Betrayals & Truths Read online

  Betrayals & Truths

  Sophie’s Love – Book 3

  by

  M.T. Greenlay

  Copyright

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2020 M.T. Greenlay

  Author: M.T. Greenlay

  Published by MarkG Publishing – All rights Reserved

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Foreword

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Author’s Note

  Foreword

  This book marks the third part of Sophie’s Love Series. The first part, “Secret Love,” told the story of how Sophie returned to her hometown and met Gavin. The second part, “Jealousy & Lies,” told us how Sophie was haunted and stalked by a previous boyfriend.

  If you would like to read the full story, please have a look at the end of this book, where you can find a links to “Secret Love” and “Jealousy & Lies.”

  Chapter One

  Following the party that Gavin and I hosted, we immediately began to see an increase in the restaurant profits. More and more customers were joining us for lunch or dinner rather than just walking on by as they had done in the past. Our diary often now filled with bookings each day, which was such a relief after the hardships we had suffered during the first three months of being here.

  It hadn’t taken long for us to feel at home in our new roles, however, and I was relishing in running front of the house at the Ole Tapas and Bar. Gavin tended to stay more in the background though sometimes, either helping in the kitchen or working through the paperwork in the back office. Only coming through into the dining room occasionally to provide a spare pair of hands when we were really busy.

  However, as we opened the doors to the restaurant seven days a week, our hours were long and tiring. But living here in Emerald Bay with its breathtaking scenery that didn’t seem to matter. The sea air seeming to give us a renewed vigour each morning when we woke. And our time together felt even more special on those days when we did have time to ourselves.

  Today was Sunday, and it was a rare day that we could take off together, so we took the opportunity to lay in bed for longer than usual. I could have stayed there wrapped in his arms all day, but the allure of the warm sunshine was proving too tempting to us both. So while Gavin jumped under the refreshing spray of the shower, I went through to the kitchen with just a silk gown to cover my nakedness.

  The room had a stylish monochrome design, the shiny white units contrasting against the deep black worktops. Matching tiles and accessories completed the look while a large clock hung on the wall, sounding out a soothing tick as the time passed. I pressed the “on” switch to set the coffee machine into action before moving into the lounge.

  Beams of sunlight streamed through the large window, but it was the patio doors that I opened wide. Allowing some fresh sea air to circulate throughout the apartment. I took a step out onto the balcony to breathe in the scents of the morning.

  The café along the street already appeared to busy with customers. The scent of frying bacon and eggs reaching my nostrils. Heightening my own mounting hunger as the aroma mingled with that from the nearby doughnut shop.

  Lost in my own thoughts, I didn’t hear Gavin approach me from behind. Startling briefly when I felt him wrap his arms around me, but I soon rested back onto his bare chest with a contented sigh.

  “I’m so glad we decided to move here. I couldn’t imagine not having those views to look at each day.”

  With the restaurant being right on the seafront, our view from the apartment upstairs was unspoilt. As we stood on the balcony now, all we could see was the sandy beach leading to the clear blue waters beyond. It was now mid-morning, and already people were beginning to settle onto the loungers that they had hired so they could take full advantage of the day’s sun.

  “Come on! Let’s get a picnic basket together for brunch and head down to the beach?” Gavin suddenly suggested.

  Turning to face him with a smile, I wrapped my arms around his neck and planted a gentle kiss on his lips.

  “That sounds like a great idea.”

  Leaving Gavin looking through the refrigerator, I took a quick shower. Dressing in a pair of white shorts before pulling a light red top over my head. I smoothed my long brown hair back into a ponytail, donned some pumps, and met Gavin again in the kitchen.

  “Mmmmm, you smell good enough to eat,” he murmured as he swept me into his arms.

  “Hey, I thought you wanted to go to the beach,” I giggled, trying to wriggle free playfully.

  “Ok, ok. But I will be ravishing you later,” he winked.

  After packing our wicker picnic basket with goodies, we left the apartment through our own private entrance. Soon joining the light flow of people along the sidewalk who were already out for the day. But instead of joining the mounting crowd on the main beach, we snuck among the rocks along the water’s edge. My feet were slipping slightly on their surfaces as I followed Gavin’s path.

  Moments later, though, and we reached the secluded spot that we had discovered some months before. It was hidden further along the shore and seemed to be somewhere that no-one else ventured to. And now the noise from the other beach area sounded far in the distance as we took out a thick blanket to lay on the sand.

  Nestled against Gavin, I felt so content. A pair of dark shades shielding my eyes from the bright sun’s rays. The sky a bright blue with not a cloud in sight. The sound of the waves lapping against the rocks providing a hypnotic sound as I closed my eyes for a moment.

  I found myself unable to contain my giggles as I heard the hungry grumbles of Gavin’s stomach. Ready to eat myself, I passed him one of the lobster wraps that we had packed. Taking a large mouthful and relishing in the delicate taste. We also tucked into the carrots and other raw vegetables that we had brought. And with the cheeses and fruits, it felt like a real feast as we devoured the food. All polished off with wine poured from a bottle taken from the bar.

  But before we could settle back onto the blanket, both of our pagers began to beep, calling us back to the restaurant. We had left the staff in charge of running things for the day, but they were flustered as a coach full of diners had arrived unexpectedly. Quickly we gathered our things and raced back to find Gabriella pacing back and forth, biting her lip nervously.

  I saw Gavin duck out of the dining room from the corner of my eye. Knowing that he would be speaking to Luis and the others in the kitchen. Most of the tables were already filled with diners in the middle of their meals. So I wasn’t sure if we could even seat our new arrivals. But when I looked at Mandy and saw her panicked expression, I patted her on the arm reassuringly.

  “Don’t worry. We have got this,” I said with a smile.

 
Gabriella was the head waitress, but it was Mandy that I had grown closest to. We were the same age, and I couldn’t believe that she had had a child when she had been so young herself. Her daughter Amber was eight years old now and proving to be a real pleasure for me to teach. She was a true credit to Mandy’s parenting, and I often sat and wondered how the single mother juggled everything alone as she did.

  Becoming pregnant at the age of twenty wasn’t anything that Mandy had planned, and I couldn’t imagine how I would have reacted to the news. Yet, she had taken everything in her stride. Even when Amber’s father walked out when their daughter was just eight months old. And now, I was glad to consider this strong independent woman as my friend.

  There had been a quiet and serene ambiance in the restaurant until then. But when a bride and her hens stumbled through the door, this was immediately destroyed. Although no one objected to the rowdy bunch as they took seats in the lounge area waiting to be seated. A slender woman with bouncing blonde curls that hung to her shoulder met me with a smile as she shook my hand firmly. She wore a shiny pink sash around her waist that announced that she was the maid of honour.

  “Hi, I’m Sandy,” she introduced herself. “I can’t apologize enough for invading you like this. We are on our way to the city. And no doubt we will end up in some club by the end of the night. Anyway, my sister was determined that we ate here before we set off if that’s alright?”

  “That’s perfectly fine. But we do need to clear some tables before we can seat you all,” I explained.

  As other diners finished their meals and left, Gabriella and Mandy began to push the empty tables together. And soon, we were able to accommodate the party of ten. I still felt concerned and went to seek out Gavin. Finding him expediting in the kitchen and wondering once more if he found the task easy, as he was used to barking orders to players on the football field.

  Gavin spotted me hovering in the doorway and looked at me with concern. Leaving Gabriella in charge of the pass, he took my elbow firmly. Steering me into the back office where we could talk in private.

  “Sophie, what’s wrong?” he asked once the door was closed so no one could hear us talk.

  “Are you sure we can handle this sudden party of diners? Do we have enough food? I mean, there are more tables booked in about an hour. What if we end up not having space for them?” I fretted.

  “You worry too much. Luis and Antonio have got everything in hand. I promise you everything will be fine,” Gavin reassured me.

  “I just want everything to be perfect.”

  “I know you do, and I’m sure it will be. Now put a smile on that beautiful face of yours and get out there to look after our diners,” Gavin said as he kissed me firmly.

  He straightened the manager’s badge that I had pinned to my blouse. His fingers were lingering across my breast for a moment. But I giggled as he slapped my buttocks lightly to send me on my way back into the dining room with renewed confidence.

  The ladies were now seated, and already there were bottles of wine being opened around the table. And as their chat and laughter grew even louder, I knew that it was going to be a long service. Still, I kept the smile on my face as I went over to introduce myself to the bride.

  Chapter Two

  Donna had the same tight blonde curls as her elder sister Sandy, her bright blue eyes twinkling with excitement. She wore a tight blue dress that clung to her slender figure, its low-cut front revealing her ample cleavage. Gushingly, she hugged me as if she had known me for years while pecking me lightly on each cheek.

  “Oh, I just had to come and check this place out. I have heard so much about it since being in town. So I thought it would be the perfect place to have some lunch before we go clubbing in the city,” she grinned.

  “Well, I hope you enjoy your meal,” I answered politely as she sat back in her seat at the head of the table.

  “Come on then, ladies! Let’s get this party started!” Donna cried out loudly.

  While they clinked their glasses together with a cheer, I left them to check the menu. And as other diners were also still streaming through the restaurant doors, I was soon busily rushing around. Moving back and forth between the dining room, kitchen, and bar. While also juggling greeting any new guests and taking payments at the cash register after they had eaten and were ready to leave.

  My being preoccupied with other tasks meant that I hadn’t noticed Gavin’s presence in the dining room. Unaware that he was there until Mandy gave my arm a nudge as I was stocking the bar fridge with bottles of wine, drawing my attention to the table where the bride and her friends were sat.

  “I’m afraid our unexpected guests are beginning to cause something of a stir,” she warned me in a whisper.

  The other ladies were all happily eating the dishes that they had ordered. But I was stunned to see Donna look at her plate with a grimace of disgust before she began to click her fingers in annoyance calling…

  “Garcon.”

  It was then that Gavin approached her table, and I immediately saw her initial hostility melt away as she looked him up and down. Hairs were bristling on the nape of my neck as I watched the drama unfold before my eyes. Straining my ears so that I could hear every word of what was being said between them.

  “What appears to be the problem?” Gavin asked politely with a smile.

  Donna beamed up at him, touching his arm lightly while pointing at the food she had been served.

  “I am so sorry to be a bother. But would your chef be so kind as to cook this steak for a little longer for me, please?” Donna asked in a sickly-sweet voice.

  “Of course, he can. Let me sort that out for you.”

  I continued to look on as Gavin went back to the kitchen, seeing Donna bow her head low to whisper to those in earshot. Curious about what was being said, as they giggled childishly behind their hands. I also saw the stern glare that Sandy gave to her sister. At the same time, Donna just shrugged in silent reply, as I was left wondering what their secret communication meant.

  Upon Gavin’s return with her food, Donna began to swoon, fluttering her eyelashes while thanking him profusely. And it soon became clear what her intentions were when she pinched his buttocks cheekily as he turned to leave. But I couldn’t ignore the pang of jealousy that shot through my heart when he began to return her flirting. Even though I knew it was only innocent and playful on Gavin’s part, the scene was still something that I didn’t want to witness.

  Instead, I opted to occupy myself behind the bar. Taking up the clipboard and trying to appear engaged in ticking off the list of stock we needed to order the next morning. But I could still hear Donna’s raucous laughter behind me. Cringing as I heard Gavin trying to give his excuses to leave the table.

  The barman, Mark, was busy pouring drinks for Donna and her guests, though I could see his awkward glances toward me from the corner of my eye. But before I could ask how much the ladies had drunk, a loud cheer rang out. Startled, I spun around sharply, though my heart quickly sank when I saw that Wayne stood in the doorway.

  Gavin and I exchanged a confused look. Neither of us was aware of how the table of ladies knew Wayne. But it wasn’t long before everything was revealed, as he hugged and kissed each woman until finally reaching Donna. Now, I looked on as the boisterous woman embraced Gavin’s cousin tightly. Pressing her ample breasts against his chest. But as her finely manicured hand roamed his buttocks, Wayne didn’t appear embarrassed. Instead, seeming to relish in her attention with an arrogant smirk.

  However, it was my own cheeks that flushed a bright red when I noticed the other diner’s reactions to Donna’s brazen behaviour. Many of them averting their eyes, lowering their heads, and perhaps eating their meal a little faster than usual. Even Sandy looked appalled as her sister planted a long lingering kiss on Wayne’s mouth, leaving it smeared by her red lipstick.

  “And this is the wonderful man that we can thank for telling us about this place,” Donna suddenly announced loudly to e
veryone in the room, as she threw an arm around Wayne’s waist.

  “Well, when you were asking for recommendations where else could I suggest other than the place that my cousin runs,” Wayne replied before giving Gavin a warm embrace.

  “Oh, I should have known that you two were related,” Donna winked at the two men admirably.

  “Donna, will you please behave yourself,” Sandy chastised her.

  “I’m not doing anyone any harm,” the other woman pouted.

  “You are getting married in a couple of days for heaven’s sake,” her sister despaired.

  “Sandy, please stop being such a bore. I love you dearly, but you really need to lighten up. I’m only having a bit of fun.”

  By now, Wayne and Gavin had made their escape and taken seats at the bar, both of them shaking their heads with a smile. Mark opened them a bottle of beer each, which they clinked together in a brief toast.

  “So how do you know Donna and the others?” Gavin asked his cousin, curiously.

  “They are staying at the Emerald Lodge in a suite just along the corridor from mine. We have met in the bar a few times now, they are definitely ladies who like to party.”

  Wayne’s statement was proven correct as even more drinks were ordered, Mark seeking my reassurance before he began to pour them. I nodded my agreement but hoped that these would be their last. Already here for over an hour, I found myself wondering just how long they intended to stay. But it didn’t appear that they left anytime soon, as the group made themselves more settled. Some of the women now began to browse through our list of desserts.

  But as time passed, I began to feel my own insecurities grow as Gavin was continuously called back to Donna’s table. Only able to bite my tongue and resist against my instinctive reaction to her flirting. And although I continued to tend to the other diners who had come to eat that afternoon, I could still feel Wayne’s eyes following me. Catching his quickly averted gaze whenever I looked over my shoulder in his direction where he sat perched at the end of the bar.