Page 8 of The Beach Cottage
Her father’s kitchen was a little dated, but it was spacious and well-equipped and one of her favourite places to work, since it had large picture windows that looked out across the ocean and she could stand at the bench and enjoy the view while she cooked. She also loved his marble bench tops in charcoal with grey streaks — they were a complete contrast to the latest trend of building everything in sterile white, as were the dark timber cabinets.
“What are you making there, honey?” Dad came up behind her, his hair dripping wet from the shower. He peered over her shoulder.
“Gyoza.”
“Huh?”
“Dumplings,” she replied with a smile, setting another dumpling on the plate.
“Oh, right. Looks nice.”
“You like dumplings, don’t you?”
“Not sure. Don’t think I’ve ever had them.”
She frowned. “Really? Well, I think you’ll like them. They’re very tasty.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” He walked into the lounge room and sat in his armchair with a sigh. “That feels better.” He raised the footrest and leaned back, eyes shut.
“Busy day?” Bea asked.
He nodded. “I did some slashing in the bottom paddock. The grass got really high this summer with all the rain.”
“Didn’t the neighbours used to bring their horses over to help keep the grass down for you?”
“They’ve been a bit slack this year. I think they sold a couple of them and haven’t replaced them yet. The girls are in pony club, but not sure how much longer they’ll be doing it. They’ve almost finished high school.”
“Wow. Time flies,” Bea said.
“How’s the cottage?” Dad asked.
“It’s great,” Bea replied. “I love it there. It’s so tranquil. I feel like I’m on an extended holiday. I miss having Dani around, but it’s good to know she’s back in Sydney studying to do something she loves. I don’t want her to miss out on anything.”
“The way you did?” Dad opened one eye to peer at her.
Bea’s lips pulled into a straight line. “I suppose so. I don’t regret having the children, of course. But maybe I should’ve waited a little longer — done some things for myself.”
“There’s no time like the present.”
Bea laughed. “What — you think I should go to university now? I’m not too old?”
He huffed. “Of course you’re not too old. If you want to study something, change course, go for it. But if you like what you’re doing, then don’t. I think it’s important not to have regrets. Especially when you can do something about it. If there’s something you’ve always wished you could do, now’s the best time to do it. The kids are grown, you’ve got a little nest egg saved up, you don’t have a husband to think of…”
Her heart squeezed at his words. She didn’t have anyone to think of any longer. Only herself. Now that her husband had moved on with his mistress and her boyfriend had broken up with her to spend time getting to know his new daughter, she was completely alone in the world.
Dad studied her face. “Sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to strike a nerve. But you get my point.”
She set the plate of dumplings aside. “You’re right, of course. Not having anyone in my life gives me the opportunity to make choices I might not have made otherwise. I should try to look at it as a positive thing.”
“That’s my girl.”
“But I think the cafe is a good start for me. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“I’m proud of you,” he said.
Bea continued working, and in a few minutes, she heard the faint sounds of snoring coming from Dad’s armchair. She smiled and went to pull a knitted blanket over his legs before returning to the kitchen to continue slicing vegetables.
A truck pulled into the driveway. Bea heard the engine growl before it switched off. A few moments later, her younger brother, Bradford, barrelled through the front door.
