Summer at West Sands Guest House: A perfect feel good, uplifting romantic comedy

Molly took a gulp of wine, her mind calculating how long she had to shore up her defences before facing her mother’s barrage of concern.

A sudden high-pitched scream from outside indicated delight had turned to disaster and five seconds later Lily marched in followed by a sheepish looking Luke. They were both drenched.

‘Mum, he squirted the water at my face on purpose and hit my eye.’ Lily was close to tears, her face puce with indignation. Anna sighed, automatically rising from her seat to mediate.

‘Remember I said no faces, Luke? Say sorry to Lily, please.’

‘Sorry, Lily,’ he parroted. Then with all remorse instantly forgotten he turned to Molly. ‘Is Uncle Colin not coming to see us anymore?’

‘Shut up, Luke.’ Lily scowled.

The simplicity and unexpectedness of the question took Molly by surprise, as did the tears that suddenly welled in her eyes.

‘Right you two. Upstairs for showers now!’ Stuart interjected. ‘Tell you what,’ he said, turning to his wife and Molly. ‘Why don’t you two take a stroll? Go and have a drink somewhere and I’ll deal with these two little horrors.’

Molly wasn’t sure she was in the mood to go out. All her recent interactions with people had been confined to work colleagues and even having a meal with Stuart and Anna had felt slightly alien. But Anna was clapping her hands together, rushing over to plant a kiss on Stuart’s cheek.

‘Come on, Molly, let’s go before he changes his mind.’

After a quick freshen up – and in Molly’s case a few private moments to compose herself – the two women were soon strolling along the cobbled streets, the setting sun casting the last of its golden rays over the town. Most of the shops had closed but there were plenty of people milling around, choosing where to have their evening meal.

Anna turned her head towards Molly. ‘Sorry about Luke earlier. We didn’t say anything to him but he must have overheard us talking.’ She grimaced.

Molly waved her hand indicating it was nothing. ‘Don’t worry. Besides, he’s only five. It’s not his fault.’

‘I understand you don’t want to talk about things, but you are okay? Stuart has been worried about you.’

‘I know,’ Molly sighed, hating the thought of her family worrying about her.

She frowned, trying to remember the last time Colin had even seen her family, realising he had managed to extricate himself from any recent gatherings. She’d always hoped Colin and Stuart would have bonded but it had never happened.

‘Colin and Stuart never did have much in common, did they?’ she commented now.

‘They were very different people,’ Anna said diplomatically. ‘As long as you know we’re here for you.’

‘Thanks. But honestly I’m fine,’ Molly replied, forcing a bright smile.

Steering away from the main street and down a little lane, they found a rustic-looking pub and were soon ensconced at a table surrounded by the hum of conversation and the occasional peals of laughter erupting from a group sitting at one of the larger tables.

‘Cheers.’ They clinked glasses.

‘You’re going to love it here,’ Molly enthused. ‘What a great place for the children to grow up.’

Anna made a face, picking up her glass. ‘I’m not sure Lily would agree with you, she’s very unsure about the whole move.’

Molly had noticed Lily seemed a bit quiet, even for her. ‘Is she really worried?’

‘She’s a bit sensitive just now – I think that’s why she over-reacted with Luke earlier. It’s fair to say she resents us for dragging her away from all her old friends to a new school. I’ve tried to tell her everything will be fine but she’s so shy and you know how cruel children can be.’

‘I don’t suppose anyone wants to be the new kid at school, do they?’

Molly’s heart went out to her niece. She knew all the reassurances in the world wouldn’t stop Lily worrying about her first day at a new school not knowing anyone. ‘Hopefully being in a small community will make it easier for her to make new friends.’

Anna agreed. ‘That’s why I’d like to try and get a new house sorted as soon as possible – I think being settled before the children start school will help. Plus if I stay in the guest house too long I’ll feel like I’m on a permanent holiday and that won’t do at all.’

Molly looked affectionately at her sister-in-law. Her petite frame, elfin-cut blonde hair and large blue eyes belied the strength of the woman underneath. As well as being one of the smartest people Molly had ever met, she was one of the most driven with a work ethic that put lesser mortals to shame.

Anna had met Stuart when he had moved to work in Manchester. She worked for a high-tech company and did amazing things with computers that Molly didn’t understand. After the children were born she set up as a freelance software developer and was so successful that now people came to her. She didn’t do rest. For as long as Molly had known her, Anna had always been involved in some job, working long hours. And being your average everyday super woman, she appeared to balance it all.

Except looking at her now, Molly could see tiredness etched on her features, a lack of her customary sparkle. But then it was hardly surprising, she’d had a horrible eighteen months. She had lost both her parents and as an only child she’d taken the full brunt of the dealing with the illnesses that had claimed first her mother and then her father. Molly had met Anna’s parents at the odd family occasion. They had been lovely and Molly could only imagine how painful it must be for Anna to lose them both.

‘What about you, how have you been?’ Molly asked her now.

‘Oh, I’m fine,’ she replied breezily.

‘You don’t have a job on at the moment, do you?’

‘No, I’m taking a few weeks off for the move.’

‘I’m glad to hear it. I know things have been difficult but hopefully this will be a fresh start for all of you,’ Molly encouraged.

Anna attempted a smile but didn’t quite make it.

Molly looked at her with concern. ‘Are you sure you’re all right?’

Anna sighed and looked down. ‘I know moving here is the right thing. It’s just the thought of starting over and meeting new people can seem a bit daunting I suppose. I’ve always lived in a city with Mum and Dad close by and I suppose I miss them more than I could have thought possible.’ She lifted her hands then let them drop in her lap.

Molly reached over and squeezed her arm. ‘It’s going to take time.’

Anna stared into her glass before taking a deep breath. ‘You’re right.’ She sat up straight, giving herself a shake. ‘And as you say, coming here is a new start. Will we have one more before we go? This is your first night here and we better make the most of it. I’ll make them large.’

Molly watched Anna make her way to the bar. She knew the alcohol had lowered her defences but it was still odd to see Anna, usually so strong and confident, sounding despondent.

She could only imagine how difficult it must be for Anna and wished she could find words to give her comfort. At least she knew she could be here for her and vowed there and then to do as much as possible to help in any way she could. It also showed her that her decision not to unload any of her own woes had been the right thing to do. Anna and Stuart had quite enough to deal with.

Anna appeared brighter as she brought their drinks over and proposed a toast.

‘Here’s to summer,’ she said lifting her glass. ‘I’m so glad you came.’

‘As long as I’m not in the way.’

Anna shook her head. ‘But I will admit, I do have an ulterior motive. I was hoping you’d help me look for houses – you know what Stuart’s like. Ask him anything you want about medieval kings but he’s not so hot on the merits of south-facing gardens.’

Molly giggled. ‘Of course, I’d love to help you.’

‘I’ve already seen an estate agent and got a viewing lined up.’

‘That’s exciting.’