Natalie shuffled over to sit beside her on the couch, rose up, fished out a naked baby doll, tossed it aside, then sat down again. ‘Like I said, Soph, I didn’t want to upset you. I love you to bits. And I know how much Herring Cove means to you. How important routine is to you. It keeps you safe, secure.’ Natalie opened her arms as Bella ran full tilt towards her wanting a cuddle. She caught her in her arms and brought her close, breathing in the scent of her hair.
Apples and sunshine. Sophie knew. Sophie had taken enough surreptitious sniffs of her own.
Natalie released Bella and turned to face Sophie. ‘Have you seen the offer? You must’ve if he’s been to see you.’
Sophie sucked in her lower lip, refused to meet Natalie’s gaze.
‘You didn’t? Oh, Soph.’ Natalie shook her head. ‘He’s not some dodgy dealer trying to get the best deal possible in order to turn a quick buck. It was serious money. Well above what this place is worth. I mean, the roof leaks even when it drizzles. I have to get all the pots, pans and buckets out when it rains proper. To fix this place up?’ Her eyes searched the ceiling, as if its peeling paint would provide answers. She shrugged and met Sophie’s gaze once again. ‘Well, it’d cost more money than I’m likely to have anytime soon. But what he offered me? Offered us? It’s a game-changer.’
Curiosity loosened the anguish in Sophie’s stomach. Not because she’d sell. That would never happen. She’d no more share what few remaining memories she had of her parents for fear she’d lose them. The way her mother’s hugs smelled of rose-scented moisturiser. The way her father’s jumpers were a mix of his spicy aftershave and the smoke from his pipe he’d enjoy every evening after dinner, while nursing a whisky.
‘Would you look at that. I think I see a reduction in that worry wrinkle of yours. Does this mean you’re interested in just how rich I’m about to become?’
‘No, not at all.’ Sophie massaged the line between her brows. ‘Not really. Just…’
‘You’re wondering what you’re missing out on? Wondering what it would take for me to leave this leaky old house with a fabulous view of the sea that stretches all the way out to the horizon?’ Natalie’s knee nudged Sophie. ‘Go on, admit it. You want to know.’
Sophie returned the nudge, a smile playing about her lips. She didn’t get in a funk often, but on the odd occasion that she did, Natalie always knew how to get her out of it. ‘Fine. I’m just a bit… Okay, a lot interested. But not because I’d sell.’
‘I know. You never would.’ Natalie draped an arm around Sophie’s shoulders and brought her into a cuddle.
‘Never could. I love that place. It’s where I belong. But enough about me, tell me, just how much money is being flung your way?’ Sophie glanced out the window. Night had fallen and though she couldn’t see the endless stretch of sea, the sound of waves crashing onto sand told her it was still there. As it always would be.
‘Enough money that I’m in the mood for a celebratory glass of wine. Just the one though. This lot had me up at the crack of dawn. Any more than one glass and I’m liable to fall asleep on the couch and they’ll be putting themselves to bed. Bella and Joe should’ve been in bed an hour ago as it is, but they’re refusing.’ Natalie stood and ruffled Bella’s hair as she passed her on the way to the kitchen. ‘Pinot gris okay?’ she called out.
In typical Natalie fashion, she didn’t wait for an answer and not twenty seconds later she walked back in with a glass of chilled wine in each hand. ‘Here you go.’
Sophie accepted the glass, then raised it in a toast. ‘To you, my friend. You’ve had it hard the last few months. You deserve this bit of luck.’
Natalie settled down onto the floor and began folding washing. ‘Indeed. And this money. Oh, it’s a glorious amount.’ A teasing smile flirted about her lips.
‘Enough that I’ll be seeing chunky diamonds dripping off those dainty fingers of yours? Or that you’ll be swanning round head to toe in designer duds?’
Natalie slid her hand into her jeans pocket and pulled out a perfectly folded square of crisp cream paper. Identical to the one Sophie had been offered and ignored earlier that day. ‘I’m not really meant to share how much it is… but you’re my best friend, family really, and I know you’re not going to blab it all over town if I show you, so, here.’
Sophie took the proffered piece of paper, opened it slowly, as if afraid it would bite. Or worse. Tempt.
‘This can’t be right.’ She glanced up to see Natalie nodding, a giant grin on her face. ‘There has to be one too many zeroes on here, surely?’
The nod morphed into a shake. ‘That’s what he offered. That’s what I accepted.’
‘Nat, with this kind of money you could…’ Sophie didn’t know where to start. She could buy a home that the family could grow into. She could build a house from scratch and still have plenty left over. This was life-changing money.
The kind of money that could change her life?
Sophie shoved the thought away. Yes, she needed money. But not if it meant selling the one place she loved more than anywhere else in the world.
‘So, what are your plans, Miss Moneybags?’
Natalie paused her folding, twisted a small pair of shorts around her hands, averted her gaze towards the corner of the room. Her smile disappeared as a cloud of concern darkened her features. Natalie was worried? When she may as well have won the lottery? But why?
‘I’m going to leave Herring Cove.’ The words came out a constrained whisper. Like it hurt her to say them. ‘I’m sorry.’
Now she understood. Natalie had been cagey about the deal because Natalie didn’t want Sophie to feel abandoned. To feel like she was losing her little family.
A painful lump appeared in Sophie’s throat. ‘I see.’
She knew she couldn’t leave it with just those words. Natalie deserved more. She’d always been so supportive, so there. Bringing Sophie home for afternoon tea after school. Inviting her to Christmas dinner leftovers knowing Sophie’s aunt would have fallen into a food and heavily-laced-with-sherry trifle coma after lunch that would last until the next morning.
When Sophie turned eighteen and her aunty decided it was time she returned to Manchester, it was Natalie, along with Ginny, who’d spent as many nights as possible at Sophie’s. Keeping her company. Keeping her sane. Ensuring she didn’t fall into the doldrums.
And how could she when they’d been the bright spots in her life. Her life could have gone in a very opposite direction without the love and strength of her friends. Their gorgeous qualities had reflected on Sophie, infused her. Given her a positivity and determination to keep on going even when loneliness or sadness reared its head.
‘It’s just… there are too many memories here.’ Natalie’s knuckles further whitened as she wrung the shorts tighter.
Sophie slid off the sofa and sat beside her friend, so close their knees were touching companionably. ‘Give those to me.’ She held her hand out for the shorts. ‘You’re going to tear them in two.’
Natalie relinquished the shorts. ‘I mean, there were great times here, but finding my ex cheating on me. In our bed. In this house. I can’t un-see it. It’s ruined the place.’ Tears welled up in her eyes, and she brushed them away. ‘Ugh. I’m not feeling sorry for myself. Not when I have that.’ She nodded to the paper, held gingerly between Sophie’s thumb and forefinger. ‘Not when