She paused and allowed the sea breeze to whip around her face. She had a feeling she’d be needing as much calm as she could get and was glad of the sea. Somehow, being beside such a huge expanse of natural creation made all of her problems suddenly feel tiny. It was a welcome feeling, one that she could get used to. All she wanted was to forget. Forget everything that had happened and take some time out of life for herself. She needed to think about what she’d do, because for the first time in forever, she didn’t have a plan.
Laurie walked back to the car at a slow and leisurely pace, her hands swinging by her sides, which already felt different to her usual power-walk that had helped her speed through the busy London streets. When she reached the car, she climbed in, sat still for a moment and allowed herself to take a few deep breaths. All those people from work who looked upon her with admiration and awe would be surprised to find her there like that, shoulders slumped and head resting against the steering wheel. The image was strange and out of the ordinary for someone so in control and sure of themselves.
Dolly’s Diner’s anniversary party was in full swing and Mia was having a complete blast. Although everyone was there to celebrate the diner, it was also the last day of June, meaning that preparations for summer would be taking place over the next couple of weeks. July and August always saw Sunset Bay swarming and this only added to the buzz of excitement in the air.
The 50s tracks were filling the diner up with music and the chatter and laughter of the party guests were almost competing with it in volume. There were people everywhere, drinks everywhere, and normally Mia would have been panicking about the diner getting into a state, but tonight she was relaxed and carefree and basking in the party-glow and atmosphere.
Johnno from the pub across the way, along with his lovely wife, Saffy, had offered to provide the food for the party and now each table in every booth was filled with foil trays full of all manner of buffet food. Cocktail sausages, chicken drumsticks, mini pizzas and quiches. It looked marvellous and Mia couldn’t thank them enough for helping her out at such short notice. Pollyanna and her mum had even made 50s-style cupcakes but they’d been snapped up almost as soon as the gaggle of party guests had arrived, much like the sausage rolls and variety of sandwiches. Despite the guests having descended upon the trays like greedy piglets, there was still quite a bit left, which Mia was glad of. People were still arriving and it really wouldn’t do to not have enough food for them, too.
Pollyanna was behind the serving counter, passing across drinks to the guests, although she was hovering between there and the makeshift dance floor that had apparently appeared in the middle of the diner where a few guests were having a boogie. Mia glanced across at her and admired how much the 50s look suited the diner’s young waitress. Pollyanna’s hair had been pinned into victory rolls and her make-up looked superb; it was almost as if she’d stepped right out of a vintage poster. Her lips were a dark red, the liner across her eyelids veered off into a perfect flick, and the dress? Well, it was perfect for her.
‘Mia!’
Jack Nelson and his wife stood before her, thankfully without the ever-energetic Willie. ‘Oh, I’m so pleased you’re here. Thank you for coming.’ Mia passed pleasantries with the old couple before indicating the food and drink. ‘Please, help yourselves and have a wonderful evening.’
‘It looks fantastic, Mia,’ said Mavis admiringly. She was wearing a deep blue dress with sensible but pretty heels on her feet. ‘You’ve done a great job.’
‘I can’t take all of the credit,’ she replied with a smile. ‘But you’re right, it does look great, doesn’t it? Anyway, I need to go and mingle, so I’ll leave you to it.’ Mia headed off to join Pollyanna behind the counter. ‘God, I didn’t realise so many people were coming.’
‘You don’t give yourself and this place enough credit, Mia. Of course this many people were coming; they all love you.’
Mia beamed. ‘You think so?’
‘I know so.’
‘Any sign of Cal yet?’ Mia asked as she cast her eyes about the diner, while at the same time attempting to appear unbothered in regards to his presence. In truth, there was a slight tingle in her fingers whenever she wondered about what he’d look like tonight. Gorgeous, no doubt, even more so with Hannah on his arm. She worked to ensure her expression remained unchanging. ‘He’s bringing Hannah.’
Pollyanna passed a glass of wine across to a waiting guest. ‘Who cares? Was she even invited?’
‘Cal asked if he could bring her as a plus-one. I could hardly say no.’
They giggled together and then, as if summoned by Mia and Pollyanna’s thoughts, the diner door opened and in they walked. Cal and Hannah, looking like they’d been matched as a pair by God himself.
Mia’s knees buckled just a little bit as she took in the sight of him. Even if she’d wanted to look at Hannah, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from Cal, with his hair brushed back, the tight black trousers and leather jacket. He looked as if he’d just stepped off the stage after playing a leading role in a 50s movie.
‘Speak of the devil and she may appear,’ Pollyanna muttered beneath her breath. ‘I’m off to find someone to dance with. Catch you later.’ With a last fleeting glare towards Hannah, Pollyanna wandered off to find her victim.
Alone, Mia watched as Cal chatted with a few of the guests as he slowly tried to make his way towards her through the groups of people. Hannah lingered at the side of his body with her arm tucked through his. She looked uncomfortable, as if she couldn’t associate with the people crowding around them, like they were beneath her somehow. Mia shook her head as she helped herself to a bottle of beer. She didn’t drink often but tonight was a celebration and she definitely deserved some enjoyment.
The truth was, she didn’t get out much. With the demands of the diner, it didn’t really leave her with much free time to do as she pleased. In all honesty, choosing to spend her free time getting drunk off her face until the cows came home probably wasn’t her preference anyway. Plus, in three years she’d be turning thirty, and she felt that the time for partying had passed her by. She wasn’t too fussed really. She lived vicariously through Pollyanna, who always had gossip about nights out with her friends when she visited them out of town to share. Sometimes, when listening to Pollyanna talk about her latest adventures, Mia would watch her with wistful longing. She’d never experienced it herself. She’d been too focused on the diner and taking care of Grandma Dolly. She supposed she’d made the decision to not live that sort of life when she’d moved to Sunset Bay.
‘Hello, you.’
Mia looked up and found Cal sitting on the bar stool on the opposite side of the counter. He was leaning in close. ‘Hey, Cal. Great turn out tonight, right?’ She smiled and passed him a beer. ‘Hannah looks great.’
Cal laughed to himself. ‘Yeah, but I think I’m the one that deserves all the praise. I even have the toothcomb poking out of my back pocket. Look.’ He hopped off the stool and turned around, giving Mia no choice but to look at his arse, which looked delectable in those tight, black trousers. Shapely and firm and …
‘Cal! What on earth are you doing?’ Hannah was blinking between the two of them, as if she’d just caught them in bed together. It was obvious she disapproved and Mia had to stifle a snort.
‘I was just showing Mia my comb.’ He sent a wink Mia’s way before returning to the stool. ‘Chill, Hannah. Do you want a drink?’
Hannah made a show of studying what was on offer with obvious distaste while Mia prepared herself for having to tell her that they were all out of champagne. ‘We have wine or beer?’
‘Wine would be great. Thanks.’
Mia got to work, wiggling her knees to the music as she poured wine into a