‘Oh dear, what’s the matter, love?’
‘It’s just... It’s just all too much, Christine.’
‘You don’t have to be sparkling every minute, Marcus.’
‘I’m just wondering if I’ve taken on too much.’
‘Are you sure that’s all that’s bothering you, love. You know I’m here if you need to talk, and we’reallhere to help with the dog competition... The residents of the bay help each other out. You don’t have to do this alone.’
Marcus swallowed his pride. ‘I know. I’m grateful.’ He paused, considering what he was about to say. ‘Yes, I think I need more help, Christine.’
‘Then I’ll rally the troops and see what I can do.’ She held Marcus’s hand. ‘Come and sit down for five minutes in the salon and tell me all about it. I’ve shut shop for lunch, so no one will disturb us.’ Marcus nodded, and let himself be led by Christine.
She sat him in a client chair and then settled in a chair opposite him. Christine picked up a box of tissues and offered them to Marcus. He pulled two free. ‘Thank you.’
‘What’s happened?’
‘I’m tired, so I probably read the situation all wrong, but yesterday evening, Rowan and I sort of bashed heads. He came back just now to help me in the parlour, but I was embarrassedand hurt by what he’d said the night before, and it’s gone from bad to worse.’
Christine’s brow pulled together puzzled. ‘Wh-what happened between you two?’
‘To cut a long story short, Atlas had a break through in the parlour, then you heard the commotion and came through. That’s when that breakthrough became a setback. Rowan was too harsh blaming himself yet again, and I tried to make him see he’d done nothing wrong, but everything right.’ Marcus paused and inhaled a juddery breath. ‘Anyway, we shared a brief tender moment, and I swear we were about to kiss, but... then he said something that cut me to the quick. Something I’m still trying to wrap my head around.’
‘I’m so sorry, love, but from what you’ve told me, that doesn’t sound like a man who feels nothing. It sounds like a man fighting himself because he feels too much. Maybe he isn’t stepping back because he doesn’t care. Maybe he’s stepping back becausehe does.’
Marcus chewed his bottom lip as he absorbed Christine’s words. Dare he hope she was right?
‘It’s not just that, Christine. I’m tired. I’ve tried to do it all. Tried to prove to myself that I didn’t need help... but I’m drowning.’
Christine straightened, and grabbed for her handbag, withdrawing her mobile phone. ‘Right. I may not be able to resolve what’s going on between you and Rowan, but one thing’s for certain, I can help you with the competition.’
What are you doing?’
‘I’m texting everyone.’ Christine looked up from her phone with a gleam in her eye. Tammy can handle refreshments and the cake list. Oliver can help with the pub admin, and Pippa can simply confirm the categories from last year from her sofa. Jack can confirm tides and access. Tom can help with the beachsetup. Old Po can sort rope, pegs, signs and anything else practical from the hardware shop that you haven’t got yet. I’ll help with posters and volunteer lists, and Veronica can spread updated information to tourists... Simple.’
Marcus felt as if a ton of weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
He wasn’t failing.
He was accepting help.
And maybe that was what belonging really meant—not proving he could carry everything alone, but trusting other people enough to let them carry some of it with him.
Chapter twelve
Sitting in the waiting area of his parlour, Marcus tucked into his takeaway fish and chips.
Even though he’d left the door open while he ate, he knew the strong smell of salt and vinegar would linger. It would be the first thing he’d smell when he opened up in the morning, cutting straight through the coconut shampoo and clean towels.
Right now, he didn’t care.
He was ravenous. It was his first proper meal of the day, after surviving on peanuts, a banana, and far too much pride.
Looking around as he ate, he was glad he’d stayed late to give Ruff to Regal a deep clean. He’d unknowingly let his standards slip this week after getting behind with everything. His business might have been possible to run as a one-man band when he’d first opened, but there was no way of maintaining its success without help.
He needed Georgina back.
Sooner rather than later.
