Page 17 of Sanctuary at MacLeod's Cove
She descended the stairs, thinking that he hadn’t once mentioned his father, his home or friends. It was almost as if they’d never existed. Maybe it was for the best.
Now she had to face the inquisition — also known as her mother and sister. Her toughest critics and biggest supporters.
Chapter Six
‘Spag bol!’ said Lucy appreciatively.
‘Jen insisted,’ said Kate with a grin.
‘It’s my signature dish,’ said Jen with mock indignation. ‘Mum practically forced me.’
Kate shot her an amused look.
‘Brilliant!’ said Lucy. ‘I remember it even though I must have been all of ten years old. I thought my big sister was a fabulous cook.’
‘You were deceived,’ said Jen. ‘I peaked with that dish. Now it’s salads for summer and one-pot slow-cooker meals for winter.’
‘You couldn’t do any wrong in your little sister’s eyes,’ said Kate.
‘Yeah.’ Lucy shot Jen an embarrassed grin. ‘I guess I did kind of heroine worship you a bit.’
‘You used to trail after her all the time,’ said Kate.
‘OK, Mum!’ remonstrated Lucy. ‘Now you’re making me sound like an idiot.’
‘It makes you sound as if you’re an excellent judge of character,’ said Jen. ‘Although, to be honest, I don’t remember.’
‘Well, she did,’ said Kate, topping up her wine. ‘If you didn’t let Lucy hang out with you, she followed you anyway.’
Lucy grinned. ‘OK, guilty as charged. I even followed you and Sam to the sand dunes, way up in the reserve. You thought you were alone.’
Jen blushed. ‘Oh, my God! What did you see?’
Lucy smirked. ‘Mother’s here, so I’ll spare your blushes.’
‘Thank goodness for that,’ said Kate, piling some dishes and cutlery onto a tray. ‘It was bad enough worrying about you all as children. The less I knew about what you were getting up to as teenagers, the better as far as I was concerned. Although your father didn’t share that view.’ She nodded towards the verandah doors. ‘Will someone open the doors, and we’ll eat outside tonight. It’s such a lovely evening. So warm considering spring hasn’t officially arrived yet.’
As Jen opened both French doors, the salty sea breeze swept over her. She watched as Lucy curled up on what was obviously her favourite seat, looking out to the sea. Lucy closed her eyes and sighed with pleasure.
‘Ah, this is nice. It’s been a busy day.’
As Lucy moved a cushion to make herself comfortable, the evening sun shone on her platinum blonde hair. Cut in a bob, which made her cheekbones and jawline sharper, Lucy was striking. There was something effortlessly cool about her — like she didn’t need to try, and so never did. Her direct, intelligent gaze was restless and didn’t land long on things, but you got the feeling it didn’t need to. It didn’t take her long to figure people out.
Lucy was different in her clothing and jewellery choices, too. Her earrings weren’t precious jewels but some kind of striated stone, like a fossil. As she leaned forward, a necklace swung out. Like her earrings it was unusual, its striking stone set in silver and gold.
‘That looks familiar,’ said Jen.
Lucy lifted the stone. ‘This? It’s my favourite. I nagged Mum until she gave it to me. I love fossil-like things, and I’ve never seen anything like this coral pattern before.’
‘What stone is it?’
Lucy shrugged. ‘I’m not sure. One of our regulars told me once, but I’ve forgotten.’
‘Can you clear a space?’ asked Kate as she stepped out onto the verandah, carrying a laden tray.
‘Sure!’
Jen shifted some pots containing newly planted seedlings and a collection of coffee cups, and Kate deposited the tray of food.
