Chapter 19
Jack was on cloud nine. Pleased with how well his date had gone, he felt buoyed up and decided to visit his parents. He knew how Samphire Bay operated and assumed it highly likely that they would have already been told about their son and the attractive newcomer meeting in The Smugglers.
True to form, as he entered their kitchen he was greeted with a knowing grin from his mum.
‘Hi, Mum,’ said Jack, plonking himself down by the table.
‘Hiya, love, fancy a brew?’
‘Thanks. Where’s Dad?’
‘At Natalie’s. He should be home soon,’ she replied whilst putting the kettle on. Then, unable to resist, she turned and asked, ‘So, who’s the redhead you were seen with in The Smugglers?’
Typical, thought Jack. It had taken all of one minute for the interrogation to start.
‘Sorry?’ He decided to act dumb.
‘Don’t give me that, Jack!’ His mum chuckled, knowing full well what he was doing. She joined him at the table with two cups and sat down. ‘You were seen at The Smugglers with a pretty red-haired lady.’ Jack frowned, continuing to fake confusion. ‘New to Samphire Bay, I believe she’s bought Robin’s apartment?’
She was well informed, noted Jack, wondering what else she knew about Tara.
‘Yes, she does live in Robin’s old apartment,’ admitted Jack. ‘Out of interest, who told you that?’ he asked.
‘Ned told us this morning at church.’
Ned, of course, the pub landlord. Nothing got past him – and nothing stayed with him either.
‘So come on then, spill the beans.’
‘Her name’s Tara and I met her in hospital, where she’s a doctor in A&E. She’s the doctor who stitched up my hand.’ He lifted it up to show his mum her handywork.
‘Really?’ His mum sounded keen to know more.
‘Yes. Total coincidence that she bought Robin’s place and then I bumped into her jogging on the beach.’
‘Aw, that’s nice.’ She smiled, eyes twinkling. Could this be the one? She certainly hoped so. It was about time her son settled down.
Jack grinned wryly to himself, knowing precisely what was going through her mind.
‘Tara, that’s a nice name too,’ she continued, looking wistfully into space.
Jack openly laughed, suspecting she was now imagining wedding bells and him in a dark morning suit alongside a red-haired bride.
‘What?’ she asked, almost indignantly.
‘You. You’re so transparent, Mum,’ teased Jack.
‘What do you mean?’ It was her turn now to faux confusion.
‘You were marrying me off with her, weren’t you?’ he asked dryly.
‘Well…’ They were interrupted by Jack’s dad returning home.
‘Oh, hi, Jack. Didn’t expect to see you here,’ he called, entering the kitchen. ‘Thought you might be busy.’ He gave a cheeky wink, making Jack roll his eyes.
‘What, you meant with the hot redhead?’ he replied with sarcasm.
His dad laughed in response. ‘Something like that. Who is she then?’ He came to sit with them at the table.
