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“Joe helps teach surfing in the summer, when it’s busier. He employs more staff to manage the pub to free him up during the day,” Sam said.
“Has Joe not got kids of his own?”
“Joe?” Sam shook his head as if amused by Maya’s question. “Nah, he wasn’t really the type to settle down with one girl. Well, he wasn’t until he met Rhianna last year. They’re getting married this summer. Look, he’s the biggest kid of the lot!” Sam pointed in Joe’s direction; he was mucking about in the water and making all three children howl with laughter. “Some years ago, we thought he’d found the one, but he either got scared, or cold feet… Something happened, we’re not really sure what. Jade was ill at the time, so I focused on her more than my family, I’m afraid.”
“I’m sure they understood.” Maya now gazed down at her feet, stepping up and down in the water, hoping to warm them up and find a way out of the uncomfortable conversation. She had no idea how to talk to Sam about his dead wife.
“I’m sorry, I’ve made things awkward, talking about Jade,” Sam said. To Maya’s surprise, he placed his hand on her shoulder, making her look up at him.
“No, I’m sorry,” Maya said. “I never know what to say. You and Chloe are obviously coping.”
“God, if I didn’t, I think I’d have Jade haunting me. Nagging me, from the afterlife.” Sam laughed, lightening the mood. Maya was relieved he could joke about it and laughed too. But it made her wonder if Sam would ever be able to move on after Jade. StunningBrunettecouldbeamid-lifecrisis.
Heather approached them at the water’s edge, shivering. “I think I’m going to go back to the house. It’s too cold to sit on the beach with this wind.”
“We may join you soon,” Sam said. They watched Heather walk off the beach.
“Shall we get out of the water and walk on the sand a bit? Do you think Joe will mind?” Maya asked.
“Yes, sure.” Sam gestured for Maya to lead the way.
Maya walked past the tideline and up onto the soft sand. They found some shelter from the wind near the rocks, and Maya sat down.
“Are we still okay for next weekend?” Sam asked, sitting beside Maya, arms hugging his legs. She almost wished he’d put an arm around her, if only to keep the pair of them warm. She hoped her cheeks were only rosy due to the bitter wind and not her blushing.
“You’ll be sick of us after this weekend, won’t you?”
Sam chuckled. “Never. Besides, I promised Chloe a sleepover, so I’d best stick to it.”
“Well, then, it would be lovely.” Maya started wondering if Emma could have Lewis for the evening, so she could arrange a date with Pierce. She needed to grab opportunities where she could. Yet, in a weird, guilty way, sitting here with Sam, she didn’t want to think about Pierce. She hadn’t thought about him all day.
“Just can’t think what to do with them for the day.” Sam scratched his head. “Any ideas?”
“I suppose it will depend on the weather. My two are happy to do anything. We can do the zoo, or Slimbridge Wetland Centre is up the road. Or slightly further afield, Devon Crealy Adventure Park. My two keep nagging me to take them there. We could pack a picnic.”
Sam nodded. Maya looked out to sea, where Joe was teaching the kids. Daisy and Scarlett had already had enough. They were heading out of the water, shivering. Tom was following, carrying their two smaller bodyboards. Maya wondered when the other three would get bored, or cold, and give Joe a rest. He was very patient with the children. And she could see why they liked him. He was on their level. He was cool. Joe would demonstrate and come in on a wave, even kneeling on the bodyboard.
“He’s such a show-off,” Sam said, under his breath.
Maya giggled. “You’re only jealous you can’t do that.”
“Probably.”
