ADDIE
‘Well, that was a hit,’ Addie said. She was in the kitchen at the Sweet Life Café, having finished for the day. She was only working the morning shift, and she’d just served the bread-and-butter pudding she still loved as much as when she’d made it with Gayle the first time they baked together. That and her cheesecake were permanent choices on the menu these days.
Addie was full-time on the island and in the café now, having moved here the day after Boxing Day. Leaving her job in London had been easy – her boss hadn’t even been that surprised when she handed in her notice – saying goodbye to her colleagues a little sad, but the hardest of all had been saying goodbye to Maurie and Jarrett. She’d spent Christmas Day with them though, and they’d already booked to come to the island in February – not the nicest of seasons, but any season according to Maurie would be perfect with Isaac. Addie had told them that Gayle could have a break when they were here, and Jarrett could help Isaac with his Lego which Gayle clearly didn’t enjoy doing at all. At Easter, Addie would take Isaac to the mainland, and he could go to his grandparents’ house and spend time with them. They’d promised to keep his room as it was. Maurie and Jarrett were thrilled and Isaac, well, he was being wrapped in so much affection that hopefully as he got older – and even if it hurt that his dad was disinterested – he would know that he was loved by so many people, that he was part of a big messy family.
Isaac came racing through the front door to the café, all rosy-cheeked.
‘She’s here, Mummy, Auntie Susie is here!’ he called out.
Addie laughed, as did everyone else in the café, because Isaac had delivered his announcement as if he was the town crier.
Gayle, Susanna and Alex appeared moments later, and Addie raced over to hug her sister and her husband. ‘I’m so glad you’re both here.’
‘So am I,’ said Alex. ‘Now, what’s on the menu?’
Gayle was already talking about what was being served today on top of the regular menu: spiced blueberry and cranberry pudding, Christmas pudding – which was a hit during the cold months, even after the big day itself had passed – apple and pear crumble, and a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate volcano pudding.
Alex and Susanna both went for the Christmas pudding knowing Addie had made it, and Addie asked her son what he’d been up to with Nanna Gayle.
During the October half term, Isaac had pointed out that Aunt Gayle was the same age as Maurie and only a year younger than Jarrett. He’d asked how Gayle could possibly be an aunt when Maurie and Jarrett were grandparents. Addie had explained the relationship, how Gayle was really his great-aunt, but he said it still felt odd. He’d said he didn’t want to call her Granny either because it would confuse everyone and so Addie had suggested, ‘Nanna Gayle’ instead. Gayle had been honoured with her new title and thoroughly embraced it.
‘We went to the playground near my new school,’ said Isaac. He’d be starting school in a week, and he couldn’t wait. ‘And then we ran down to the marina, and I was allowed to race around the picnic benches.’
Addie could imagine it, Isaac racing ahead, Gayle calling after him to slow down but with a big smile on her face. Isaac racing anywhere in London had been terrifying but here, she felt so much more laid back and he had so much more freedom.
‘Come on, you,’ said Addie, taking off her apron, ‘Time to get you home.’
‘I want to stay with Auntie Susie and Nanna Gayle.’ He was using his best whiny voice and she was tempted to cave, but she could see Alex, Susanna and Gayle catching up as her sister and brother-in-law ate their puddings. They needed this time together.
‘I know you do, but remember you’ve had Nanna Gayle to yourself for a while since we got here and it’s Auntie Susie’s turn now.’
‘All right.’ An eye roll accompanied his words.
As well as giving her sister some time with their aunt, she really wanted to get Isaac home to the garden room. He needed some down time, so she intended to curl up with him and watch a movie before they ventured out this evening down to the green space, with its incredible view of the harbour and the fireworks. It wasn’t the busiest spot, or the best spot which was further around the bay, but it would be relatively uncrowded in comparison and it was closer to home for Gayle who wouldn’t want to walk too far, especially after a trip down to the playground and on to the harbour and back already.
‘Good to see you again,’ came a voice from behind her before she could go and collect her bag from the kitchen.
She turned to see Samuel bundled up in a dark green fisherman’s jumper, his deep brown eyes warm and gentle, and the quiver in her tummy reminded her of how she’d felt when she got talking to him at the living funeral. She’d not bumped into him over the October half term, but she had seen him in here a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, he’d picked up a takeaway, and they’d been so busy in the café that she hadn’t been able to chat.
‘It’s good to see you too,’ she said, conscious that her curls were all over the place, having avoided washing her hair until after work. ‘I’ve just finished my shift, but what can I get for you?’
‘A bit of advice, really,’ he said.
She moved behind the counter, some separation to calm her nerves. ‘Fire away.’
‘I wanted to know whether you would take a seven-year-old to watch fireworks at midnight?’
She smiled. ‘I’m planning to take Isaac.’
‘You are? So it’s approved?’
She laughed. ‘I don’t know about that… What I do know is that he’ll be grouchy tomorrow, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be worth it. I’m going to take him back to Gayle’s now for a rest.’ She lifted both hands and crossed her fingers.
‘Right.’ He smiled. ‘So I guess we’ll see you tonight then.’
Her heart raced. ‘See you tonight,’ she said as he made for the door. But before he could open it, she called out, ‘We won’t be at the harbour.’
He came back to the counter and said softly, ‘Any hints as to where youwillbe?’
