Summer Loving Read Free Page A

money than last year. Has Darren enjoyed himself?’
    ‘Chris and him worked some hard. They didn’t want Lily beating us. Why you asking?’
    ‘Apparently Cissie Cottrell saw Darren kissing Brianna Pellow at the back of the pub car park and thought Viv ought to know.’
    ‘Aw, hell.’
    ‘When Jimmy came to pick up the trestles and awning he told Viv that Charlene had been on to him about Darren going sailing instead of staying home with her.’
    ‘Look, it’s nothing to do with me and I’d just as soon not know, but I can’t say I’m surprised. When Doug was showing him how to coil the sheets to keep them tidy, Darren joked about never doing anything right.’
    ‘That’s exactly what Jimmy said.’
    ‘Stay out of it, Jess. You’re better not to give an opinion. Then if it all go tits-up no one can turn round and say, you said. I don’t want you being blamed.’
    Jess bit her tongue and saved her breath. He was simply trying to protect her. Men were uncomfortable discussing relationships. Women talked and shared. It wasn’t that one was right and the other wrong. They were just different.
    ‘Jess? You still there?’
    ‘I am.’
    ‘Miss me?’
    She laughed. ‘You’ve only been gone a day. But yes, I miss you.’
    ‘Hold that thought. What are you doing tomorrow?’
    ‘Rob’s on duty so Fiona’s bringing Helen over. Babies grow so fast at this age. I’m really looking forward to seeing her.’
    ‘Gotta go. Doug have got the drinks in and the waitress is waiting to take our food order.’
    ‘I’m glad you had such a great race. I hope the sailing is as good tomorrow. When will you get back?’
    ‘Depends on the wind, but probably late tomorrow evening.’
    ‘Ring me when you get in, so I know you’re home?’
    ‘Will do.’ She heard him breathe as he held the phone close to his mouth. ‘I love you, Jess.’
    ‘I love you, Tom. Stay safe.’
    At eleven on Sunday morning, Jess and Fiona sat either side of the pine table with mugs of coffee in front of them. Helen lay on a blanket gurgling as she waved tiny fists at the mobile suspended from a folding frame, one of several toys Fiona had brought to keep the baby occupied.
    ‘What does Helen think of her new nanny?’
    Fiona gazed into the mug she was holding between her hands. ‘They adore each other. Helen’s face lights up and she reaches for Shelley the moment she arrives. It’s such a relief to know she’s happy.’
    ‘Of course it is. But you’d have to be superhuman not to feel a pang of jealousy.’
    Fiona’s head came up then she moved one shoulder in a half-shrug. ‘That sounds pathetic.’
    ‘I don’t think so. Do you remember how stressed out you were back in the spring? Rob was worried about you.’
    Fiona raised her mug, her mouth hidden as she spoke. ‘Was he?’
    ‘He does know how important your career is to you, Fiona. He was as anxious as you to find someone trustworthy to look after Helen. Now it looks as if you have. Best of all, Shelley doesn’t live in. So when Rob’s not working or on call, you have your home to yourselves.’
    ‘You’re right. I’m just being silly.’
    ‘Not at all.’ Jess touched Fiona’s arm briefly, wanting to reassure. Though friendly, theirs had never been an affectionate relationship. That was Fiona’s choice so Jess was careful never to invade her space. ‘Motherhood is an emotional minefield. You could read a whole library of books and still not be prepared for the reality. And every mother’s experience is unique to her.’
    As she lowered her mug, Fiona’s smile was bright and open and didn’t reach her eyes. Sensing a barrier erected, Jess wondered why. She was about to ask when Fiona spoke.
    ‘We had the producer and location manager of a TV company staying at the hotel this week.’ It was a deliberate change of subject, signalling their previous discussion closed.
    ‘How exciting.’ Bending to pick up Helen who had begun to grizzle, Jess gently rubbed her back.