Page 53 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay
‘You didn’t, Max, it’s me. I’ve got this thing about people helping me financially, thinking of me as a charity case.
My parents and my friends are always pulling me up about it, saying I’m stubborn.
It’s a legacy from my time with Bart, I think, but it seems to have taken root so deeply, it’s hard to shift.
And I still get his parents accusing me of being a gold-digger.
Those horrible things I said to you was more about me, than it was about you. ’
‘You need to stop being so hard on yourself, Jingilby, and let your family and friends help you.’
That’s easier said than done.
‘I can remember your mum saying how you were so independent when we were younger, how you always liked to do things for yourself, didn’t like help. How you’d save up for things you really wanted. I wanted to be like you.’
‘You did?’
‘Yeah. Then when I got to be an adult, and became aware of just how bad my family situation had been as a child, I promised myself that if I had any children of my own, they were going to feel nothing but loved and cared for and valued.’
‘From what I’ve seen of Connor, I’d say you’ve achieved that. He seems a happy well-grounded kid.’
Max turned to her and smiled. ‘Thanks. And you’ve done a pretty awesome job with your two, but they’re even luckier than Connor cos they’ve got an endless supply of cakes on tap.’ Jasmine laughed out loud at that.
‘That reminds me, I’ve got a tin of double-chocolate biscuits at home for you. I’d made them hoping you’d forgive me for my ridiculous outburst.’
‘Are they made from the same recipe you used when we were kids?’
‘They are.’
‘In that case, you’re forgiven.’
‘Thanks.’ Jasmine chuckled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.
Soon, they found themselves on the beach, golden sand stretched out before them. They freed Gerty and Ernest from their leads, and watched them race down to the sea, leaping over the waves with abandon. Seagulls wheeled above before dipping and diving into the water.
‘D’you get the impression those two are enjoying themselves?’ asked Jasmine, chuckling.
‘Just a little bit.’ Max watched the dogs splashing around in the water, chasing one another.
His chest heaved with a sigh. ‘You know, the reason I wanted to help with your house situation and why I got the flight vouchers for your mum and dad was because it was a way of saying thank you for all you did for me when I was a little lad. I was made to feel like part of a family and I’ve cherished those memories.
I don’t think you realise what you and your family meant to me.
It wasn’t just about the warm meals and the clean clothes, it was the feeling that someone actually cared, that I actually mattered to you all – Jonathan’s included in that. ’
‘Oh, Max.’ Jasmine’s voice came out in a whisper.
‘I’m not telling you this to make you feel sorry for me – that’s the last thing I want. I just need you to understand the reason behind my actions. I wasn’t trying to be a flash git. I’d hate anyone to think that of me.’
‘I know you weren’t.’
‘It wasn’t till I got older that I realised just how much your parents did for me, handing down Jonathan’s clothes, mending mine.
And you, Jingilby, you’re the best friend I’ve ever had.
No one has ever come close. The way you used to stick up for me, how you stood up to Scraggo and risked being suspended from school or risked getting a thumping from him. I used to think you were awesome.’
Jasmine sniffed and wiped her eyes. ‘Me? Awesome?’
‘Yeah.’ He nudged her with his shoulder, making her smile.
‘And then when you arrived at my house with Zak’s sleepover stuff, I realised you were actually still pretty awesome.’
‘Didn’t take long for me to make you change your mind, though, did it?’
‘I didn’t change my mind. If anything, it made me realise I had to be a bit more careful and sensitive about the way I approach things.
’ Max stopped walking, turning to face her, his shirt fluttering in the breeze.
‘But I realised I’d started to develop different feelings for you.
Strong feelings. And the speed they arrived took me by surprise.
In fact, at the risk of making you run very quickly in the opposite direction, I felt something that first day at my house, but I put it down to the fact that we’d been such close friends when we were kids; a connection we’d never lost.’ His eyes searched hers, making her heart perform somersaults. It was time to open her heart.
‘It was the same for me,’ Jasmine said. ‘I felt it that first day too and it threw me into a right old tailspin.’
‘So, now we’ve established we both feel the same way, what do you think we should do about it?’ The look he was giving her made her insides turn to jelly.
‘I don’t know.’ She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his, sparks dancing in the air around them. ‘I’m a bit scared, Max,’ she whispered.
‘Don’t be, Jingilby, it’s me. There’s nothing to be scared of.’
‘Are you sure?’ Jasmine’s heart was galloping, her emotions flying around inside her. She suddenly recalled how good it had felt to be in his arms; she’d felt safe.
‘I’m sure. I don’t think we should ignore these feelings.’
‘Neither do I.’ She felt a shiver of anticipation rush through her.
‘I’m so glad you said that.’ He gave one of his heart-melting smiles.
‘But where do we start? I mean, it’s been so long since I’ve been on a date, I’m out of practice. I feel like a girl on her first date with her first boyfriend.’
‘Well then, let me give you your first kiss.’ He leant forward, cupped her head in his hand and tentatively pressed his lips to hers, his kiss slowly deepening, the sound of waves in the background slowly fading away.
The touch of Max’s lips on hers was intoxicating. She slid her arms up around his neck and pulled him close, never wanting this moment to end.
When they finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers. ‘I don’t know about you, but I think that was a pretty good place to start.’
‘It was the best.’ Euphoria flooded Jasmine’s chest.
‘Do you think we should try it again, see if we can make any improvements?’
‘Well, they say practice makes perfect.’ Jasmine’s eyes twinkled at him as her heart soared with happiness.