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“Circumstances change. And, well, this place holds something special for me. So it was an easy choice to come back here.”
“Youlivehere? In Cornwall, over any other surf location in the world?” I clarify because what he’s saying seems really stupid and a huge fucking knock for me.
“As I said,” he picks up his beer, “my circumstances changed. A new perspective can make difficult decisions some of the easiest when it comes down to it.” He has that sombre lilt to his voice again, and it does nothing to help keep my focus. Suddenly, I’m a teenager again, and I can feel his spell pulling me in.
No.
Pain. Anger. The burning furnace I’ve relied on to fuel me for those years after he left is what I need now, and for the first time in years, I pry open the locked box and let those emotions run riot.
“I’ve only just come back into town. A few days, that’s all.” I sound prickly.
“Okay, another coincidence. I’ve been back only a couple of weeks.” He’s certainly not shy at keeping eye contact, but all it does is push me into an uncomfortable place. Uncomfortable that he’s even here, that I’ve not said a word of my rehearsed speeches I memorised years ago, and that he’s more charming than ever.
“Excuse me, Jayce. Thanks for the drink, but I’m going to be running late. It was nice to see you.” I force politeness into my voice and excuse myself.
“Wait, hang on.” He reaches for my arm and stops me. “How can I contact you? I’d love to see you again. Really, Zee, I can’t believe it.”
The moment ticks on, and I feel like I’m trapped in a trick of a question.
“I’ve got to go. Tregethworth’s not that big, Jayce.” I shove the door and escape, feeling the pressure build in my lungs to take a deep breath.
Not until I’m clear from view do I pause and breathe deeply. I came out to clear my head from my memories, and all I’ve done is walk right into another one. Armed with the knowledge that Jayce Roberts is back puts a new slant on the idea of staying here with Mum.
I was willing to give this place another chance. I didn’t want to burden any of my few friends back in London, and I wanted nothing to do with anything connected to my life with Derek, so Tregethworth was my option right now. And why should I be the one to re-consider plans? This ismyhome, not his. I’m a grown woman. This man destroyed a piece of me before, but I’ve learnt my lesson, and I’m strong enough not to let that happen to me again. Even if that means I have to show him exactly how he made me feel.
CHAPTER5
JAYCE
Then
The weather looked shit, but I wasn’t here for the sun. I was here for the surf, and the waves are always better when there’s a bit of bad weather. I check the tide guide that Dad got for me and look to head down to the beach before breakfast.
The twins won’t be going out in this weather.
I’m at the door before Mum stops me. “When will you be back?”
“I don’t know. When I get tired or hungry.”
“Okay, fine. But only because we’re going to be stuck inside. We’re doing something as a family tomorrow.”
“The weather will be better tomorrow. We can all go to the beach.”
“And watch you surf?” She gives me that pointed look, but I know she’s only teasing.
“Bye, Mum,” I call as I head out.
The rain lashes my face as I walk down to the beach, but I was right about the waves. Tumbling towers of white horses smash into shore, and I race towards the sea as soon as my feet hit the sand. A few others have the same idea, and I see them bobbing about in the water.
The roar of the waves blocks everything else from my mind, and I duck under an incoming crest. As I enter the water, the sound deadens, and for a moment, it’s utter peace until I’m back up and facing the next barrage.
I keep paddling past the breakers and look to spot the sets I want to catch.
Picking my wave, I set off and feel the current pull as the swell builds. The energy is unreal, and I feel like I’m on the edge of wiping out, but I keep my balance. The wave behind mine gives me a hammering, though.
In these conditions, it’s not long before I’m knackered and regretting that I skipped breakfast.
I catch the next wave in and call it a day. The rain still hammers down, and sloppy sand puddles cover the beach. Even through the rain, I glance at Molly’s and wonder if that girl is working. She must be a local—a holiday job perhaps, but she looks a little younger than me.
