Page 98 of Chasing Dreams in Eversley Village

‘So this,’ Mitch said, gesturing out of the window towards the lodge, ‘is a bit of escapism. We’ve not talked about us. I don't know if there is an us.’

‘But you hope there is?’

Mitch nodded as he sat down at the table.

Rita walked over and took the chair opposite him. ‘I’ve never seen you like this with anyone, not even Vanessa.’

They sat in silence for a while until Rita broke it.

‘You’ve got to stop blaming yourself, Mitch. It wasn’t your fault. I think you should see what happens with Holly. Really, I do. Especially now the old man has gone. There’s no-one to upset.’ Rita stood up as a slice of bread pinged from the toaster. ‘Where are her parents? Did they retire?’

‘They died two years ago – road accident.’

Rita turned back to face him. ‘The poor girl. So much to deal with.’

‘I know. But she never wants help. I have to dress everything up like she’s doing me a big favour.’

Rita laughed. ‘Give her space, that’s my advice. When all these troubles are done, she’ll come to you – I’m sure of it.’

Mitch stood up and gave Rita a hug. ‘Now where do you suggest I take her for breakfast?’

‘I’d cook you some here but I’m off out after this slice of toast. I’m collecting supplies for the new intake before the tourists flood the supermarket. There’s Bella’s café, on the path to the coastal walk. You can take the dog there, too.’

Mitch nodded. ‘Great idea. Come on, Trixy.’

By the time Mitch returned to the lodge, Holly was dressed and ready for the day. He pulled her close. ‘You smell nice. We’d better go before I get you messy again.’

They walkedalong the road to the café, Mitch squeezed Holly’s hand. ‘I don’t want this to have been a one-off.’

‘Me neither,’ Holly said. ‘I wish every day could be as simple as this.’

‘I don’t want to put any pressure on you.’

‘Nor me on you. We’ve both got our baggage.’

‘I feel as if I don’t want to go back.’ Mitch stopped and pulled Holly to him, kissing her, holding her tight.

Reaching the café, they sat down. It was situated half-way up the cliff with a view of the bay before them. A long stretch of wide beach was visible with waves tumbling in – already dotted with surfers and further along, families with body boards. In the foreground there were children and adults climbing over the rock pools, with buckets and nets in bright greens, pinks and blues.

Holly finished checking the menu. ‘I’ll get this – my treat. What are you after?’

‘Bacon buttie and a mug of tea,’ Mitch said. He watched her walk into the café. Trixy stood up, so he grabbed her lead and pulled her close to him. ‘Stay,’ he said as she squirmed. He wondered why Holly was able to control his dog with one word and he failed.

Holly returned, smiling at him. She definitely suited shorts. He loved her outdoors look. A picture of Nina flashed into his mind.

‘Nothing happened with Nina you know,’ he said.

Holly raised her eyebrows. ‘Where did that come from?’

‘Not sure,’ Mitch laughed. ‘That day at the house, she left after tea. But I wasn’t sure why you gave her my number and told her I was a lonely loser.’

Holly laughed. ‘I said nothing of the sort. And I didn’t give her your number. She must have got it from someone else and nothing happened with Ethan either. I called it off.’

Their conversation was interrupted. ‘Two bacon sandwiches and a sausage on the side?’ the waiter said as he placed the tray on the table.

‘Are you having a bacon sandwich and a sausage?’ Mitch raised his eyebrows. ‘Got an appetite?’

‘No.’ Holly grinned. ‘The sausage is for Trixy.’

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