It’s dark outside now. I switch on the table lamp and go over to close the curtains. As I draw them together, the sound of a motorbike’s engine rumbling along the road catches my attention. I look out and as the bike passes under the street lighting, turning from Beach Road on to the main road into the village, I recognise the rider as Kerry.
He draws to a halt and lifts the goggles from his eyes. He looks up at the flat. I look back at him. I’m too far away and it’s too dark to see his face properly, but I know he can see me. After a moment, he blips the throttle and, flicking the bike into gear with his foot, pulls away from the kerb, disappearing out of sight. I can hear him as he turns into the bike yard. A rev of the engine before it’s cut.
I snag the curtains closed.
Chapter 27
I’m up early the next morning and am surprised to see that Mum is already dressed and sitting in the living room.
‘Morning. I thought you might have a bit of a lie-in.’
‘Old habits die hard,’ says Mum. ‘I wondered if you would like a hand opening up the café.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ I say. ‘You stay here and have a rest. Unless you really want to, that is.’ I wonder whether a bit of normality might help her. Perhaps seeing and chatting to the customers might be good.
‘I’ll come down with you,’ says Mum. ‘No point sitting up here on my own.’
The usual early-morning customers are in for their breakfast and I’m pleased to see they make a fuss of Mum. Asking how Dad is, offering their sympathies and any help she might need. It’s nice to see and I suspect it’s having a positive effect. She’s actually smiling and there’s a light behind her eyes: one I haven’t seen since arriving back in Rossway.
With each tinkle of the bell above the door announcing the arrival of a customer, I look up, expecting to see Kerry or Joe walk in. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to react. I can feel the apprehension building in my stomach as every minute passes.
It’s only a matter of time before they get here. Sure enough, at seven-thirty the two cousins bowl in.
‘Mrs Hurley,’ greets Joe. ‘Now, there’s a fine sight. Are you cooking breakfast today?’
‘It’s good to see you, Mrs Hurley,’ says Kerry. ‘How’s Jim?’
‘They’re going to try to wake him from his coma soon,’ says Mum and then turning to Joe. ‘Have you missed my cooking, then?’
‘Ah, we have, indeed,’ says Joe. He leans on the counter, beckoning Mum to do the same. ‘Much as I appreciate Erin’s culinary delights, they’re no match for yours.’ He shields his mouth with his hand and in a mock whisper, ‘But don’t tell Erin I said that. She’s a sensitive thing, that one.’ He winks.
Mum gives a chuckle while I force a smile. Kerry is looking at me, his face expressionless. I feel my heart sag, but try to disguise it by turning my attention back to Joe.
‘I’m not good enough now, is that it?’ I say, trying to sound light-hearted but not entirely convinced I’m doing a good job of it.
‘Ah, now, your mother here, she is the queen of the cooked breakfast,’ says Joe straightening up. ‘It would be more than my life’s worth to dethrone her.’
Mum laughs, which makes me smile. It’s nice to see her happy, if only for a while.
‘Go and sit down, boys,’ she says. ‘I’ll bring your food over in a while and Erin will be along with your coffees.’
I take the coffees over a few minutes later and, despite the hostilities from Kerry, decide there is nothing I can do for now but carry on.
‘How are Bex and the children?’ I ask as I place the drinks on the table, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Kerry.
‘They’re doing well,’ says Joe, his face lighting up as he speaks. ‘Breeze is living up to her name. She’s just a breeze to look after, says Bex. So easy, it’s like she’s always been with us.’
‘Bex is such a great mum,’ says Kerry. ‘A real natural. You’ve got a good one there, cuz.’
‘That’s good. Tell her I was asking after her,’ I say.
‘You might be able to tell her yourself,’ says Joe, stirring sugar into his cup. ‘She’s calling in at lunchtime to see me. I’ll get her to pop over.’
‘I won’t back from the hospital until around two,’ I reply. ‘If I don’t see her then, I’ll call by at some point.’ I could do with a friendly face, that’s for sure. I loiter for a moment. I want to ask Kerry if I can speak to him. We’ve unfinished business. We both know that. He didn’t stop outside the flat and look up at me for no reason and, yet, going by this morning, it would seem it’s the last thing on his mind. I feel confused, hurt and, above all, controlled. I don’t like that feeling, it’s far too familiar. A feeling I experienced for too long via Ed. I will just have to tell him now that I want to speak to him, but, as if he has anticipated the words, Kerry speaks to Joe.