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CHAPTER 7
Rosie’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the flowers piled up on her mother’s grave. She’d seen them at the funeral yesterday, but the afternoon had passed in a blur of shaking hands with people she knew and others she didn’t, making small talk afterwards in the pub while people ate chicken mayonnaise sandwiches, and trying not to cry.
Actually, that last bit had been easier than she’d imagined. She’d cried so much since arriving in Heaven’s Cove over a week ago, she didn’t seem to have many tears left. This morning she felt bone dry, as though her soul had been wrung out. Grief had desiccated her even more than the scorching Spanish sun. But the pretty flowers on the dark earth still brought her up short.
She started leafing through the cards attached to the blooms.Gone far too soon but never forgotten – love from the girls at Becker’s Bakery; Rest in peace – Belinda and Jim; Heaven’s Cove’s finest! We’ll miss you, dear Sofia – Fran, Paul and the boys x
Her mother had been well loved in this village. That was a comfort. She hadn’t been totally alone while her daughter was off gallivanting overseas.
The church tower was still in shadow but the sun, rising over the cliff, had reached the edge of the ancient building and beams of light were making the reddish stone glow. It was beautifully peaceful here, and the weathered gravestones around her were strangely comforting, reminding her she wasn’t the only person to be weighed down by grief. People had mourned over the centuries in this picture-perfect village, and survived.
Glancing down, a flash of blue caught her eye and there, behind the pile of wreaths and bouquets, was a simple spray of white lilies interspersed with blue iris, the flower her mum had loved above all others. She hadn’t noticed those yesterday. She was sure they hadn’t been there.
Rosie picked up the flowers and breathed in their aroma. They were tied with twine, and the words on the small card attached were written with the thick, black strokes of a fountain pen.Rest in peace, Saffy. Never forgotten. J.
It wasn’t the anonymous ‘J’ that caught her attention. It was her mother’s pet name, Saffy, used only by the people who had loved her mum the most – Rosie’s grandparents, and her father when she was little. They were all gone now, but someone still living – the mysterious J – was on intimate enough terms with her mother to use the endearment.
Rosie turned the card over, looking for clues, but it was blank. Her mum had rarely dated since her dad left years ago, or so Rosie thought. She’d certainly never said there was anyone significant in her life – but then she’d never said anything about the situation with Driftwood House, either. Rosie carefully placed the flowers back where they’d been but kept the card in her hand.
‘Did you have any other secrets, Mum?’ she asked softly. But there was no answer, just the gentle whoosh of the sea breeze rustling the leaves of the trees edging the graveyard.
Rosie closed her eyes and turned her face towards the sky. Life was so carefree in Spain, so easy. She missed Matt, and her friends there who’d been texting her to ask how she was. She also missed the baked smell of hot earth, the relentless chirrup of cicadas, and the anticipation on the faces of visitors arriving at the homely B&B that overlooked the beach. Here, she was surrounded by complications and secrets that threatened to overwhelm her.
The sound of someone approaching interrupted her thoughts and when she opened her eyes, her heart sank. Liam had just come through the lych gate at the boundary of the churchyard, with Billy jumping at his heels. He hesitated when he saw her before walking over.
‘I didn’t realise you’d be here so early or I’d have come later.’
‘I won’t be in the churchyard much longer,’ replied Rosie, stung by the irritated tone in his voice.
‘Whatever. I’m heading into the church anyway.’
‘I didn’t think you…’ She shook her head.
‘You didn’t think what?’
‘It doesn’t matter.’
‘Tell me.’
‘OK. I didn’t take you for a church-goer.’
‘Why not?’
Because your reputation suggests you’ve always been far too busy drinking and socialising.
Rosie took a deep breath.‘No reason. I just didn’t.’
Liam stepped further into the shadow cast by the squat church tower. ‘I’m not particularly religious but I felt like coming today, if that’s all right with you?’
Why was he being such an arse? Rosie suddenly remembered how he could turn on the charm at school when it suited, but didn’t bother with the people he figured weren’t worth his time. Which, presumably, was her right now.
She stuffed the mysterious card from J into her jeans pocket and swung her bag onto her shoulder. ‘I’ll leave you to it, then.’
Rosie started to walk away but he stepped into her path and ran a hand across his face. ‘Look, I didn’t get a chance to speak to you at the funeral yesterday. How are you doing?’
‘Fine.’ That sounded too blunt and she didn’t want to stoop to his level. Rosie took a deep breath and tried again. ‘I’m all right, thank you. I’m sad, but glad that the funeral is over.’
‘I’m sure.’
