Page 77 of Suddenly Beck

‘Oh my god, Nat, only you.’ She rolls her eyes.

‘Tell me about it, but Mel says everything happens for a reason.’

‘Mel?’

‘Beck’s mum, she owns the restaurant where I work. It was her and her husband Sully’s until he passed away unexpectedly last year.’

‘That’s sad,’ she mutters. ‘You’re a chef now?’

I nod smiling widely. ‘Yep, best seafood tacos in the bay apparently.’

‘I’m not surprised.’ Pia shakes her head. ‘You were always surgically attached to Carmella, and not just because she was our mother substitute. You always loved cooking.’

‘I do,’ I say contemplatively. ‘I hated working at Elliott, Fenton & Hartley.’

‘I know.’ She stares at me. ‘You look happy.’

‘I am happy.’ I gaze down at her. ‘There’s something about this place.’ I sigh in contentment. ‘I can’t explain it.’

‘Maybe it’s the people?’

‘I think it’s both.’ I nod as I see the B&B come into view and spy two familiar figures.

‘Molly!’ I call out and wave as they approach. Beside her is a large man in khaki shorts, a checked, short-sleeve shirt, and socks and sandals, bless him. ‘Bernard!’ I grin glancing down at his suitcase, which he’s wheeling along behind him. ‘Oh my god, Molly, please tell me this isn’t a prison break?’

‘Damn well is, lad,’ Bernard chortles loudly. ‘My daughter wanted me to wear a cardigan for heaven’s sake. Because, and I quote, ‘my skin is getting very thin these days,’ well, so is my bloody patience, it’s thirty degrees! So, I’ve taken a room at the delectable Ms Molly’s.’

‘Molly.’ I turn to her in mock seriousness. ‘You were supposed to give him some pointers not actively participate in his rebellion.’

‘You know me, Nat, Viva La revolution! I won’t stop until all my people are free from their over-bearing offspring.’ She laughs delightedly as her gaze drops on Pia, ‘And who do we have here?’

‘Molly, Bernard, this is my sister Pia,’ I introduce her with a wide smile.

‘How lovely,’ Molly coos reaching out and hugging my sister, who looks rather startled. ‘Well, aren’t you pretty?’ She pats her cheeks in a very grandmotherly way. ‘Just like your brother. Why you could be twins.’

‘Uh, thank you,’ Pia replies.

‘Come on, Bernard.’ Molly pats his arm mischievously. ‘Let’s get you settled, and then there’s a game of senior’s bingo on at the community hall.’

They stare at each other for a second and then burst out laughing uproariously before waving and heading toward the B&B.

‘I hope you’re pleased with yourself, Nat.’ Bea moves along the fence as she waters her petunias, glancing at her mother’s retreating back with a small indulgent smile. ‘That’s all your fault.’

‘Sorry.’ I grin.

‘I wonder why I don’t believe you.’ She shakes her head.

‘This is my sister, Pia, by the way.’

‘Lovely to meet you, dear.’ Bea smiles at her warmly. ‘Do you need a room?’

’Oh, no.’ Pia shakes her head. ‘I’m not staying, just visiting Nat.’

‘Well, then.’ Bea nods. ‘Make sure you stop by the cupcake shop. Colin’s cupcakes are to die for, and they’re worth the trip to the bay alone. Oh and, Nat, I stopped by Sully’s last night, the Grilled Bream was a delight.’

‘Thanks, Bea.’ I beam, waving goodbye to her as we start down the hill.

‘Hey, Nat.’ Lila rushes past. ‘Tell Juni I’ll meet her at eight.’