‘I suppose you put me in my place, told me exactly how I am. I like how you said it’s sometimes better to talk to someone who is not directly involved in the situation. So thank you.’ Without warning, Sam took Verity’s hand and rested it on his knee. ‘I saw a very caring side to Pete this evening. He was patient, professional, wasn’t fazed that it was my dog and didn’t treat me as an enemy, which I wouldn’t have blamed him for after the way I’ve treated him over the years.’
‘Are you going to have a chat with him before the vigil?’
Sam nodded. ‘I’m going to go and speak to him tomorrow. I think this is a good time to bury the hatchet.’
Verity smiled. This was good news for everyone. ‘I’m glad you’ve made that decision and I do think, if something did go on that night, fifty years is long enough for a secret like that to be buried. Talking of secrets, I’ve seen Betty. Isn’t she just wonderful! She agrees the postcard is from your grandfather. My granny and your grandpa Joe had a summer romance.’
‘What are the chances of that? Did Betty divulge what their secret was?’
‘I think it was more about my granny’s secret. She arrived here after my grandfather’s marriage proposal. I think she was rather scared about her future and decided to take some time to figure out some things while she was here. Then she met Joe and, though she obviously cared for him, in the end she was more scared about her family disowning her if she didn’t go back. I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that they knew each other and we’ve come across each other by chance.’
‘Life has a funny way of working.’
‘It really does.’ Slowly pulling her hand away from Sam’s, she held up her glass. ‘To past friendships, and current ones, too.’
Sam touched his glass to hers before taking a sip. ‘And what are your plans? When will you be leaving?’
Cooper’s advert popped into her mind. ‘I’m actually not sure. I’ve enjoyed my time here, despite having been pecked alive by puffins. Tell me what it’s like living here. Have you ever been tempted to move?’
‘Absolutely not. Why would I?’ He gestured towards the sea view in front of them.
‘You’re lucky. It’s very different from where I live.’
‘In what way?’
‘I live in a built-up area where everything’s squashed together, there’s constant traffic, litter in the parks, and no one speaks when you pass them in the street. In fact, they would do anything not to make eye contact. It’s such a different vibe here. I feel comfortable, and I even have friends already, as Clemmie and Amelia immediately welcomed me with open arms. Everyone knows everyone. This is a proper community and you’re like one big family. Here people actually do care. You can feel a part of something.’
‘A change from the norm does us good sometimes. Humans are creatures of habit and even though they could change their lives, they don’t. They just dream. I know that first-hand. They don’t change anything because they fear failure and wonder. What if it doesn’t work out? In my book, failure makes you grow, and that’s a good thing.’
‘How do you make that out?’
‘It teaches us lessons, like how to do it different next time. Opening the restaurant, I started out thinking I was the boss so what I said should go, but I soon realised it’s the whole team that makes the business successful. They have skills I don’t have and vice versa and so I need to lean on them. I could not have made that restaurant as successful as it is today without them. I saw a similar bond tonight. You and Pete were a team in there.’
‘We were,’ replied Verity, thinking about what Sam had just said. ‘It’s funny really, this time last year I thought my future was one thing, but now it’s something else entirely.’
‘And what have you learned from that?’
‘That I’m in charge of my own happiness. Sitting here, I think it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’
‘Why?’
‘Because I’m growing. I was stuck in a relationship because society dictates you should be part of a couple, otherwise…what the hell is wrong with you? People stay when they aren’t happy because they fear the unknown or they think they can’t manage on their own financially. But the alternative is to stay and be unhappy, to waste your life and watch it tick by. I’d never have been allowed…’
‘Neverallowed?’
‘Yep, I’d never have been allowed to go on holiday with my friend, or convert a van into a home. I’d never have been allowed to have a drink on Sunday afternoon or spend the day shopping with my girlfriend. Spending money on a new pair of shoes or a coat would have caused arguments.’
‘And your thoughts now?’
‘I’m free. I know the best thing to happen to me was his affair. I’m not trapped anymore. I’m in charge of my own financial affairs, I can travel the world, drink wine overlooking the sea… And you know what makes me smile? The thought of someone else waking up next to my ex thinking they’ve won the lottery. Whereas it’s me who’s won my life back. I actually feel happy and excited about the future, and I can’t remember the last time I felt that way. What makes me a little disappointed with myself, he might have had an affair but why the hell did I stay in that relationship for so long?’
Sam smiled at her. ‘I can hear the passion in your voice.’
‘I’m beginning to realise that I’ve only stayed where I live for so long because the house I’m living in once belonged to my grandparents. But now, if I were to leave it behind, I could use it as a stepping stone into the rest of my life.’
‘Your grandparents will still be with you wherever you land.’
Verity was mulling everything over. ‘It is time for changes. I’m sorry I upset you this morning. It wasn’t anything to do with me and you were right, I shouldn’t judge a situation when I’m not in it myself.’
