Summer Nights at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland

Author:Jessica Redland [Redland, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

Cameron, Tess and I had agreed not to overdo it on the first meeting, aiming for between two and three hours together. We’d fed the ducks then spread across a couple of picnic benches for lunch. Freya clearly wasn’t fazed by any of it and maintained a steady chatter about our home, her friends, school and hobbies, with Noah and Maisie chipping in when she paused to eat. Cameron barely touched his food and, although there were a few moments where he looked like he couldn’t take in any more information, he was doing well, being attentive and curious. Tess was clearly at ease, asking them questions if there was a moment’s silence and telling them humorous tales about Cameron to help them get to know their dad.

We’d agreed that they’d go on the pedalos after lunch and I wondered if Jayden was going to sit it out, especially when I announced that Mum and I would be sitting on a bench on bag-watching duty. Tess suggested they do a race round the island, girls versus boys, which led to some joking banter, but Jayden remained quiet.

‘I bet you’re brilliant at pedalling,’ Tess said, crouching down beside Jayden, evidently sensing his hesitation. ‘Which colour do you want for the boys?’

The compliment brought a ghost of a smile to his lips and I was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to resist. He was always asking to go on the pedalos.

‘Green,’ he said eventually.

Cameron, Noah and Jayden piled onto a green dragon boat while Tess, Maisie and Freya settled into the red one, adults in the back and children in the front. With shouts and squeals from everyone, they set off across the lake.

Mum and I carried the bags over to the benches and watched.

‘The laughter’s a good sign,’ Mum said.

‘Yeah, even Jayden’s laughing now, which is a relief. I was beginning to think we weren’t going to get a peep out of him.’

We sat in silence for a few minutes, watching them. I never, ever thought I’d see this day. I’d honestly thought that Cameron was out of our lives forever and that there might be difficult conversations when they were teenagers and perhaps wanted to seek him out. It warmed my heart to see them looking happy, although I was realistic that it wasn’t going to be smooth-going all the way.

‘Tess seems nice,’ Mum said. ‘Not a patch on you, of course, but he’s landed on his feet there.’

I smiled at the compliment. ‘I think she’s good for him. She stands up to him. I didn’t do that enough.’

‘She seems to know what she’s doing with the kids too, which is good, because I’m thinking Cameron’s out of his depth.’

She didn’t say it to be cruel – it was merely an observation – and I had to agree.

‘He’s going to need time, but I reckon he’ll get there with Tess’s help.’

‘What’s her story? I presume she doesn’t have children of her own.’

‘She hasn’t mentioned any and I’m guessing not with her working overseas.

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