Secrets in Pelican Crossing (Pelican Crossing #2)

Forty

Liz awoke with a smile on her face. It had been early morning when Finn had finally left after the weird conversation when she had thought he was going to tell her he loved her. He hadn’t said the word but had come close to it. She hugged herself at the notion. Then he’d mentioned his ex, but in a way that indicated she no longer mattered to him. Had she misunderstood ?

But there was no time to wonder. It was Mother’s Day, and she was meeting Joan, Tara, Julie and Tilly at The Blue Dolphin Café for breakfast. Mark would be there too. The only person missing would be Mandy. It was the first Mother’s Day Mandy wouldn’t be joining them for the breakfast which had become somewhat of a tradition in the family… and it hurt. In the back of her mind, Liz held out the hope her youngest daughter would surprise them and suddenly appear, but she knew in her heart it wasn’t going to happen.

Dressing in a pair of her smartest jeans and a royal blue and white tunic top, Liz set off to walk to the café, enjoying the fresh breeze in her hair and the sound of seagulls flying overhead. She smiled at the sight of a lone pelican perched on one of the tall lamp posts by the marina. It was difficult to go anywhere in Pelican Crossing without seeing at least one of these magnificent birds. The town was well-named.

As she came in sight of the café, Liz could see her mother was already there. But she wasn’t alone. Standing beside her was the man she’d last seen leaving her mother’s villa in The Haven . She stopped in her tracks. How could Joan have invited him to their special family Mother’s Day breakfast ? But it was too late to turn back. They’d already seen her. Pasting a smile on her face, Liz joined them.

‘Happy Mother’s Day,’ she said, giving her mother a hug.

‘Thanks, darling. This is Stan.’ Joan drew him forward. ‘I wanted you all to meet him, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.’

‘Hello, Stan.’ Liz shook his hand.

The others arrived and in the rush of greetings and introductions, there was no opportunity to say anything more to her mother. She’d talk with her later.

When they were settled at a table, Liz waved to her friend, Poppy, who was seated at another table with Cam, her three daughters, all of their partners and two very small children. Seeing how happy Poppy looked with her family, for a moment, Liz wished Finn could be there with her. Then she dismissed it. He had his own family to celebrate with. They weren’t in a recognised relationship. But she couldn’t help hoping that maybe next year…

She pulled herself out of her musings in time to hear her mother explain how she and Stan had met, and how he had changed her life. Seeing them together, Liz was forced to revise her opinion. He seemed like a nice man, and by the way he was looking at her mother, he cared deeply for her… and she for him. Liz couldn’t be envious of her mother, could she ? But despite the fact Finn had left her bed in the early hours, it was difficult for her to watch their obvious happiness and not feel a touch of jealousy.

They were all checking out the menus and chatting about what to order when, to Liz’s surprise, the waitress arrived with a bunch of small bags tied with pink ribbons and asked who the mothers in the group were. When Joan, Liz and Julie responded, they were each handed one of the bags which, when opened, were revealed to contain three small chocolate truffles.

In the laughter which ensued, they managed to order breakfast, Liz, Tara and Julie choosing eggs benedict, Stan and Mark opting for the big breakfast, and Tilly and Joan deciding on smashed avocado on rye with feta.

Despite Mandy’s absence, Liz enjoyed her breakfast, surrounded by her family, thrilled this was her first Mother’s Day with Julie and Tilly, the first of what she hoped would be many .

After breakfast, Joan and Stan elected to return to The Haven , where they said there was going to be a special Mother’s Day event and lunch, while the others decided on a walk along the beach.

The group split into two as they wandered along the edge of the water, Tara and Mark walking ahead, leaving Liz with Julie and Tilly.

‘I think it’s lovely how Joan has found a man friend,’ Julie said. ‘Stan seems nice.’

‘They play Mahjong together,’ Tilly said, ‘and like to go for walks. He’s a widower and doesn’t have any children. That’s why she wanted him to meet all of you… she wants to share her family with him.’

‘And you know this how?’ Liz asked.

Tilly reddened. ‘I sometimes ride over to see her after school. She helps me with my homework. Stan does, too. He’s a whiz at maths.’

Liz laughed. Stan couldn’t be all bad if he was willing to help Joan’s teenage great-granddaughter with her homework. She linked arms with Julie. ‘Let’s catch up with Tara and Mark,’ she said. ‘I want to ask her if she’s spoken to Mandy recently.’

But Tara had nothing to report. In fact, she said Mandy had been particularly difficult to contact for the past couple of weeks. It saddened Liz to think she might have decided to cut off her sister too.

‘She’s her own worst enemy,’ Tara said, grimacing. ‘I know my sister, but I’ve never seen her like this. It’s as if she’s become a stranger.’

‘I hope she’s all right.’ Liz worried about her, as she did about all three of them. Three! All three of her daughters were now living in Pelican Crossing. How she wished they could all be friends.

They were about to return to the marina end of the beach when they came upon old Agnes and her dog. The spaniel was frolicking in the shallow water, and as usual, Agnes was paddling alongside, her long skirt trailing in the sea.

‘Hello, Agnes. Looks as if you’re fully recovered.’ Liz hadn’t seen the old woman since her visit to the medical centre, and she looked much better.

‘Yes, thanks. I’d have been fine on my own, but these two young men insisted I needed help.’ She peered at Liz. ‘I hear you and our local editor have become friends. He’s a good man. See you hold on to him.’

Liz stared at her in surprise. If Agnes knew about her and Finn, did the whole town know ?

Tara and Julie both laughed.

‘You can’t keep a secret in Pelican Crossing, Mum,’ Tara said. ‘Agnes is right. Finn Hunter is a good man. What’s going on between the pair of you? Should Julie and I be concerned?’

‘Of course not. He’s just a friend. He has a lot happening in his life at the moment.’

‘Of course… the campaign. What will he do if it doesn’t succeed? Will he have to leave Pelican Crossing?’

‘I don’t know.’ It was what was bothering Liz too, when she allowed herself to think about it.