‘I have to admit something,’ she said, placing her hand on his arm. They stopped and turned to face the gentle waves hitting the beach. ‘I did wonder why you and Bella got married. After all, this isn’t the fifties; you don’t need to be married to have a baby.’
He knew that, only too well, now. ‘I was wrapped up in the whole “doing the right thing” vibe. I was missing Daisy and was hurt by her ignoring me. I think I probably got carried away with the thought of having something to look forward to.’ He pushed the toes of one foot into the soft, pale-gold sand. ‘What can I say, I’m an idiot.’
Lydia gave him a brief hug. ‘Darling, you’re not an idiot. Maybe a little misdirected for a bit, but your intentions were good.’ She walked on and Gabriel followed. ‘So, what will you tell Daisy?’
‘She knows the funding for my project has been rescinded and that I need to go and either find more backing, or wrap up the whole thing for the time being. It’s not as if we can be together until I sort everything out with Bella anyway, and Daisy’s busy here with the season building up.’
‘It’s going to be hard for you both,’ Lydia said, waving to a neighbour who was throwing a ball for their Labrador on the beach.
‘It’s the only way I can think of to sort this mess out.’
‘Then good luck to you.’
They carried on walking and chatting. It was a perfect early August morning and Gabriel wished he could stay and carry on enjoying the summer with Daisy working at the hotel. Who knew if she’d still be there next year, or even by the winter, he mused. He had to speak to her and hope she’d understand his reasons for leaving. He didn’t even have the excuse that he was needed at the Encore now his mother was back from filming.
It dawned on him that he needed to have a chat with his mother too before he left.
Later that morning, Gabriel knocked on Francesca’s office door and entered. ‘Morning, Mum,’ he said, going over to give her a kiss before sitting down opposite her at her desk. ‘So, how was the shoot? I didn’t get a chance to ask you at the party.’
‘It was great fun,’ she said. ‘I’d still much rather play the gorgeous heroine than her mother, but those days have long gone, more’s the pity.’
‘You still look amazing, you know that.’ He smiled at her, remembering how proud he’d always been when she’d collected him from school and always looked more glamorous than any of the other mothers.
‘Thank you, sweetheart.’ Her mobile pinged and she quickly replied to the message she’d received. ‘There’s probably going to be a sequel, so I should have more work from the franchise, which is great to know.’
‘Good for you.’ His mother was always much happier when she had filming work to look forward to. His parents might make a decent living from running the hotel, but he knew that both their loves remained in their respective entertainment careers. ‘So, did you enjoy the party?’
‘Yes, I thought you did an amazing job witheverything, especially with the issue of the delays due to the damn fog. Your father was very pleased so many people made it and we took a huge amount at the bar, which is always good. Bryn and Soraya had a ball too and want to book us to host their next wedding anniversary do, so we’re delighted with everything.’ She narrowed her eyes and studied him for a moment.
Gabriel wasn’t sure if she was about to discuss his looming trip, or Daisy. Gossip was always rife in this place among the staff.
‘Go on,’ he said. ‘I know there’s something you want to say to me.’
She smiled and leant forward, resting her elbows on the desk. ‘I presume you’ve come here this morning to tell me that you’re going away, and soon?’
He nodded. ‘I am.’ He explained about the funding of his project, but decided against mentioning Bella and the divorce.
‘I thought so,’ she said. ‘I wish there was something I could do, but my money has been ear-marked for the work on the kitchen garden and your dad’s tour money won’t come in for a few months yet.’
He’d never accepted money from his parents before now and had no intention of taking from them when they worked so hard for everything they had. ‘I know, Mum, and it’s fine. I’ll sort this out somehow.’
‘I’d love to help you, Gabriel,’ she said, looking miserable. ‘I wish you didn’t have to go again so soon. I haven’t seen very much of you at all recently.’
He reached out and rested his palm on the back of her hand. ‘I know, but I’ll be back as soon as I can and we can catch up then.’
‘You’re going soon then, as in this week?’
‘I have to,’ he said. ‘Tomorrow morning, first thing.’
‘Oh, that is soon,’ she said, looking disappointed.
He hated seeing her sad, especially as his father wasstill away, but it couldn’t be helped. ‘You and Nan can spend some quality time together until Dad returns,’ he said.
‘True. Have you told her you’ll be going tomorrow?’
‘Nan?’
She studied his face before saying, ‘Of course. Who else could you think I meant?’
