Page 97 of Suddenly Beck

I set off on the path that leads across the top of the bluffs and heads down into town. As I head down the road toward the B&B, I can see the streets are already full of people, and I wish Pia could’ve been here today. She’d love this.

My stomach tightens uncomfortably as it has done all week. I haven’t spoken to Pia since the day before our father showed up at Sully’s. I know there’s only one way he could’ve got my new phone number, as Pia is the only one from my old life who has it. But I also know she would never have given it to him willingly, and now, I can’t get hold of her. I’ve tried calling constantly, but her phone seems to be permanently switched off. The anxiety doubles down, and my fists clench. I know something’s wrong, and I’m worried sick. I’ve left it as long as I’m prepared to, but if I don’t hear from her as soon as the festival is over, I’m heading straight back to London to find her.

‘Morning, Nat!’ Bea waves from outside the B&B where she’s handing out leaflets with her daughter Lila. ‘My goodness, Nat, you looked just like a thundercloud just now.’

‘Just getting in character, Bea.’ I shove aside the thought of my sister and unsheathe my pirate sword, giving a loud arghhhh for good measure.

She laughs affectionately.

‘How’s it going?’ I nod toward the B&B and see that the front doors are wide open with dozens of people milling in and out. In the beautiful front garden, several games are set up with a hoop toss, beanbags and skittles. There are also, rather cutely, I might add, bubble stations set up everywhere for the little ones. ‘Let me guess the bubbles were Molly’s idea?’ I grin.

‘Who else,’ Bea laughs. ‘The whole thing was her idea. We’ve got tables set up in the breakfast room and lounge with every box game you can think of, plus refreshments. Everyone seems to be having a great time. It’s still early, but it looks like we’ve got a really good turnout. It seems like the two holiday parks up the road have all migrated down here for the festival.’

‘That’s just what we want.’ I smile and nod.

I give a little wave and head through the rapidly expanding crowds milling around the streets. I pass by a huge beer tent, waving to Ryan as he grins and lifts a bottle in my direction. I huff out a little laugh, shaking my head in amusement. Heading further down the hill, I stop by a pretty pink and white striped gazebo and step inside.

‘Hello, Colin.’ I smile as I glance around.

‘Nat!’ He beams, pushing his glasses back up his nose as they slide down again. ‘Just the person, come and try something for me.’

‘Sounds ominous.’ I grin, and he laughs. ‘It looks great in here by the way.’

And it does, several tables have been set up with stands full of cupcakes, cookies and cake pops all wrapped in pretty transparent bags and tied with curling ribbon. Along one side of the gazebo, he’s set up an old fashioned sweet cart with jars of different candies and sweets, lollipops and liquorice. There’s also an old fashioned heavy brass weighing scales and stacks of striped paper bags.

‘Thanks.’ He flushes happily. ‘Here try this.’

He hands me a stick of rock in candy apple red. I turn it over and look at the end and see The Bay, etched into the sweet, hard candy. Unwrapping the clear cellophane, I take a tentative lick and feel the flavor burst on my tongue.

‘It tastes like apples.’ I smile.

‘Yep.’ He nods. ‘That one is called Poison Apple. It’s part of my Enchanted range.’

‘It’s brilliant.’ I smile. ‘You branching out then?’

‘I’ve always had an interest in making sweets and candies.’ He shrugs, blushing slightly. ‘And I figured if we’re going to be getting more tourists into the bay it might be nice to have some of our own signature rocks and candies for them to buy as gifts.’

I glance along the display of all his newest creations. There are beautifully wrapped bags of individual candies in various shapes. Large round and long twisted lollipops and the traditional striped sticks of rock.

‘These are incredible, Colin,’ I tell him sincerely, watching as he smiles in pleasure.

He’s so cute that I could literally pick him up and put him in my pocket. He’s not much older than me in his late twenties. He only opened his cupcake shop a few years ago, and he bakes like a dream. His hair is a gorgeous vintage red colour, like something you’d see on a silver screen actress, and he has a light dusting of freckles across his nose and vivid green eyes. I don’t think he gets how pretty he actually is, but he’s also really quite shy and a little nerdy.

I wonder if he gets out much or if he’s trapped in his bakery and now, sweet factory, like a little mad scientist creating sweet treats.

‘Um.’ He clears his throat when he catches me staring at him thoughtfully. ‘I made some Watermelon flavoured hearts.’ He picks up a bag and hands it to me. ‘I know it’s one of Beck’s favourite flavours, so I thought you and he could share them.’

‘Oh my god, you’re so cute, Colin.’ I smile as I reach into my pocket for some money.

‘No.’ He shakes his head slowly. ‘It’s on me.’

‘Thanks.’ I watch him solicitously, and I wonder. ‘When it slows down, after the festival, come down to Sully’s, and I’ll cook you the best meal you’ve ever had on the house,’ I offer sincerely, determined to get him out and socialising more.

‘Okay.’ He nods shyly.

I take the bag of heart shaped candies and popping the stick of rock back in my mouth, I head out of the gazebo and down to the grassy dunes overlooking the beach.

Weaving through the crowds, I step out onto the sand and laugh loudly. Along the beach, in front of the surf school, are a row of several large holes, each surrounded with a heap of sand, wooden sticks, sails, and accessories.