Page 47 of Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

‘You paint a wonderful picture, Stella.’ Bill laughed as he pushed himself up from the table. ‘Coffee it is then. Another flat white?’ He gave Stella an enquiring look.

‘Great, thanks, Bill.’

Moments later, he brought three steaming mugs of coffee through on a tray, setting them out on the table with a plate of cookies. Between them, Pim and Stella shared what had beensaid, Bill listening with interest, his eyes growing wide at times. It was agreed that the two half-siblings had much to catch up on, which both were keen to do. With that in mind, Pim and Stella arranged to meet up on Sunday morning – a quiet time for The Cellar – and maybe go for a walk if the weather was kind. ‘You guys need time to talk, just the two of you,’ Bill said.

As Stella drained her mug, thoughts of her mum began filtering into her mind. She needed to speak to her as a priority. She may have declined the invitation to meet with Johan, but Stella knew she’d be anxious to hear what had been discussed. Stella was also worried that Johan might seek her out and fill her in on what had been said; she wanted to be the first to share it with her mum, not some man whom she had a sneaking suspicion would give some one-sided version of the conversation.

Stella couldn’t deny, she was still smarting that she’d been left in the dark about her father for so many years, but she had to concede, her mother had been right about him. The impression he’d created was that he was a selfish, self-absorbed and conceited man who too easily absolved himself of anything he considered unpalatable. That he had several children scattered far and wide with whom he had no contact was evidence of that, as was the fact that not once during their conversation had he asked anything about Pim or her. He was clearly only interested in one person, and that was himself.

While the three were chatting away, an urgent rapping at the door caught their attention.

‘Who the heck could that be?’ asked Bill, checking his watch before pushing his chair back.

‘I sincerely hope it’s not Johan coming back to deliver more of his crap,’ said Pim. ‘I’ve had about as much of that as I can take for one day.’

‘Same here,’ said Stella, just as her mobile started ringing from her bag. She rummaged for it as Bill went to see who was knocking at the door. ‘Oh!’ She was surprised to see the call was from her mum. She went to press the answer icon, frowning as she became aware of a familiar voice in conversation with Bill in the bar. It couldn’t be, could it?

TWENTY-SEVEN

The voices drew closer and moments later, Alice appeared in the doorway, looking flustered and short of breath.

Stella’s mouth fell open. ‘Mum! I thought you couldn’t make it?’

‘Sorry, lovey, I didn’t think I was going to be able to.’ Alice glanced around the room, wringing her hands together. ‘But it looks like I’m too late anyway. Or didn’t he turn up?’

‘If you mean Johan, oh, he turned up all right.’ Pim rolled his eyes. ‘Left in a bit of a hurry not five-minutes ago.’

Alice’s face fell. ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, Stella, sweetheart. I got here as quickly as I could.’

‘It’s okay, Mum.’ Stella didn’t like seeing her usually confident mother looking so harassed. Johan de Groote most certainly wasn’t worth that.

‘Can I get you a coffee, Alice?’ Bill asked, resting his hand on her arm.

Stella spoke before her mum could reply. ‘Actually, Bill, you’ve been so kind, but I think I’ve taken up enough of your time; you’ll need to open the bar soon. I think I should head back to my apartment, get my head around all we’ve heard thismorning. I can update my mum there. If you’ve got time, that is, Mum? There’s quite a lot to tell.’

‘I’ve got time, sweetheart. My car’s parked just outside, I’ll drive us there.’

Stella smiled at her mum, feeling a rush of love for her. It meant more than she could express that she’d turned up, even though she’d missed Johan. And a part of Stella was actually glad she had. Something told her he’d do all he could to get under her mum’s skin. Stella would have hated that, especially now Rhys was in the picture; she didn’t want Johan to cause problems there. She found herself thinking he wasn’t a patch on Rhys.

Stella and her mum were heading up the steps to her apartment when they encountered Alex making his way down with a jaunty-looking Fred on the end of a lead. They paused on the half-landing, the Labrador wagging his tail happily, evidently pleased to see Stella.

‘Hi there, Fred.’ She bent, giving him a sound pat. She noted Alex was looking achingly handsome in a V-neck sweater, the white of a T-shirt peering in the gap, and a pair of well-fitting jeans. His familiar aroma sent her senses dancing.

‘Stella, how are you doing?’ he said, resting his hand on her arm, concerned eyes searching her face.

‘I’m fine, thanks.’ She smiled up at him. ‘Are you and Fred off out for a walk?’ Her heart flipped as their eyes met. It was quickly followed by a warning note that threaded its way through her thoughts. Since meeting her father her doubts about relationships had begun to gain strength.

‘We are. I’ve just got back from seeing a client, thought I’d whisk this lad out before I head out on my next appointment.’ His gaze switched to Alice. ‘Hello there.’ He smiled, giving her a polite nod.

‘Hello,’ said Alice.

‘Oh, how rude of me. I’m so sorry. Been a bit of a morning.’ Stella rolled her eyes at her lack of manners. ‘Mum, this is my neighbour, Alex. Alex, this is my mum, Alice.’

‘Good to meet you, Alice.’ Alex held out his hand.

Alice took it. ‘Hello, there Alex, it’s good to meet you too.’ She gave her daughter an enquiring smile. Stella quickly averted her gaze.

‘Right well, much as I’d love to catch up with you,’ he said, looking meaningfully at Stella, ‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to dash or I won’t make my appointment.’

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