Blue Comes Through

Chapter Twenty One

I am pulled into the best Clare hug and just manage to save the contents of my glass. Her hug is comforting and so welcome. I catch the scent of her favourite perfume and the smell of baking and it's so familiar, it sets my tears off again. She's wearing jeans and a navy striped cotton top and her dark curls are a bouncy cloud around her smiling face. I glance up to see Tom in the doorway with Molly in his arms. He looks awkward in the midst of all this emotion. Finn pats him on the shoulder.

"Let's get you a beer, mate. We'll go out there when they're all less weepy." He winks at me and I'm smiling through the tears, frantically looking for a tissue. Carey passes me a napkin.

"I'm just going to give Daisy something to eat and I'll be out to join you." She's tactfully giving us a few minutes alone. I could hug her too.

"How are you even here?" I ask as we pull up chairs and Clare grabs a glass of wine.

"Cheers love." She clinks my glass. "Finn came to see me last week. He was on his way to Bristol from London and phoned to ask if he could call in."

She rolls her eyes at me. "You didn't tell me how bloody hot he is. I nearly fainted when he turned up on the doorstep, Maddie. Thankfully I wasn't in my PJ's. Jesus, how have you kept your hands off him?" I say nothing, but she can obviously see something in my face, because she squeals with laughter.

"You've succumbed haven't you?" She clinks my glass again. "Excellent. That is bloody excellent." She fans herself and I'm reminded of Cheryl. "I don't blame you. I'd love some details please."

"Clare!" I protest, feeling very warm. She is truly outrageous.

She chuckles again. "How long then? Just give me that little snippet."

"Oh God. Clare. Stop!" I'd really like a pillow for my face right now. Is today the day, the world wants me squirming with embarrassment?" Can we just leave it that it's very new?" I plead and she laughs.

"Ok. Ok. He is gorgeous though and clearly smitten with you." I make no comment on that. That's daydreaming stuff and I have to keep my feet on the ground.

"Why did he call in to see you?" I glance inside the Gallery and see Finn standing with Tom and Matt. They are chatting and drinking beer. I can't see Molly, so I assume she's playing with Will and Daisy.

"He wanted to organise a surprise for your birthday weekend.  I told him we wanted to visit, so he suggested this weekend. He organised the cottages. We're in Seaspray Four, which is next to you I think." She takes a sip of wine and looks at me earnestly for a second, tucking her curls behind her ear.

"I know we talked about you having a fling..."

"You talked about me having a fling." I say dryly. Clare bats that aside with a careless flick of her hand.

"I don't think Finn's a fling though Maddie. I think he's a keeper."

I give her a level look. "He has been lovely. It's very early days though, Clare and we do have a rather big hurdle to overcome."

She nods. "Talking of which; any news of the gutless yellow belly bastard?"

Carey opens the door then and hesitantly interrupts. "Am I ok to join you?"

Clare turns. "Of course. Maddie's just filling me in on the weasel."

Considering Carey has worked all day in a very busy coffee shop and entertained a very demanding toddler, she is looking flawless. She's even wearing a spotless white shirt with her dark jeans. She's pulled on a chunky cream cardigan. Her hair and barely there make up are perfect.