Sam unlocked the door of The North Star and stepped outside into the gravel and earth car park at the side of the building. Across the road he could see the trees that edged the front of Watersmeet, and the footpath at the side of the garden that led alongside the Humber Estuary. Turning slightly, his gaze took in the gently lapping river, the pale sky and the yellow glow on the horizon that told him a new day had begun.
What, he wondered, would today bring? It was Sunday. In less than a week now, Jenna and the twins would leave to go home. Time was running out.
He’d decided, last night, that he had to face her and find out how he stood once and for all. She might not want him – the way she’d avoided him since they’d shared the kiss indicated that it was, in fact, unlikely that she did – but he had to find out for sure. Had to hear her say the words.
Once she’d told him how she really felt, he could put it behind him. He had no idea how he was going to do that, but he could make it happen. He’d already experienced a terrible loss in the past. If he could learn to live without his mum in his life, he could live without Jenna and the twins. He would have to.
Returning to the bar, he busied himself getting the place ready for the day.
‘What are you doing?’
He looked round, surprised to see his dad standing behind him.
‘What I always do,’ he said, frowning. ‘This pub doesn’t run itself, you know.’
His dad grinned. ‘I know that, lad. But I’m sorry to say you’re fired.’
Sam stared at him. ‘What did you say?’
His father’s hand grasped his and he gazed at Sam with undisguised affection. ‘You’ve done your bit,’ he told him. ‘You’ve kept this pub going for the last three years while I fell to bits. I can never make it up to you, son, for all you did. But your job’s done. Time for you to go back to doing what you really love. Give that mate of yours a call and tell him you’re ready to start back on the building site tomorrow, or whenever he’s ready for you. I’ve got this now.’
Sam didn’t know what to say. ‘Are… are you sure, Dad?’ he managed at last.
‘Never been more sure of anything,’ Seb told him. ‘I’m raring to go. We both have our place in the world, Sam. This is mine. Yours is with Luke. Not that I want you to leave here, you understand. You can work where you like, but this will always be your home. Now go and tell your pal that you’re ready for work.’
Sam nodded. ‘I’ll call him,’ he said, heading towards the stairs.
‘And Sam?’
As Sam turned back, his dad smiled.
‘Thanks, lad.’
Sam grinned and waved a hand at his father before rushing upstairs to call Luke.
Leaning against the railings overlooking the river a little later, Sam reflected that the day had already taken an unexpected turn and it wasn’t even nine o’clock yet. He’d called Luke, who’d proudly told him he’d just cooked a big breakfast as a Sunday treat for Katy, and they’d had a quick chat. Luke was delighted that Sam was ready to start work and thrilled for his friend that The North Star was to remain in the family after all.
‘Why don’t we leave it until next Monday?’ he suggested. ‘A new week and a fresh start. Take this week off and relax, because I promise you, you’re going to be working flat out when you come back.’ He laughed. ‘It couldn’t be better timing, to be honest. I’ve just been asked if I can do a two-storey extension on a house in Roos, and I didn’t think I’d be able to, but with you back on board… In the meantime, there are plenty of jobs you can help me finish up. Get you back into the swing of things before we take on the world in January.’
He said it lightly, but Sam knew he was relieved. The new estate going up in Millensea was going to be a gamechanger for LI Builders, and Luke was over the moon that Sam was going to be part of that with him. Over their drink and curry last night they’d already discussed Sam going into partnership with him, as had been the original plan. They had ideas for expansion, and both felt energised and excited for the future.
With his dad back at work, Stella helping out at the pub, and a guaranteed roof over his head at The North Star until he wanted to look for somewhere else to live, Sam felt almost all his worries were over. Except one.
Of course, it would have to be the most important one of all.
‘Can you spare a minute?’
Sam closed his eyes for a moment at the sound of her voice beside him. He would know it anywhere. So, this was it then. And where else would it take place but standing here with this view in front of them, as if they were in a film? If he’d written the script himself, he couldn’t have chosen a better setting.
In his mind’s eye he saw them saying a final goodbye, shaking hands, Jenna walking away, the camera panning round to show a sad, lonely man gazing out over the water…
‘Did you not hear me or are you ignoring me?’ Jenna asked, sounding slightly put out.
Sam took a steadying breath and turned his head to look at her. She was standing with her arms folded and an unusually feisty expression in her eyes.
‘I was just thinking,’ he said.
‘Oh, were you? What about?’
