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CHAPTER 29
May
It was the Wednesday after the May Day Bank Holiday. Chloe had been back at school for a couple of weeks. Sam stared at the message Maya had sent to his PeterPan26 profile — just over two weeks ago! He hadn’t bothered checking it recently, after her last message saying she was dating. He hadn’t thought she would message him again. Did this mean she was single? That Sunday morning, when he’d dropped off Amber, he had sensed something was up but didn’t feel it was his place to ask. Now he wished he had. He read the message over and over. He could feel her anger and hurt as he read it. Poor woman. She was beautiful and warm — a wonderful mother and friend — and she had an infectious laugh. How did he tell her she was all he wanted?
He began to type: Hey, I’m sorry for the late reply. Turned out to be another frog, huh? Or a toad? You have to remember that there are genuine men out there. And when you find the right man, you’ll realise he’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. P x
He could see Maya was replying, so he waited.
I was deceived. Definitely a toad. Thank you, you just put a smile back on my face.
Good. I only ever want you to smile, he wrote. Tomorrow is a new day. Mark him down as a learning experience. He didn’t deserve you if he couldn’t see your beauty inside and out.
Fetch me the sick bucket lol! she joked.
Okay, too far … lol! But you do deserve better. P x
After ten minutes deliberating over this new information, Sam decided to grab the moment and text Maya — this time as himself: Hey, are you free this afternoon?Fancy a catch-up before the school run?
Five minutes later, Sam fist-pumped the air. Maya had replied to his text agreeing to meet for lunch. She had until two o’clock, when her next client was scheduled. They arranged to meet at the coffee shop on the marina.
He had to remember that Maya hadn’t told him that she’d split from the guy she was dating, she’d told Peter. But now he wanted to see her. With the kids back at school, he’d been looking for an excuse to get Chloe and Amber together, so that he could see Maya. He hadn’t been collecting from school much, Heather had. A deadline loomed at work, and it meant spending many hours working overtime in the office. Heather had suggested a barbecue this weekend, so he thought if he and Maya met up, he could drop this into the conversation. He’d taken the afternoon off work for a dentist appointment, only to have them call and cancel at the last minute. He figured he could go back to work, and would have, but now Maya had agreed to meet him. A much better option.
Taking the path down to the marina, the sea air filled his lungs. The day, albeit cloudy, was warm, hinting that summer was on its way. He’d lived here for nearly a year now, and Chloe had settled into her new school. He didn’t doubt he’d made the right decision. This was turning out to be a new start for them both. Portishead wasn’t quite Cornwall, but it was better than living the suburban life in Swindon. He loved the sound of the wind through the boats in the marina, making their sails and rigging rattle and ting, reminding him of Padstow. He and Chloe often spent Sunday afternoons watching the lock fill and empty, letting boats in or out of the harbour. It felt good to be near the sea again.
Sam walked across the lock gate, which was currently shut, and headed towards the coffee shop. He could see Maya walking towards him. Her blonde hair was tied back in a chignon, with tendrils blowing loose in the wind. Clearly dressed for work, she wore a midnight-blue tunic with an asymmetric V neck collar, and matching trousers.
“Your timing was perfect. I wanted to escape the house. I was just making work for myself,” Maya said as she approached. Her smile was bright, her lips glossed pink.
“Yeah, I was supposed to be going to the dentist. I’m glad you agreed to meet up, otherwise I was considering going back to work.”
“The sun is trying to come out. It would be a shame to lock yourself away in an office.”
“I agree.” Sam held the door open, and they entered Costa. They chose a panini each and walked to the counter. “What coffee would you like?”
“A skinny-latte should keep me going,” she said. She reached inside her handbag.
“Put your money away. My idea, my treat.”
“Are you sure?” Maya frowned.
“Of course. Do you want cake?”
“No, I’d better not.”
“Grab a seat by the window, and I’ll be over in a minute with the coffees.”
“Yes, okay,” Maya said, and made her way over to a circular table with three comfy tub armchairs around it. Sam watched as she took a seat facing the window. From this table, they would be able to enjoy the view of the harbour and watch the people passing by. Sam placed the coffee orders, handing over the paninis to be toasted, and picked up a bag of mini rocky road bites which were by the till.
Sam brought the coffees over, placing the latte in front of Maya. He took the seat next to her, which also faced the window. They both sipped their coffees, sitting in companionable silence for a few moments, as they watched the seagulls fly around the many boats moored in the marina.
Sam decided to come straight out with it. “It’s supposed to be good weather next weekend, so Heather and Tom are having a barbecue on the Saturday afternoon to celebrate her birthday. She’s asked me to invite you and the kids. Mum and Dad should be coming up from Cornwall, too.”
“Oh, that’ll be lovely, thank you.” Maya fetched her phone out of her bag. Sam was relieved he didn’t have to try and convince her to come. “I’ll put it in my diary now. You’ll have to let me know where she lives.”
“Her house isn’t that far from mine.” Sam retrieved his own phone from his pocket and looked through his contacts to give Maya Heather’s address.
The barista arrived with their paninis, toasted and halved, hot cheese oozing out of them.
