Second Chances at Samphire Bay (Samphire Bay Village #1)

Chapter 25

Perry grinned to himself. So, the date was on, all set and raring to go. He folded the letter and put it in the back pocket of his jeans, not wanting Emma to see it just yet. He preferred to tell her in his own time and had a few days to get his head round the fact he was reuniting with Bunty. As always, when needing space to clear his mind and ponder, Perry decided to retreat to his narrowboat.

The Merry Perry was a real sanctuary for him, a place where time and rhythm calmly slowed down to a restful pace. Somewhere he could just be . He looked at his pocket watch and placed it back inside his waistcoat. It was only one o’clock, plenty of time to get there and back and make dinner for him and Emma.

He set off to the marina which conveniently wasn’t too far away. Perry walked with a spring in his step. Physically, he was in good shape. Having lived for years on a narrowboat meant he had to be fit and flexible as living afloat required hard physical work. When he moved into Fisher’s Cottage, Perry had still maintained a fit and healthy lifestyle. His regular sailing trips kept him agile and he was hardy to the elements. The nomadic existence wasn’t for the faint-hearted and Perry didn’t mind the cold, wind and rain. He wasn’t particularly materialistic either. Storage space was limited on a narrowboat, with room for only the essentials. On the whole, a cruising life had suited Perry, apart from one thing: it was easy to feel lonely on the waterways. Although he did have fellow sailor friends, forming a special, intimate relationship had been difficult for Perry, until, that is, Valerie had come along.

He soon reached the marina and enjoyed the stroll along the canal path. It was pleasant and soothing seeing all the colourful boats lined up. Every now and then someone would call out and wave up at him. Perry loved the connection he felt with other boaters.

Arriving at The Merry Perry , he opened her up and stepped into the saloon at the front of the boat, the bedroom being at the rear. A small galley kitchenette separated the two, where Perry filled the kettle with water and lit the tiny gas hob. Whilst waiting for it to boil, he also got the wood burner going and it wasn’t long before the boat was snug and warm. Sitting down with his hot chocolate, he took out Bunty’s letter again.

Dear Perry,

Thanks for the lovely reply!

I’m told The Castle Café in Lancaster is a great place to meet up. How about next Saturday at two p.m.?

I’m also told, by a young friend of mine, that we ought to exchange mobile numbers. So I’ve written mine at the bottom. Just text me if you need to rearrange.

See you soon,

Bunty

She had included her mobile number which Perry added to his contact list on his phone. It was odd, seeing the name Bunty on his screen. Holding his phone to text and confirm Saturday was good for him too, he agonised over what to type before sighing aloud. This was when he needed Emma’s input. He decided to wait until that evening before replying, when he could be guided by his stepdaughter, chuckling at what he imagined her reaction would be, knowing she’d be chuffed for him. This led to him wondering how Emma and Bunty would rub along, assuming they’d meet at some point. They were both lively characters, very alike in many ways. That is, if Bunty hadn’t changed. He noted she had mentioned ‘a young friend’, perhaps she too was being guided by the younger generation.

He stared out of the window, watching the wildlife around him. Dragonflies hovered, elegant blue kingfishers hunted for fish, butterflies flapped prettily on the canal surface whilst bright, multicoloured boats trundled past. An idyllic setting. What would Bunty make of it? Could she fit into his lifestyle? Or did she belong to his past? Would she find him and his life a little too basic? She did still live in that bloody big house with all its extravagant trappings. Perry had grown to resent what the spectacular art deco building represented – a symbol of his inadequacy. He pictured Hamish Deville towering above him on the sweeping stairs, that arrogant sneer on his face. How he hated that man. Even when Hamish had got his own way and he’d disappeared from Samphire Bay, he’d learnt the old bastard had bought the fishermen’s cottages, ensuring he wouldn’t be able to return and rent his old house. Hamish had had it all covered. There was no easy way Perry was ever going to be his son-in-law. And what of poor Bunty? It seemed nobody had been good enough for her, or, as Perry deduced, it was more pure selfishness on Hamish’s behalf. Since becoming a widower, the egotistic old man just wanted Bunty at his own beck and call, regardless of her happiness.

Later in the evening, after Emma had heartily eaten Perry’s signature dish, Lancashire hotpot, she sat back in contentment.

‘Thanks, Dad, that was delicious as usual.’

Perry seized his moment.

‘Emma, I’ve had another letter from Bunty,’ he began.

Emma quickly looked up at him with a smile. ‘And?’

‘We’re meeting next Saturday,’ he stated.

‘Yes!’ She punched the air, before going to give him a hug. ‘I’m so pleased, Dad. This is just what you need.’

‘I hope so…’ Perry said cautiously.

‘What could go wrong?’ asked Emma.

‘We might not, well… get on,’ he shrugged. ‘It’s been a long, long time since we’ve seen each other. What if we’ve both changed?’

‘What if you haven’t?’ replied Emma, tilting her head to one side. ‘Just wait and see. You’ve nothing to lose, have you?’

‘No,’ said Perry, seeing the logic in Emma’s words. He then showed her Bunty’s letter.

Emma quickly read it.

‘Oh, you’ve got her number then?’

‘Yep.’ Perry winked, making them both giggle. He pulled out his mobile. ‘So, what should I text her then?’

‘Right, let’s keep it simple, how about, “next Saturday at The Castle Café is good for me. Looking forward to it”? Oh, and finish with a kiss.’

‘Really?’ Perry furrowed his brow.

‘Yes! In fact, give her two, go on, xx,’ Emma said with conviction.

Perry dutifully did as he was told and pressed Send. There, he’d done it. The die was cast.