Page 9 of Happier Days (Family Life in Somerley #1)

CHAPTER NINE

Ava marched back to the hotel, cross with herself for overreacting. Seeing Jack had taken her by surprise, and it was obvious that he was shocked to see her, too. She’d touched a nerve about his brother, yet at least she wouldn’t slip up if she bumped into Mr and Mrs Broadhurst, so there was that.

Then again, she’d told Jack about her father, too.

And how was she supposed to know Dan had died?

She didn’t keep abreast of what happened in Sapphire Lake.

It would always have a special place in her heart, but she had been a child when she’d last visited, and she’d moved on without a backward glance, as teenagers do.

Still, by the time she’d eaten breakfast, she was feeling more upbeat. It was half past nine, and she was pushing her luck as her meeting was at twelve, but she wanted to see the lake now it was lighter, so she wrapped up warm again and set off.

Keeping a look out for a bouncy chocolate Labrador with a miserable owner, Ava ventured back along the road.

This time, she turned off at the sign for the visitors’ centre and trod carefully down the steep zigzag driveway towards the lake.

It was a few seconds before it came into sight, and she gasped as another familiar friend showed itself to her.

She stopped for a moment to take in its splendour.

Here, too, it was quiet, but she could hear the faint hustle and bustle of people in the distance.

There were only a handful of small boats braving the lake.

The unusual cold snap might keep the visitors at bay, but the die-hard locals wouldn’t shy away from a lashing of rain and a brisk wind.

The clouds had mostly cleared now, though, and a blue sky was visible above the trees at the far side of the lake. The water sliced a pathway through the trees, stretching as far as the eye could see.

For a moment, she stood as still as the lake. It was so… calm, peaceful.

It was so… cold.

She stamped her feet before walking on, tucking her hands into her pockets.

The Lakeside Café coming up on her left was definitely welcoming.

She popped inside and up to the counter, situated on the back wall.

The establishment was pleasant, all wooden floors and white tables.

Its walls were decked with seaside memorabilia, a nautical theme of white and blue that reminded her more of an English riviera eatery than a place for drinks and snacks by the side of a lake.

But it was clean and welcoming, and warm.

‘Morning, love, what can I get you?’ a woman in her mid-fifties asked, her blonde hair piled up in a messy bun, glasses pushed up to hold her fringe away from her eyes.

‘Morning, I’d like a mug of tea, please.’

‘Anything to go with it?’

‘No, thanks. I’ve had breakfast.’

’Staying over, are you?’

‘Yes, at the Sapphire Hotel. I’m working there for a month.’

‘Ah, there’s someone over there you might know. Take a seat and I’ll bring it over to you.’

Ava turned to face the room… and saw Jack sitting in a comfy armchair, his back to the door. Graham sat quietly, flat out at his feet.

She groaned inwardly. Sapphire Lake was a small community, but really? Bumping into him twice in the same morning was too much. Luckily his head was down while he read a newspaper, so she slipped into a seat at the back of the room.

The woman from behind the counter came over with a tray and slid it on the table. ‘There you are, my love. I’m Marion, by the way. That’s Lexi.’ She threw a thumb over her shoulder at a woman who appeared to be a few years younger than Ava, with long dark hair and the most enchanting green eyes.

‘Thanks. I’m Ava.’

Marion placed her mug in front of her, and Ava could feel someone’s stare. She glanced across to see Jack looking her way. Not wanting to be as rude as he’d been earlier, she smiled. Begrudgingly, of course.

‘Managed to keep Graham under control this morning?’ She couldn’t help herself.

‘He’s often been known to throw himself at women’s feet.’ Marion roared with laughter as she bustled back to the counter.

‘Very much like his owner,’ Lexi said, her tone clipped.

‘Behave, Lexi,’ Marion chided.

Jack remained quiet, almost amused by the whole thing.

Ava rolled her eyes. What was he, the local playboy, or something? He’d certainly changed since she’d last seen him. Or maybe Marion and Lexi were teasing her. She hadn’t quite sussed them out yet.

But then all small towns had their idiosyncrasies.

Being invisible in London, Ava could blend in with a crowd and stay anonymous.

Here in Sapphire Lake, she could take a bet on how many times she’d be asked what she was doing here by the end of the week, from one local or another. It was sure to be in double figures.

Unwilling to engage with Jack, she drank her tea. It wasn’t long before the draw of the lake captivated her again. It really was a sight for sore eyes, the deepest blue she’d ever seen.

In the distance was a man, a dog sitting at his feet while he took a break. A little boy was playing with a ball, his father shooing him away from the water’s edge. Ava remembered it being safer there. It was further along that there was a drop into dangerous depths.

Maybe the child wanted to be outside, and his parents were showing willing, she mused. She could understand that and admired them for humouring him.

A sigh of regret came out. If circumstances had been different, Ava would have liked more children, but she didn’t want to dwell on that.

‘Sorry about earlier.’ Jack waved to get her attention. ‘I was way out of?—’

‘Morning, Jack!’ A man walked through the door. He was tall, dressed in a navy duffel coat, jeans, and thick-soled boots. His mop of blond hair flopped into his eyes, and he pushed it back. He stopped to greet Jack, shaking his hand before making his way to the counter.

‘Good morning.’ He smiled warmly when he drew level with Ava and then did a double-take. ‘Do I know you? You look vaguely familiar.’

‘I used to come here for my summer holidays, a long time ago. It’s Charlie, isn’t it?’

‘Yes. Sorry, I can’t remember your name.’

‘Ava.’

‘Well, I’ll be damned.’ Brown eyes widened in pleasant surprise. ‘You haven’t changed much.’

‘Apart from twenty-two years of wrinkles and aches and pains.’

Charlie roared with laughter, and Ava blushed as he brought attention to her. It wasn’t that funny.

Before he could ask any questions on his way back to a seat, she finished her tea and put down her mug.

She almost ran for the door, praying that Graham wouldn’t try his jumping trick again. Thankfully, she was out and on her way in seconds. Once on the main road, she checked her watch. Her meeting was in an hour. A quick tidy up and she’d be ready.