“There’s a washroom on site where you can wash all your pots and there’s a laundrette. Even has an iron and trouser press. You’d be impressed.”
“I doubt it.” I huff under my breath as I make a turn off the main road. The country lane leads to a resort on the coast with the best vegan restaurant around.
“Where are we going?” Her spine straightens. She clutches her purse, fiddling with the shells on the crochet material.
We pass a sign for Oceanfront Oasis and Spa Resort. My dad worked on the development years ago.
“Finn, turn the car around.”
I glance sideways. She’s as white as a sheet, clutching her purse with white knuckles. I pull off to the side of the road on a grassy verge. The hotel stands proudly on theclifftop, the restaurant just up ahead, but I fear she won’t make it that far without throwing up. “Are you travel sick?”
Unclipping my seatbelt, I lean over the console. “What’s wrong? Is my company that bad?” I chuckle, trying to make a joke, but when she turns to me, tears well in her eyes.
“Why would you bring me here, Finn?”
“You might feel better once we’re in the restaurant. I’ll get you some water.”
“Is this a joke?” Her body tense, she shakes her head. “Please take me home.” Her voice pleads with me. The fierce sassy woman I’m used to is gone, leaving an empty shell of vulnerability.
“All right.” I swipe a tear from her cheek.
She cowers away with a tremble of her lip.
My heart stutters. All I want to do is pull her onto my lap and take away whatever’s wrong. Instead, I do the only thing possible: click my seatbelt and turn the car around.
Chapter Nine
SHELLY
After Finn dropped me off outside my camper, I climbed into the van and flopped on the bed. That was a few hours ago. I’m still lying here, trying to process it all. I haven’t returned to that place in two decades. Even after all these years, the place still makes me want to puke.
Finn was so nice, too. He couldn’t have possibly known. He looked so lost and helpless, as if it was his fault. I couldn’t speak in the car. We drove home in silence. He tried to help me into the van, asked if I needed anything or if he could call someone, but I just shook my head.
Only my parents can help me. I sit up on the bed and call Mom.
She answers on the second ring. “Shelly Belly. Honey it’s Shelly Belly,” she shouts. “Your dad’s just fighting with his bicycle, dear. I told him not to have a second brownie while we were cycling, but he wouldn’t listen. Now he’s gone and wrapped himself round a lamppost.”
“Where are you?” I half laugh, forgetting all about the day after hearing Mom’s voice.
“Amsterdam. We leave for Rotterdam next week and then we’re getting the ferry to Hull to tour the UK. How’s everything with you? Did you get my voice note?”
“Yes, I got your note. You liked the speech?” My chest expands with all the love my parents shower me with.
“We watched it on the website. We’re so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Is everything all right?”
“It is now. I just wanted to hear your voice.”
“That’s good. We’ve missed you, Shelly Belly. I’ll call you in a few days. I have to untangle your dad from the bike chain now. Love you.”
“Love you, Mom. Say hi to Dad.”
“I will, sweetie, when he’s come down from his high.”
I silently laugh as I end the call and feel lighter already. Swiping the screen on my phone, there are several text notifications from Finn.
