Seaside Manor Bed and Breakfast by Lilly Mirren

Author:Lilly Mirren
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Lab Press

Chapter 19

Diana

Diana pressed her lips into a long, thin line. What could she say? Of course, Ben wanted to know about his father. It was only logical. But the truth wasn't something she was ready to spill. Her thoughts raced over the dominoes of revelation balanced in a line — if this one toppled how many others would it take down with it?

“I… uh… well, it makes sense you’d want to know about that.”

She took another bite of the grilled fish, along with a forkful of Greek salad and chewed slowly. He watched her all the while. Waiting, patient.

Diana glanced up and saw Cindy walk into the Emerald Cafe. In the same moment, her friend looked her way and caught her eye. Her lips broadened into a smile, and she strode in their direction.

“Oh wonderful, Cindy is here - the cafe owner.” Diana’s heart thundered against her ribcage. Her thoughts whirled. Overwhelmed, she pushed a smile to her face and relied on her well-honed manners to get her through this moment.

“Di, I didn’t know you were coming here for lunch.” Cindy kissed her cheek and slumped into a chair beside her. “Oh wow, I went for a walk around the point this morning and my feet are aching beyond belief.”

Cindy faced Ben. “Oh, I’m so sorry, you have a guest for lunch…”

Diana inhaled a sharp breath. “No, it’s fine… this is Ben. Ben, this is Cindy Flannigan, she owns the Emerald Cafe and is a dear friend of mine.”

“Your best friend,” corrected Cindy as she reached for Ben’s hand. “At least that’s what we used to tell people when we were teenagers, and we’ve never really given it up.”

Ben shook Cindy’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Cindy. You knew Diana when she was a teenager?”

Interest sparked in his eyes. Diana could see Cindy’s curiosity as well. It wouldn’t be long before the truth surfaced, she felt as though she couldn’t stop it. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Yes, I certainly did and let me tell you, she was very different back then to what she is now. She was wild. I know, it’s hard to imagine, she’s so prim and proper these days, but Di wasn’t always like this.”

Cindy chuckled, her gaze flitting back and forth between Diana and Ben, trying to put together who he was and why Diana was having lunch alone with him.

“So, are you one of the suppliers for the Seaside Manor…?” asked Cindy.

Ben shook his head. “No, actually I’m…”

Diana grabbed Cindy by the arm and pulled as she leapt to her feet. “Cindy, honey come with me. There’s something I need to show you in the kitchen. Ben, we’ll be just a minute. Keep eating, I’ll be right back.”

Diana dragged Cindy by the arm in the direction of the kitchen.

“Ouch! What on earth? Diana Jones, let go of my arm.”

They reached the kitchen and Diana pushed through the two-way door, then released Cindy’s arm. Cindy massaged the place where Diana’s fingers had gripped her flesh.

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