‘Nothing.’ She shrugged.
‘Oh, I think you were,’ he laughed softly. ‘But let me assure you,youare the only lady who’s sat out here, enjoying this view, breakfasting with me.’
‘I believe you,’ she replied, then added with a grin, ‘but how many have been in your hot tub?’
‘Ah… well…’
They both fell into giggles. Not for one moment did Tara suppose Jack hadn’t entertained many a woman in the hot tub. She could only imagine the parties that he must have thrown here. The Cove cried out for them, it was the ideal place. And Jack was a handsome, young, hot-blooded male. End of.
Changing the subject, Jack asked, ‘So, what do you fancy doing today?’
Tara breathed in the fresh sea breeze.
‘Chilling out here. Fancy a swim in the sea?’
‘Sure. I’ll pack a picnic.’
Tara loved the slow pace of life that living by the beach dictated. It was such a contrast to what she was used to before moving to Samphire Bay. Although she’d loved city life in Lancaster, it had always been a tad rushed. Sitting in traffic, watching people everywhere going about their business, housesoverlooking each other, no privacy. Here, nature was your only neighbour, that and the beautiful, turquoise bay with its golden sandy dunes. Together they walked, hand in hand along the shoreline. Tara had never known peace like it.
At the end of a perfect day, Jack drove her home and kissed her goodbye. Tara had to be back for Calum, who was being dropped off by his dad.
‘Thanks for a fabulous time,’ she said, opening the car door.
‘My pleasure. See you soon.’
She waved him off, then made her way into Augusta House. Entering the apartment, her mood instantly changed. Calum was already back, judging by the music coming from his bedroom, and there on the sofa was Richard.
‘What are you doing here?’ she rasped.
‘And hello to you too, Tara,’ came the sarcastic reply. ‘Good night?’ He arched an accusing eyebrow, then stood up menacingly with an envelope in his hand. ‘Thought I’d hand deliver this.’ He gave a tight smile and shoved it in her hand. Then without another word, left.
Tara stared down at the envelope. With a slightly trembling hand, she ripped it open. Her chest started to thump at reading the letter.
Dear Tara,
I decided to put all this in writing, as advised by my solicitor.
I intend to apply for full care and control of Calum. As you stated at the court hearing, or rather Claire did, you’ve always had an exhausting, stressful career. Perhaps it’s time for our son to enjoy being in a less demanding environment, which your job clearly creates.
I consider it in his best interests to be part of a complete family which provides love and care from both his fatherand stepmother, and of course his future siblings, one of which is due to arrive soon.
So, Tara, you’ll be free to enjoy your single life and all that may involve, presumably that young beau you’ve picked up. Congratulations, for now that is.
My solicitor will be in touch, who, by the way, is not the last one that represented me. Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I’ve done my research and paid for the best. I take it you’ll still keep good old Claire? Well, whoever, you’re going to need a bloody good one, because rest assured, I mean business.
See you in court, again,
Richard
Tara resisted the urge to throw up. Instincts told her Richard was serious. Of course he was. Now that he’d had time to recover and lick his wounds from the last court order made, he was fighting back. She grabbed her phone and rang Claire. She’d know what to do.
Fortunately, Claire answered quite quickly. Once Tara had read out the contents of Richard’s letter she snorted with derision.
‘Tara, it’s bullshit. He’s just lashing out. Trying to hurt you,’ she retorted. On a more urgent note she asked, ‘Has the final settlement come through yet?’
Tara paused. She hadn’t checked her bank balance for a couple of days. She’d been busy at work and then at Jack’s.
‘I don’t know…’
