Bella and Claire sat in silence, waiting to hear who had called at the cottage so late.
During Bella’s lifetime living here, there had been the odd local who had caused a stir with their eccentric ways, and one or two holidaymakers giving the residents of the boardwalk reason to widen their eyes in shock, but no one who had ever made her feel threatened in any way. She smiled at the thought of an ex-circus owner who had attempted to train her nan’s elderly Border collie years before. He’d been given a nip for his efforts and then a stern telling off from her nan when he had dared to complain about the dog.
‘What’s the matter, Tony?’ she heard Jack ask. He was holding tightly to the door, so it wouldn’t bang against the wall in the strong winds.
Bella mouthed the word ‘fisherman’ to her mother when Claire gave her a questioning look.
‘I’m glad you’re in, Jack,’ Tony said, sounding exhausted. ‘I’ve been tying up several of the boats, checking their moorings. I’m having a little difficulty with my own boat though. Could you spare half an hour to help me?’
‘Not a problem, mate,’ Jack said. He looked over his shoulder at Bella as he grabbed his jacket. ‘I won’t be long, I’m just going to help Tony,’ he shouted unnecessarily.
‘Be careful,’ Claire shouted back. ‘It’s fierce out there tonight.’
Bella finished working on her hands. Concerned for Jack, she picked up their mugs and took them to the kitchen. She wished now that the shutters weren’t blocking her view of the small harbour.
‘I hope they’re alright,’ she said, filling the sink. She pulled on her favourite pink washing-up gloves, with purple faux marabou feathers around the wrists, which Sacha had bought her last Christmas, and began washing up the mugs.
‘He’ll be fine,’ Claire said, coming up behind her. ‘You like him, don’t you?’
‘What a thing to say.’ Bella blushed. She wasn’t used to having someone around who could read her so well. And she especially didn’t need her mother putting her foot in it and saying the wrong thing to Jack when he got back. ‘I don’t,’ she fibbed. When her mother went to argue, Bella raised her hand. ‘Fine. But please, don’t speak to him about it, or make insinuations. If you do, you’ll have to go and stay at the pub.’
Claire threw her head back, laughing. ‘You’re such a drama queen. When have I ever said the wrong thing?’
Bella stared at her mother in astonishment. Didn’t she know herself at all? Hands on her hips, she said, ‘I couldn’t count the times you’ve done exactly that,’ she said, trying to listen out for Jack coming back. She couldn’t bear him to arrive home and overhear this conversation. ‘And I wouldn’t mind if it was unintentional but we both know that each time you happened to share information, you knew exactly what you were doing. You just can’t help yourself.’
‘Cheek.’ Claire pulled a shocked face. She wrapped her skinny arms around Bella’s shoulders and hugged her. ‘You know I love you, don’t you?’
‘Yes,’ Bella admitted, soothed slightly by the reminder. ‘But we’re not debating that, are we?’
‘I know.’ Claire let go and stepped back, resting her bottom against the opposite worktop. ‘But I’ve barely been around while you’ve been growing up and now, it’s odd seeing you as a capable woman in your late twenties.’ She smiled. ‘In fact, it makes me feel quite old, I can tell you.’
Bella shook her head, recalling how much her mother worried about her age. She’d never known her to be honest about how old she was and certainly never introduced Bella as her own daughter on the odd occasion they had gone out together on the island.
‘Mum, when are you going to stop fussing about how old you are?’
‘You’re young, it’s easy for you.’ Claire sighed heavily.
‘Don’t pull that act on me,’ Bella said, flicking bubbles from the sink at her. ‘Nan told me that when you were eighteen you pretended you were older. Then when you hit twenty-five you lied about your age and wanted people to think you were younger.’ She thought for a moment. ‘How old does your boyfriend think you are?’
‘I don’t know,’ her mother answered, irritated for once. ‘Anyway, what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him as long as he loves me.’ She pointed at Bella. ‘Which he does.’
Bella couldn’t help saying, ‘Good. But if you’re both so happy together why are you here and not in Sri Lanka with him?’ Claire went to answer, but Bella interrupted her. ‘And don’t try to say that you needed to see me, because we both know that you never visit purely to catch up with me, but usually because you’re running away from something else in your life.’
She hoped she didn’t sound bitter, because she certainly didn’t feel that way. She was simply stating a fact. Her nan had always been straight about her mother’s actions, telling Bella often how loved and cared for she was, and she’d had no reason to wallow. Consequently, she had never felt sorry for herself growing up.
‘Look,’ Bella added, trying to soften her previously harsh words. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled you’re here. I love spending time with you, but I know how you put on a brave face and I simply don’t believe there’s nothing wrong. So,’ she narrowed her eyes. ‘What’s the problem this time, Mum?’
Claire thought for a moment. She seemed conflicted about something, but eventually said, ‘I love Jayvani and want him to commit, but he’s being influenced by that cow of a mother of his.’
Now, she was getting somewhere. ‘If he loved you as much as you say then surely he won’t care what his mother thinks.’
Claire shook her head sadly. ‘It’s not like that. As much as I love him, and I do, he’s turned out to be just like all the other men I’ve known: soft when it comes to his mother.’
Bella could see that Claire was genuinely upset, and felt mean for delving into her private life. ‘It’s fine,’ she said. ‘If he doesn’t love you enough to come after you, or find a way to persuade you to go back to him, then he’s the one who’ll lose out.’ And the idiot, she thought, thinking how much fun her mum always was.
A large wave sent several pebbles crashing against the shutters making them jump. Bella couldn’t help worrying about Jack.
‘He’s a strapping lad and knows the sea well,’ her mother said, sensing her concern. ‘He won’t do anything reckless and I’m sure he’ll be home soon.’
Bella hoped she was right.