Page 48 of The Seaside Supper Club

A flicker of tight emotion – concern, that might have been laced with jealousy – crossed Sophie’s face. ‘We’re your family,’ she stated coolly, which was pointedly meant to infer that Cath wasn’t.

Cath remained calm, despite her own storm rolling inside. The risotto hit a wave of nausea. The girls were bound to feel gutted, and emotions were riding high. This was never going to be easy, after all. ‘Your dad’s just been trying to do the best for you both,’ she said gently.

Will nodded, giving a weak smile.

‘Look, we need to all work together on this. Be a team for your dad now,’ Cath continued, sensitively taking the lead. ‘He’s got a big operation tomorrow, and it’s likely to take weeks before he feels himself again. But listen, in the long run, the prognosis is very positive. The consultant has reassured us of that.’ She wanted to set the girls’ minds at rest that this was a very different journey than the dreadful one they’d been on with their mother.

‘Oh, Dad.’ Sophie got up and moved over to him to give him a big hug. Maddie was soon there with them, too. The three of them, in a huddle.

This was the key, Cath suddenly understood, watching them cling on to each other. Her role was to keep reminding them all of the things to look forward to, whilst soldiering on through this together. She would be there, supporting this precious family that she so wanted to become an integral part of in time, through Will’s treatment. Keeping that sense of hope alive, and loud and clear throughout, that would be Cath’s mission in helping them all. And providing a tasty supper or two, of course.

‘I’ll just go and put the kettle on for us all,’ she said softly. Giving them a little more space to process this news.

*

They were standing together on Will’s doorstep, in the fading light. Time to get home, Cath thought, feeling such a reluctance to leave. She looked up at him. This man whom she’d fallen in love with all over again, since that very first time, way back in their teens. Her heart felt so tender, it almost hurt. She’d so wanted to stay over with Will this evening, to be there in support … But everything had changed with that call from Sophie.

And now, the pair of them needed some rest, before the big day tomorrow, though she wasn’t sure how likely rest was for any of them. She had a feeling that sleep might prove elusive. Cath was still on to collect Will at 6.15 a.m., ready to take him to the hospital for the appointed 7.30 a.m. arrival time. Though Maddie had offered to drive him there, he’d insisted it was Cath who’d take him. After that, they weren’t quite sure what time his surgery might be; it depended where he fell on the surgeon’s list, apparently.

‘I’m sorry, I hoped you might stay tonight,’ said Will, his voice hushed.

‘Me, too,’ admitted Cath. ‘It’s okay. I understand things have changed. It doesn’t seem right now, does it.’ Understatement of the year, that’d feel like stirring a hornet’s nest with Sophie and Maddie home, to be honest. ‘But the girls needed to know. That’s done now. It’s a big day tomorrow, and then we can all move on. Onwards and upwards, hey.’ She forced an encouraging smile.

‘Yeah, hopefully.’

‘I’ll be there for you, Will. Whatever you need …’ Her throat felt tight with emotion.

‘Come here.’ And he folded her into his arms in a warm and loving embrace. They held on extra tight and extra long. Squeezing every second out of it.

Will’s world had already changed with this diagnosis. But tomorrow felt pivotal, and so significant. How the surgery went could affect the rest of his life; all of his tomorrows …

‘I love you, Mr Matthewson. And don’t you forget that.’ Saying those words felt easier now.

‘Love you, too, Ms Taylor.’ And in the midst of so much angst, somehow, he managed to make that sound a little bit naughty.

Cath went in for a second hug, pulling away reluctantly to say, ‘Sweet dreams. Take care. And I’ll see you in the morning, 6.15 sharp.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

Chapter 20

The early morning air was chilly, and a little misty, as she stepped out of her car to walk up Will’s front path. Such a different start from her magical morning at the beach.

The day was here. And so was Cath, ready to take him to the hospital for his op. Though she felt anxious, there was also a sense of relief that this was it. That the surgery would be happening. And that somehow, they’d forge a path from here. Cath had shifted a few tutorials around this week, to be there with Will when needed.

He was at the door by the time she lifted her hand to knock. Aware of the early hour, and with the girls at home, she wasn’t sure whether to use the doorbell. There’d have been no worries about waking them, however, as they were both here, still in their dressing gowns with bed-head hair, ready to see him off. And that was lovely. They were here for him, too.

His hospital bag was in hand, with a few essentials packed.

‘Okay? Ready?’ asked Cath, straightforwardly.

‘As ready as I ever will be.’ He gave a cautious smile.

‘Oh, Dad. Take care.’ Sophie rushed to his side.

‘Go smash it, Dad. Hope the op goes great. Get the fucker out,’ said Maddie.

‘Will do. Clive is to be forever banished.’ He must have shared its name with the girls last night. ‘And hey, I’ll be fine,’ Will reassured.