Page 66 of Ask Another Day

‘I couldn’t help but overhear some of your conversation with Rose earlier. I wasn’t sure whether to say anything, but you’ve been so kind to me, Holly, and I want to see you happy.’

‘I am happy, Lucy.’

‘I think you could be happier. If the opinions of someone with a failed marriage under her belt is worth anything to you, don’t waste this opportunity with Seb. He clearly adores you and Natalie. And from the amount of times I’ve heard Natalie ask about him, he clearly means a lot to her too. Instead of worrying you two missed your chance, maybe make the most of this second chance?’

Without waiting for a response, Lucy made her way back upstairs, leaving Holly alone with her thoughts.

*

With both Lucy and Rose on similar pages, Holly found it hard to keep thoughts of Seb out of her head that morning. But finally being able to move more freely around was a wonderful distraction and she managed to keep herself busy, resisting the urge to reach out to him for a good couple of hours. Until he messaged her.

Seb:

Can you meet me at the beach in half an hour?

Holly:

Not sure that’s a good idea

Seb:

Please. It won’t take long

Holly:

Easy for you to say. My ankle is still not 100%

Seb:

Then meet me at The Book Nook?

Holly:

And have Rose and Eleanor eaves dropping

No thanks

Seb:

See you at the beach then

Holly let out a sigh, but she knew she’d go.

Holly:

OK

Half an hour later, with Luke covering for her at the pub, Holly eased herself onto the beach and found Seb staring out at the rough waves that crashed against the rocks. She was hit with a serious case of déjà vu as the sight reminded her of the last time they’d been at the beach together like this. As if sensing her approach, he turned and smiled at her. It was an easy smile, the sort they’d shared countless times as teenagers. She’d missed that smile.

‘You came,’ he said, taking a step towards her.

At those words, combined with the hope in his eyes, her shattered heart started to piece itself back together. It was still a little battered, but felt stronger than before. She’d been foolish to think she’d be able to just stay friends with this man, not now she knew how he felt about her.

‘I came,’ she simply said, fighting the urge to make a flippant response. She didn’t want to do anything to make that smile go anywhere.

‘So I received a letter this morning,’ he said, turning to look out at the water again.

‘Is everything OK with Danny?’ Holly’s thoughts raced with possibilities.