Winter Magic in Port Berry (Port Berry #3)

Chapter 11

Will

Will perused Ginny’s brown dungarees, forest-green jumper, and camouflage headscarf as she clambered into his truck. She certainly had the ability to make him smile, and the fact she’d agreed to go to Wales with him had made his whole year. ‘You got everything you need?’

Ginny nodded, rummaging around in her cloth bag. ‘Yep, think so.’ She looked up as he started the engine. ‘I’m sure there are shops in Pembrokeshire anyway.’

‘Ooh, I reckon we can find the odd one.’ He grinned as he pulled away from Harbour End Road.

It was early, and their stomachs were full, thanks to Ginny’s full English in the café.

‘How long does it take to get there?’ asked Ginny, placing her bag on the floor.

‘I normally average five and a half hours, which is why I like to set off early before the traffic starts to build.’

‘Wow, it doesn’t look that far away on the map.’

‘Nothing does in this country, but we have speed limits so . . .’

Ginny settled into the comfortable seat, and Will was pleased to see her looking so relaxed.

‘How’s your mum getting on?’ he asked, opting for some small talk to pass the time.

All night he had mentally compiled a list of subjects for their journey so they wouldn’t have any awkward silent moments. He questioned that decision immediately when he saw her hands clench into fists.

Ginny cleared her throat, then smiled weakly. He was starting to recognize her fake smiles. ‘She’s okay. We’re still waiting to get her into a care home. How’s Babs getting on in hers?’

Seeing his grandmother was on his to-do list as soon as he got back, as he didn’t like to leave it too long in between visits, trying his hardest to see her most days. ‘She seems okay, you know, considering.’

‘Dementia is terrible for everyone involved, isn’t it? It’s just so cruel.’

Will nodded. He wished he’d found Babs sooner and built a relationship. She hadn’t had a lucid moment with him since she went into the home, so it was tricky for him to form any kind of bond. ‘She’s well taken care of though. It’s a lovely place she’s in.’

‘Oh, what’s it like?’

‘It’s a big place. Newish building. There are about eighty residents, and they each have their own room with an en suite.’

‘Ooh, that sounds nice. Hopefully my mum’s one will be similar.’

‘I’m pretty pleased with the set-up they have. They have security cameras and a lot of staff working at all times, so that’s good. I know it’s a tough gig being a care worker, so it’s helpful when there are more hands on deck.’

‘I don’t feel so bad now about putting my mum in one.’

Will glanced her way for a second before turning back to the road. ‘Have you been stressing?’

Ginny scoffed. ‘I’m always stressing.’

‘It’s a difficult decision. With Babs, it was already happening before I arrived, so I didn’t have to do anything. Marie, that’s her carer, arranged the lot. She’s worth her weight in gold, that one.’

‘They didn’t move Babs far, did they?’

Will shook his head. ‘No. It’s just on the border of Port Berry and Penzance.’

Ginny sighed. ‘There was talk of a place for my mum over in Dorset. I’m not sure how much choice we have when it comes to the council paying. I’d like to keep her in Cornwall.’

‘There are loads of residential homes here. I’m sure they won’t move her far.’

‘They need to get a wriggle on. She’s getting worse every day.’

‘Try getting your GP involved.’

‘Oh, everyone’s involved. We have a social worker linked to the Hub, Henley, and even he’s on the case. It’s just, with more and more people living longer, the care homes are filling up. Years ago, families would care for their elders, but now everyone’s working and can’t fit it all in.’ She bobbed her head. ‘Trust me, it’s a lot.’

‘You’re a good daughter, Ginny.’

She gazed out the side window, not adding to the conversation, so Will switched the radio on low to listen to the news.

‘Good grief,’ he mumbled to himself. ‘Snow. That’s all we need.’ He glanced at Ginny, who looked to be in a world of her own. ‘Did you hear that, love? They reckon snow is on its way.’ He looked at the clear sky, not seeing signs of much. It wasn’t lost on him that he’d just called her love, but as her only reply was a light groan, he ignored it as well.

After two and a half hours of chit-chat, music, and companionable silence, they pulled into a service station to grab a bite to eat and use the bathroom.

Will was glad to stretch his legs, and Ginny already looked tired. He hoped her mum was placed into residential care soon, as even he could see how much of a break Ginny needed, and he hardly knew her.

The queue for coffee and sandwiches was long, so Will waited in line while Ginny went to freshen up. He’d just reached the front when he heard a faint scream. Everyone in the vicinity turned to see where the commotion was coming from.

‘What’s going on over there?’ the young man serving asked Will.

Will shifted around the small crowd behind him, then noticed people had started gathering outside the women’s toilets.

Ginny!

He darted across the forecourt, pushing through the crowd until he reached the entrance to the loo. ‘Ginny?’ he called.

Her strained voice cried back, ‘Will, help!’

With little thought to where he was heading, he dashed inside to see a few ladies gathered outside a closed cubicle.

‘The door’s jammed,’ said one woman.

‘Someone’s gone to get the janitor,’ said another.

But Will was only half listening. He thumped on the door. ‘Ginny, you in there?’ He heard a whimper.

‘Will, please . . .’

Straight away he could hear her breathing was off. ‘Stand on the loo,’ he told her. ‘I’m going to kick the door. Stay as far back as possible, okay?’

‘Okay,’ came the faintest of replies.

Two kicks to the cheap wood had the door hanging off its hinges, and Will tugged the obstruction out the way to a few cheers from the surrounding women.

‘Well done, mate,’ said one.

He felt someone’s hand slide from his shoulder as he rushed inside the cubicle to find Ginny curled up in a ball on the closed toilet seat. ‘Hey, hey,’ he said softly, wrapping her in his arms. ‘It’s okay.’

Ginny was sobbing silently, burying her head into his chest as he lifted her.

‘You’re okay now, babe,’ said a woman, as Will carried Ginny out the bathroom.

‘No one likes getting stuck,’ said another. ‘Terrible time I had in a lift once.’

Will ignored the people staring and the women from the toilets telling everyone what had happened and how the trapped lady is just a bit shaken but okay.

Ginny was shaking and not looking away from his chest.

He carried her all the way to the truck, his place in the food and drink queue now the last thing on his mind, then settled her inside, fetching a soft blanket from the back to drape around her, hoping she’d stop shivering. ‘You’re safe now, love. I promise.’

‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered, gathering the blanket up to her neck.

‘Hey, you have nothing to be sorry about. You got stuck, that’s all. Loads of people have claustrophobia. It’s really common. Even if they can do things like trains, they still don’t appreciate being stuck in one if it breaks down or something.’ He leaned in the opened door and stroked back a piece of hair, fallen loose from her scarf. ‘You’re okay.’

Ginny sniffed, raising watery eyes. ‘It’s triggering for me,’ she whispered.

Will got the immediate impression there was a backstory that didn’t involve being stuck in a lift one time. ‘What is it?’ he asked gently, placing a hand on her shoulder.

There was a lost little girl somewhere deep within those hazel eyes that blinked his way.

‘My mum sometimes locked me in the cupboard under the stairs if I was naughty.’ Her voice broke, along with Will’s heart. ‘I wasn’t naughty,’ she added quietly, shaking her head a touch. ‘I was the good one.’

Will reached in, huddling her into his body as much as he could. He had no idea how she could care so much for a mother who’d been so cruel. It made no sense, but it wasn’t the time nor his business to discuss the matter, so he just held her until she stopped shaking.

The large car park of the service station wasn’t the best place for a walk, but he felt she needed some air, even if infused with fumes.

‘You okay for a minute?’ he finally asked, stretching his back. ‘I’ll just go fetch us some lunch, then we can sit over by those bushes and take five.’ He made sure the window was down and that she was okay with him closing the door before he shut it softly.

He got a few stares as he quickly grabbed some food and ordered drinks, and the man behind the counter asked after Ginny. No one accosted him about the broken door, not that he cared. All that mattered was seeing to Ginny.

She was sitting up and breathing normally when he returned, which was a relief. Her face was still pale, but at least she wasn’t shaking anymore.

‘Come on,’ he said, holding up the food. ‘Let’s go hang out with nature for a bit.’

Ginny got out the truck, keeping her eyes on the greenery over the way.

Will couldn’t be sure if she felt embarrassed to look at him or if she was still in a bit of shock, so he offered an elbow, which she took, and guided her to the side of the car park.

Two empty crisp packets, a bottle of lager, and scattered cigarette butts were tangled into the thick brambles lining its edge, not exactly giving off a calm feeling, and what with the hum of nearby motorway traffic, it wasn’t the best place to have a picnic, but needs must.

Will plopped down onto the cold, hard ground, encouraging Ginny to join him, which she did. ‘Here, eat something. We’ve still got a long way to go.’ He glanced at her sorrowful face as she reached into the bag for a chicken sandwich. ‘Or would you like me to take you home?’

‘No, I’m okay.’ She raised her sandwich. ‘Thanks.’

Will couldn’t help himself; he leaned over and kissed the side of her head.

‘I’m sorry about before,’ she said, then bit into the wholegrain bread.

‘You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. And just so you know, you certainly don’t ever have to be sorry around me. It’s okay, Ginny. Everything’s fine. I don’t want you worrying about this.’ It was clear she already was.

‘I don’t freak out often,’ she said, offering a small smile.

‘Well, whenever you do, we’ll sort it.’ He gestured at her crossed legs. ‘I reckon you’ve got it in you to boot down doors to help me if needed.’

Ginny’s laugh was quiet, but the fact she had one cheered Will no end. ‘You got doors keeping you in?’

‘Ah, we all have.’ He shook his head, more so at himself. ‘Everyone’s got something going on, and I’ve got too much crap in my head for me to manage right now.’

Ginny gently nudged his elbow. ‘Maybe I can help.’

‘That’s kind, but no one can do anything about my past. It’s done, isn’t it? All you can do is live with it now.’

‘I guess it depends on what’s haunting you. Today has made me think I might need some therapy. I’ll talk to my friend Jan when we get back. See what she says. I know a few people that have therapy sessions with her.’

‘Sounds like a good idea to me. Perhaps I’ll join you.’

‘Was being raised in care that bad?’

Will shrugged, swallowing some food. ‘Lonely more than anything, but it’s more the part of how I was conceived that’s bothering me.’

‘Nothing any of us can do about that, chick.’

‘No, I know, but finding out your biological mum was a sex worker and your old man was a punter doesn’t exactly warm the cockles of your heart.’

Ginny lightly touched his knee. ‘Bloody hell, Will. That’s a lot for anyone to process.’

‘Yep.’

‘I’m not sure what I can do to help. Do you want to talk about it?’

‘Not much else to say.’

‘I meant how you’re feeling. You can yell out to the brambles if you want. I’ll hold your hand, yell with you, whatever works.’

He smiled at her kindness. ‘Thanks, but I’m okay right now.’

She touched his arm. ‘Here if you need me.’

‘Same.’ Will gestured behind them. ‘Shall we take this back to the truck? I’m getting a numb bum.’

Ginny motioned at the shrubbery. ‘And it’s not the best view.’

‘No, but there’s something healing about nature, and right now, that’s all we’ve got. When we get back to mine, I’ll take you down to the sea. That’ll see us right.’

Ginny stood, picking up their rubbish. ‘I can’t tell you the amount of times I stood staring out to sea when I was a kid. I used to wish I could sail away.’

Will breathed out a small laugh through his nose. ‘Me too.’

They shared a look, then headed back to the vehicle. He made sure she was comfy before starting the engine and setting off.

Traffic had picked up, so it took a little longer to get to his flat than expected, but Ginny was peacefully reading a magazine he’d bought for her, so he wasn’t too bothered about timing.

‘We’re here,’ he announced quietly, pulling into his designated parking spot.

‘Ooh, I wasn’t expecting to be on the seafront,’ she said, stepping out the truck on arrival. ‘You kept that quiet. Nice surprise though.’

Will glanced up at the blue coastal home divided into six apartments, noticing the For Sale sign. ‘I’ve had this place a few years. Come on, let’s get inside and have a cuppa, then we can have a stroll along the beach.’

Ginny smiled as she stared out to sea. ‘Ooh, Tenby has grown on me already.’

‘Yeah, it’s a beautiful place.’

‘And you grew up here?’

He led her into the building. ‘All over Wales. Got moved about a bit, but I always liked this place so made it headquarters.’

Ginny went straight to the front window to peer at the view as soon as he opened the door. ‘I can see why Port Berry might suit you.’

‘It’s closer to Babs.’ And now you.

He turned to the bedrooms, pointing out which one she could use. ‘I’ve not got much, as this is my last time here. I’ve arranged for the beds to go tomorrow and that sofa, then I’ll put the keys through the letterbox at the estate agents. We’ll have to make do and eat out or grab a takeaway.’

‘That’s fine.’ She mooched around the small open-plan kitchen. ‘At least you have a kettle.’

‘Yeah, that’s coming with us.’ He nodded towards some stacked boxes. ‘And that lot.’

‘Will you miss this place?’

He shrugged, unsure. ‘I wasn’t here much. I used this place during leave and when I retired from the navy, then I was lodging at a mate’s holiday centre for a year while working in search and rescue over in Snowdonia.’

‘And you’re sure you’re ready to settle down?’ Ginny laughed. ‘Doesn’t sound like you can keep still for too long.’

Will stared at the back of her head as she turned to put the kettle on. ‘Yeah, I’m ready,’ he said quietly, slightly worried by how attached he felt to her.