Deep dark secrets, p.39
Deep Dark Secrets, page 39
Two weeks before Christmas Alex’s brother and sister announced they were planning to visit. Nell had answered the phone a couple of times to his sister, Cassie, and knew from snatches of conversation she overheard that she was curious to know who Alex was shacking up with.
‘I think they want to check you out?’ he admitted a couple of days before they were due to arrive, as they walked the dogs along the beach one evening.
‘Okay,’ Nell replied, feeling a little apprehensive. Having grown up with such a dysfunctional family unit she always felt uncomfortable in these situations. ‘So, no pressure then?’
‘Cassie’s a headcase, so you two will get on great, and Joe’s a lush. Ply him with alcohol and he won’t notice you’re certifiable, trust me.’
When she pulled a face at him, he grinned, leaning in and giving her a kiss.
The pair of them, along with Joe’s wife, Lacey, were planning on staying at the Purity Oaks Hotel and Alex had invited them over for dinner on the Saturday night.
‘I guess I should decide what to cook,’ Nell announced, picking up a pebble and throwing it into the surf. Teddy darted after it, disappearing into the freezing water.
Alex shot her a look. ‘You want to poison my family?’
‘Hey, my cooking is not that bad.’
‘Yeah it is, Nell.’ He arched a brow. ‘I’ve tried it. And yes, I know I’m still alive to tell the tale, but that is down to a strong stomach and pure luck.’
‘Oh, stop being so dramatic. I don’t mind cooking.’
‘But I do.’ He grinned slyly. ‘I want them to like you, remember? We’ll order something in.’
As they walked back to the house, the dogs running on ahead, Nell spotted a figure standing on the back deck. She gripped hold of Alex’s hand.
He glanced over to where she pointed, squinting. ‘It’s Michael.’ Nell felt her heartbeat quicken and she let go and hurried back towards the house. ‘Michael?’
He spotted her, stepped down onto the beach and started running across the sand. They met halfway and then he was scooping her up in a bear hug, arms tightening around her.
‘I have missed you so much.’
‘Yeah, me too,’ he told her, swinging her around.
As they walked back to the house, Nell realised Newt was also standing on the deck, looking out to sea. She glanced at Michael then Alex, her expression a little wary.
‘Go on,’ Michael urged her. ‘It will be fine.’
Hesitantly Nell approached Newt, leaving Alex and Michael talking down on the beach.
‘Hey, Nell.’ Newt’s tone was light, but he sounded awkward, a little uncomfortable even.
Nell stepped onto the decking, went to him. ‘Hey, Newt. How are you doing?’
‘I’m okay.’ There was a long pause. ‘Well, no, I’m not okay, but I’m getting there.’ He paused. ‘I’m sorry for what Luke did.’
‘It’s not your fault.’
‘No, so people keep on telling me. I guess he was my brother though, so I have to figure out a way to convince myself of that.’ He gave a sad smile. ‘I’m getting there though, I promise. As long as we’re okay.’
‘We’re more than okay.’ Nell stepped forward, slipped her arms around him. ‘We’ll get through this, together.’
Newt hugged her back and nodded as he pressed his head against her shoulder, and they stood there for a few moments until Alex and Michael rejoined them on the deck.
‘Have you guys eaten?’
Michael shook his head at Alex. ‘Not since this morning.’
‘I’ll order in pizza.’
Michael glanced at Newt; got the okay. ‘Yeah, sure. That would be good.’
Alex unlocked the French doors, let Michael and Newt inside. He looked back at Nell and held out his hand. ‘You okay?’
She smiled. ‘Yeah, I’m okay. In fact, I’m more than okay.’
She took his hand, brushed a kiss against his lips, and led him inside.
Her brother was finally home, things were going to be okay with Newt, and she had Alex by her side. Everything was going to be fine.
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THE END
Acknowledgements
I may write the story, but as always there are a number of people who help make the finished article what it is and I would like to take a moment to thank them.
To my beta team, Jo, Andrea, Paula, Sally, Christine, Jeff and Janet, I say a huge thank you. Your support, encouragement and honest feedback makes my job so much easier. To Jeff and Janet in particular, my US angels, who checked my manuscript for any inconsistencies and patiently answered all of my questions, you did a wonderful job and I am in your debt. Any mistakes in the finished book are mine, not yours. And also to Jo, who has to take credit for Purity Island. I may have set the scene, but she came up with the name.
To Antonia Richardson, the winner of my competition to have a character named after her – thank you for entering.
I doubt I will ever write a book without calling on my police detective sister, Holly Beevis. Thank you for always answering my (often bizarre) questions.
Finally, to my wonderful readers: without you I am nothing. Thank you for your continued support of my writing and especially to those of you who take the time to engage with me on my Facebook page, send me pictures of my books in some wonderful locations and poses, and who spread the word to other readers. You really are the best bunch of people a girl from Norfolk, UK, could ever hope to have on her side.
A note from the publisher
Thank you for reading this book. If you enjoyed it please do consider leaving a review on Amazon to help others find it too.
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