took a sip. It was too hot, but she wanted to do something with her hands. She felt nervous, being put on the spot like this. Not that it was Sam’s fault, but she never imagined he would be here. She would have put make-up on. At least she’d remembered to brush her hair.
“No need. Joe — our brother — is taking Chloe out. He was a professional surfer in his younger days.”
“Oh.”
“Now he’s a professional beach bum,” Heather said, laughing.
“Anyway, he can take Amber and Lewis too.”
“Will he mind?” Maya frowned.
“No, he loves surfing. And two more won’t do any harm. He’ll be cool with it.”
“But what about the boards and the wetsuits? I was going to hire those.”
“Joe helps runs a surf school in the summer, too. He has resources.” Sam winked.
Maya nodded. “Is he the same guy who owns The Cormorant?”
“That’s him.”
“Yes, your mum said last night. That’s where we had dinner.”
“Yeah, Heather is being a little harsh. Joe owns the pub which has a couple of self-catering apartments attached to it, and he helps Mum and Dad out here with the B&B in the peak season. But his routine is predominately organised around the tide, and the swell of the surf.”
“Here we are!” Rose appeared carrying two plates, which she placed in front of Amber and Lewis. Instantly they stopped talking and picked up their cutlery. A tall man following behind Rose put a breakfast plate in front of Maya and Sam.
“There you go, son,” he said, and Maya could see he was an older version of Sam, with white hair and a few more wrinkles around his eyes and on his forehead, but the same warm, brown eyes. “Enjoy your breakfasts. Can I get you anything else, my dear?” He turned his attention to Maya.
“Oh, no, thank you, this looks lovely.” The fried egg looked perfect, ready to run once she broke the orange yolk. She took a piece of toast out of the rack, buttered it and placed it by the egg.
“Thanks, Dad,” Sam said. “Have you been introduced?” Sam looked at Maya, who shook her head, then to his father. “This is Maya, by the way, Dad. She’s a friend. Her daughter Amber is best friends with Chloe.” Sam reached across the table for the brown sauce and poured a small amount onto his sausage and bacon.
