Winter Magic in Port Berry (Port Berry #3)

Chapter 18

Ginny

A bitter wind whipped through Ginny as she tied multicoloured Christmas lights above the door and windows of Harbour Light Café. It was about time she made the place look festive, as all the other shops along Harbour End Road had already decorated for the season.

‘Oh, goodness, really!’ she mumbled, as the wire slipped from her hand.

The ladder wobbled as a van sped by, splashing spits of slushy snow up from the gutter.

‘Oi!’ yelled Ginny. ‘Slow down.’

‘Need a hand?’ asked Samuel, picking up the fallen lights.

‘That’s the third time I’ve dropped that.’ She thanked him as he raised his arm her way.

Ginny secured the lights in place, then climbed down to stand back and take in her lopsided job.

Samuel pointed to her left. ‘It just needs pulling up a touch that end. Here, let me.’

Before she could respond, he was sorting the matter, and to be fair, he was much better at the task. At least he had more patience.

Councillor Seabridge approached. ‘About time, Ginny. For a minute there I thought you were going to let the street down.’

She narrowed her eyes at his greying bushy eyebrows, not one bit in the mood for his comments.

‘We win awards, you know,’ he added, the boom in his voice rattling her eardrums.

Ginny folded her arms. ‘It’s the first of December, Oliver. I wouldn’t say I’m late to the party.’

His beady blue eyes sparkled as Samuel switched on the lights. ‘Ooh, speaking of which. Don’t forget we have the tree lighting ceremony on Saturday.’

‘Yes, I know.’ Seeing how it was on the first Saturday in December every year, it was hard for her to forget, but she couldn’t be bothered to say.

‘Good, good. See you there.’ He waved a hand to Samuel. ‘You too, Mr Powell.’

Samuel gave him a quick salute, then grinned at Ginny.

Councillor Seabridge made his way towards the pub, and Ginny invited Samuel inside the café.

‘I’ll make you a cuppa.’

‘Yes, then we can talk business.’

She watched him take a seat at the table nearest the large shiny coffee machine as she went about making the tea.

‘I’m pleased you called me here for a meeting about the café. I know I’ve mentioned using it in the past, but I didn’t think you’d ever agree,’ he added.

‘I’m not really sure how this food bank café thing is going to work.’

‘Basically, anyone in need of food will be able to come in here between half four and half six and eat for free two evenings a week. I’m going to send one of my chefs over to assess your kitchen, as he’ll like to see what’s available for him.’

Ginny joined him at the table. ‘Will I be expected to work?’

Samuel shook his head. ‘No. But you can if you want. I normally have one paid member of staff, and the rest are volunteers. So feel free to fit in a shift if you can.’

‘But won’t I have to come back to lock up each evening?’

Samuel shook his head, and Ginny had no idea why she asked that question. After all, it wasn’t as if she had anywhere else to go now that her mother’s ashes were being prepared to be sent directly to Lee, as requested.

Peaceful Cremation Services had handled everything, from collecting Birdy’s body to the unattended cremation, and even promised to deliver the ashes within two weeks. Ginny wanted to hold a small memorial, but Birdy had already made the arrangements for her own send-off, and it didn’t include sausage rolls in the church hall.

Lee told Ginny he’d wait till springtime, then take a trip on the ferry to France, and they could secretly sprinkle her ashes into the English Channel, also Birdy’s request, as that was where she’d met Lee’s dad, the so-called love of her life.

Ginny had never felt so left out before. She wasn’t even given the opportunity to say a proper goodbye. She swallowed hard, attempting to focus on her conversation with Samuel. It was quite annoying how her emotions were chopping and changing every five minutes since her mother’s death. ‘Erm, so . . .’ She’d lost her train of thought.

‘Hey, you okay?’ Samuel reached across the table to hold her hand.

‘Yeah, sorry, my mind just wandered.’

His soft smile was filled with sympathy. ‘Your mum?’

Ginny shrugged. ‘Feels weird, Sam.’

‘I know. When I lost my parents, I was all over the place for ages. Grief doesn’t have any rules. We just have to take it one day at a time.’

‘I would have liked to have had some sort of memorial service for her. Just a gathering in my house or something. Nothing fancy. Just a goodbye, of sorts. Oh, I don’t know.’

Samuel nodded. ‘You can still do that. You don’t need ashes or coffins. You just have your own moment where you say goodbye. Perhaps play a song, or put a small plaque on a bench, maybe you could plant a rose bush in your garden and say a prayer or something.’

He had a point, and it might make her feel better if she did say a few words, but it wasn’t what her mum wanted. Birdy had been specific in her instructions, and none of it included Ginny.

‘Maybe I can hang up a birdhouse in her memory.’

Samuel took a mouthful of tea, then smiled softly. ‘Why was she called Birdy?’

‘It was a nickname her mother had given her. No one knew why, but it stuck.’

‘Well, I think a birdhouse in your garden is a great idea.’

‘I’ll wait until I move.’

Samuel’s amber eyes flashed her way. ‘I didn’t know you were moving. Lottie’s not said.’

‘Oh, I’ve been mulling it over, but now I’ve made up my mind. I want to go inland. Buy a farmhouse. Have a bit of land out back for rescue chickens. Maybe a rescue donkey.’

Samuel laughed. ‘A donkey?’

‘Maybe.’ She grinned, then sipped her tea.

‘Hey, in all seriousness, it’s nice you have this idea, but don’t you think you should wait a while before making any moves? What I mean to say is, is it wise to change your life while you’re grieving?’

Ginny knew where he was coming from, but she felt her life had changed regardless, so what difference would anything make now? ‘I’ve already made my mind up, and I’m going to see the estate agents next week to put my house and flat on the market.’ She pointed at the ceiling. ‘I’d rather just get on with things.’

The thought of her new home, rescuing animals, and not staring out to sea each morning and night wondering where her soulmate was would do her the world of good. At least, she hoped it would.

‘Well, if you’re sure.’ Samuel glanced around. ‘I can help you move when the time comes, so make sure you let me know.’ He tipped his head to peer at her. ‘You’re not alone, Ginny. We’ll all help you, you know that, right?’

She looked up and smiled at the kindness coming her way. ‘Yeah, I know, chick. And just so you know, I am definitely not alone, as I now have my mum’s cat to look after.’ She huffed while shaking her head. ‘I tried to give her back to the lady Mum got her from, but she was having none of it. So, first rescue animal, tick.’

‘I told Lottie I saw a black moggy in our garden yesterday. I bet that was her.’

‘Probably. As soon as a door or window opens, she’s out. I’ll be glad once she’s older and I don’t have to worry so much.’

Samuel laughed. ‘I felt that way about my little sister.’

‘Ooh, how is Hannah getting on since you moved out?’

‘Good. Felix and his brother moved in with her, and they seem happy enough.’

‘Oh, yes, I forgot Felix helps care for Rupert. Aww, bless him. I don’t know how I’d get on with three missing limbs.’

‘It’s quite surprising how we cope with the crap life throws our way.’

Ginny nodded, thinking of everything she’d been through. ‘I guess we just get on with it, don’t we?’

‘Yeah, when it’s not messing with our mind.’

She leaned forward and patted his hand. ‘You did good, Sam.’

He breathed out a quiet laugh. ‘Oh, I’m still fighting demons.’

Me too.

Ginny banged her palms together. ‘Right, let’s turn this café into an extension of the Happy to Help Hub. You get your people down as soon as possible, and perhaps we can open for the winter.’

‘Great. One last thing. How would you feel about me buying your properties?’

The question floored her for a moment.

‘You don’t have to decide straight away,’ he added.

‘Sorry, no, it’s not that. You just caught me off guard, that’s all. Honestly, Sam, I wasn’t expecting you to say that.’

‘If you’re selling, then I’m buying. I’d like to add your house into the renovations we’re doing. It’ll create way more floor space for Lottie’s wheelchair to whizz around, and, yes, she often likes to whizz.’

Ginny laughed, knowing that to be true. She glanced at the fishing net hanging above her. ‘Why do you want the flat?’

‘I was thinking of having a headquarters for the Les Powell Trust. Most of my staff work from home, but it would be nice to have a place, rather than my house.’

‘Makes sense.’

‘So, will you consider my offer?’

Ginny beamed with delight at the opportunity to get things moving along faster than expected. ‘Consider it a done deal.’ She shoved out her hand. ‘Do you want to spit shake?’

Samuel laughed. ‘No. This is good enough. And thanks.’

‘No, thank you. This makes life so much easier. We’ll sort solicitors, and I’ll sell at market value.’

‘Sounds fair.’ He sat back and laughed. ‘Wait until I tell Lottie. Not sure what she’ll make of another extension.’

‘Oh, she’ll love it. It’ll give her more garden space for her allotment.’

‘Yes, that’s definitely coming along. Although she does miss George’s help.’

Ginny had nothing but fond memories of the man who lived in the house between Lottie’s and hers. ‘He was a good egg.’

‘He certainly was. I’ve hired a gardener to help out a bit. Lottie wasn’t too keen at first, but now she appreciates his help, especially as I’m all brown thumbs.’

A fizz of excitement fluttered into Ginny’s tummy, creating her first inside smile since her mum died. Was her farmhouse dream actually about to come true so quickly? Oh yes it was, and she really wanted to happy dance but thought it best to stay seated.

‘Hey, Sam, by the time it takes everything to go through, and for me to find somewhere to live, it probably won’t be until the new year, so if you want to surprise Lottie for Christmas, I can keep my mouth shut until then.’

‘I like your thinking. Yes, let’s do that. I’ll wrap up a door key and pop it under the tree.’

‘Aww, she’ll love that, then no doubt tell me off for moving away.’

‘Will you go far?’

Ginny shook her head. ‘No way. I love Port Berry too much. No, I’ll look inland, see what’s available. Might have to buy a bit of land and build. See what happens.’

‘Or you could buy Roger Lane’s old place,’ said Luna, coming out the toilet. ‘Artie said he was putting his dad’s home up for sale after Christmas. Have a word with him. That’s a farmhouse with land.’

Ginny’s mouth gaped for a moment. ‘Luna, what are you doing in here?’

Luna thumbed behind her. ‘Using the loo.’

‘Yes, but I could’ve locked you in. If it weren’t for me having a meeting here with Samuel, I’d have already gone home.’

Luna sat in the chair to her side. ‘Don’t you check the toilet before you go?’

‘Well, yeah, but—’

‘There you go then,’ said Luna. ‘I was perfectly safe.’

Ginny glanced over at the toilet door. ‘What have you been doing in there all this time?’

‘Listening to you two.’

Samuel bit his bottom lip as he laughed, and Ginny could do little else but chuckle too.

‘So,’ added Luna, fixing her eyes on Ginny, ‘you going to talk to Artie Lane about his dad’s place or what?’

‘Erm, well, it does sound like a good idea.’ Ginny looked at Samuel for confirmation, even though she wasn’t sure why she was after a second opinion. She knew Roger Lane’s house very well. Passed it enough times on her way to school.

Samuel nodded his agreement. ‘I’ll pop over there with you tomorrow if you like.’

‘She likes,’ said Luna, stealing his cup of tea. ‘This is a good move for Ginny, I know.’

Ginny didn’t want one of Luna’s psychic readings, so she decided not to ask questions. ‘I’ll have to give Artie a call.’

‘No need,’ said Luna. ‘I rang him when I was in the loo. He’s expecting you at the farmhouse at eleven sharp. Morning, that is.’

Ginny and Samuel swapped a dumbfounded look.

‘Why is Roger selling his home?’ asked Ginny.

Luna’s smile dropped. ‘They’re putting him in a home. Poor bugger. Can’t fend for himself anymore.’

The small amount of happiness Ginny had just felt, dispersed. If she hadn’t taken her mum to visit the care home, she was sure her mother would still be alive. It was too much stress, she was certain.

‘Oh no, don’t you go down that road, love,’ said Luna, taking Ginny’s hand.

‘What road?’ asked Samuel.

‘She blames herself for her mother’s death.’

Samuel shook his head at Ginny. ‘No, don’t do that. Your mum’s heart attack would have happened anyway. Lottie told me that’s what the doctor said.’ He looked at Luna. ‘I had this with Lottie when George died. Only, she blamed me until she found out heart disease had crept up on him.’

Ginny knew what they said made sense, and she had taken on board the autopsy report, but it still niggled at her, and she was sure her mum would blame her too. ‘I can’t help it,’ she whispered, silently chastising herself for almost breaking down in front of her friends.

Samuel’s voice was as quiet as hers as he said, ‘I blamed myself for the death of my parents. If I hadn’t needed the loo so badly, my dad wouldn’t have pulled onto a verge along a dual carriageway, and that lorry wouldn’t have crashed into them. See, Ginny, it’s easily done. Life is one big domino effect. What we do in this moment affects the next and so on, but we’re not to know what’s around the next corner.’

‘Well, some of us do,’ said Luna, sitting back, hugging Samuel’s tea.

‘At least you can warn people,’ said Ginny.

Luna shook her head. ‘Doesn’t always work that way. Especially when it comes to my own. I had a feeling something wasn’t right with our Lisa, but I didn’t know what, and look how that turned out.’

Ginny could see Samuel didn’t know the story. ‘Lisa was Alice’s sister. Benny’s mum. She died of cancer when he was little.’

‘Sorry, Luna. I knew Alice had a sister, but I hadn’t heard the details,’ said Samuel.

Luna raised her mug in a cheers motion. ‘Thanks. So you see, we have to muddle on through those tough times and carry on living our life without blame destroying us. You didn’t kill Birdy, love, and you, Samuel Powell, didn’t cause that accident, and I’m not to blame for our Lisa.’

A moment of silence filled the café.

‘You’re right, Luna,’ said Ginny, knowing it to be true, but it was so easy for her to take the blame. She’d been trained to all her life.

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Ginny waved Jan inside.

‘Ooh, got room for a little one?’ said Jan, blowing into her hands. ‘And a cuppa. Blimming freezing out there.’

Ginny got up to make her a cup of tea. ‘So, why is our resident therapist walking about in the cold? You just done a shift at the Hub?’

Jan removed her coat and hat, releasing her mass of blonde curls. ‘No, Lottie sent me to talk to you. She said you’d be in here with Samuel.’

‘Who is just leaving,’ he told them, standing. He tipped his head to Ginny. ‘I’ll pick you up in the morning.’ He said goodbye and left, leaving Ginny looking over at January Riley.

‘I can stay,’ said Luna.

Jan’s dark eyes smiled at Luna. ‘I’d prefer to talk to Ginny alone.’

Luna tutted. ‘Pfft! She doesn’t need therapy, Jan. She just needs her friends. Anyway, we beat you to it. Ginny’s sorted now. Right, love?’

Ginny plonked a cuppa in front of Jan. ‘I’m not sure what Lottie’s playing at sending you in here, but I’m fine. I don’t need therapy.’

‘She’s getting chickens and a donkey,’ said Luna, receiving a frown from Jan.

Ginny grinned. ‘Honestly, Jan, I’m doing okay, but thanks. If I do need to talk, I will call you, I promise.’ That was a lie. As much as she needed to clear away her past, the last thing she wanted was her friends knowing anything about it, no matter how professional they were.

Jan seemed to be assessing her every move, which only made it harder to keep her face neutral.

‘The girl’s fine,’ said Luna. ‘This place is transforming into one of Samuel’s food bank cafés soon, so that’ll keep her busy. And then there’s the new fella.’

‘What new fella?’ asked Jan.

Ginny frowned. ‘There is no new fella. Anyway, you two sup up, as I need to get home. I’ve got a cat to feed as well now.’ The exchange of pointed looks between her friends didn’t go unnoticed, but she ignored them by clearing away the cardboard box that held the café’s Christmas decorations.

‘Good luck tomorrow,’ said Luna, heading for the door. ‘Not that you need it. That farmhouse is yours already, love.’ She tapped her nose, then left.

‘Why is she wishing you luck?’ asked Jan.

‘I’m selling my house and flat and looking for a home with some land. I want to look after some rescue animals.’

‘Hmm.’

‘Don’t hmm me, Jan. I don’t need you scrambling about in my brain. I told you, I’m fine.’

‘It’s a lot of changes for you right now.’

Ginny hugged the cardboard box to her chest. ‘Yeah, but change can be a good thing.’

Jan nodded. ‘True, but only for the right reasons.’

The statement made Ginny think about her decisions for a minute. Yes, things had changed, and a lot of things recently, but being snowed-in at the hotel gave her a new dream that truly warmed her heart. She did know what she wanted, and she had the means to close the deal on her goal.

‘You know what, Jan, it feels right.’

Jan smiled. ‘Well, then, that’s good enough for me.’

Ginny swirled one hand in the box and pulled out a silver star. Normally she would hang it in the window and wonder if she had someone out there who could be her North Star. She shoved it back inside, deciding that this year things would be different. Who needed North Stars and soulmates anyway? She had something new to focus on, and it didn’t include her abusive mother, inconsiderate brother, or some new fella hell-bent on stealing her tearoom idea.

Nope! Ginny Dean was on a new mission, and nothing was going to get her down ever again.

She hoped.

Perhaps she could put the star in the window. It wouldn’t hurt, and it did normally go there. It didn’t symbolize anything. It was just a star for Christmas. It wasn’t as if she thought about Will Pendleton anymore anyway. He didn’t even bother to send his sympathies when her mum died. So, no, there was no connection between him and her star. None whatsoever.

‘I’m hanging up my star,’ she mumbled, defiantly marching towards the window.

Climbing the stepladder to place it high, her mouth gaped as she spotted Will over the road, staring out to sea.

Are you looking for your North Star?

He huddled his arms into his chest, then walked off in the direction of the B&B.

Something inside Ginny snapped. She took the star, ran outside, and yelled his name.

Will turned, surprise in his eyes.

Ginny shoved the star straight into his chest, forcing him to catch the shiny item. ‘You do know my mum died, don’t you?’ she yelled into the gust of wind blowing around them.

He gave the most pathetic nod she’d ever seen.

‘And you didn’t think to pop by, see how I was doing?’

‘I thought you hated my guts because of the tea shop thingy.’

Without saying another word, she marched back to her café, slamming the door for good measure.

Jan stepped away from the window, lowering the mug of tea from her lips. ‘Good to see you’re healing nicely, Gin. Now, sit down. We’re going to talk some things through.’

Ginny glanced at the door. ‘I do need therapy, Jan,’ she said quietly, deflated on every level. ‘Look what I just did to Will. That was so unfair.’ She went to stand. ‘I should go apologize.’

Jan waved her back to the seat. ‘Take a breath, Ginny. Let’s have a chat.’