Betrayals & Truths Read online

  So when I went back to the bar with some empty glasses that I had cleared, I wasn’t surprised to see him eyeing me up and down. I looked at him curiously, knowing that he was waiting for Mark to move away before he spoke. Speaking softly as soon as Mark took the empties to be cleaned, he finally said…

  “You know it still seems strange seeing you and Gavin together. I mean, until now, he’s always been attracted to women more like Donna.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Well, look at her, who wouldn’t be attracted to her? That lady causes a stir among the men wherever she goes. And it doesn’t seem as if Gavin is objecting to her flirtation,” Wayne sneered nastily.

  Although I hated to admit it, Gavin did look rather comfortable as he chatted away with the ladies from the hen party. Even when Donna continued to touch his hand or squeezed his buttocks, he didn’t flinch away from her. Still, I knew that it was all part of the job and that Gavin meant nothing by it. I had encountered the same myself from some of our male customers. But when I pointed this out to Wayne, he merely shrugged, unconcerned.

  “Perhaps if Gavin knew your dirty family secret, then he might change his mind about being with a Walker!”

  Unable to find any words, I stood in stunned silence. Confused as I watched Wayne say his goodbyes to Gavin and the women before leaving the restaurant. Only glancing back at me once with a smirk before allowing the door to swing closed behind him.

  Chapter Three

  After Wayne had left, things in the restaurant quickly grew more hectic, so I wasn’t able to ponder for long about his mysterious parting comment. Donna and the rest of the hen party finally left, much to my relief and that of the coach driver who had been patiently waiting for them. But even though we had now closed for lunch service, it was time to get the place ready for the busy evening we had ahead of us.

  The whole restaurant had been booked for the night. Every table was filled to celebrate Sandra Abbott’s sixtieth birthday. It was an event that the entire town had been looking forward to. The planning went on for weeks, all of it in secret. Terry Abbott had approached Gavin and me some time ago, asking for our help with his wife’s momentous day, and now we were aiming for this to be the party of the year.

  Gabriella and Mandy brought out a long banner from the back room where the decorations had been stored. The birthday message to Sandra written in sparkling silver letters, which contrasted against the deep purple background. I had kept those colours as the theme throughout the room and looked on happily as the scene was set.

  Silver streamers were draped across the pictures that already hung on the walls. Purple cloths covered the table, with white and purple flowers sitting in their centre in crystal vases. The porcelain was white with a purple rim, and each chair had been tied with a large silver bow.

  I had spent hours working on the name tags that were needed to match the seating plan that Terry had specified. Opting for a purple design that had a shiny silver font. Feeling that they completed the classy look of the tables, as I placed them beside the brightly polished glasses and cutlery.

  Mark and Gavin had been busy inflating silver and purple balloons, which they now hoisted up to the ceiling. They were held in a net, ready to be released later when the birthday cake was due to be brought out. While Scott worked away in the corner by the dance floor preparing the music for the night ahead. His voice echoed loudly through the microphone as he did his usual sound checks.

  We had reduced our usual extensive menu to make things easier for those in the kitchen. Luis chose his favourite dishes to cook. Now busily preparing the ingredients alongside his choux chef and kitchen hands. Leaving me looking on just as amazed as always at their knife skills as they chopped the various herbs and vegetables.

  When the opportunity arose, Gavin and I were quick to race upstairs to our apartment to shower and change. And while Gavin chose a light grey pair of pants and a white shirt, I opted for a strappy cream dress with matching kitten heels. Both of us blushing as the staff teased us with winks and whistles when we re-joined them back in the restaurant. And as they took turns to get refreshed themselves in the staff room, we all worked as a team to complete all the finishing touches.

  I began to tick names off from the invitation list when the guests slowly began to filter through the doors a few hours later. Greeting them with a warm smile, before steering them toward the bar. Where they ordered their drinks before wandering among the tables in search of their own name card. Yet, even though there was a feeling of excitement lingering in the air, people’s voices still remained hushed. Everyone spoke in whispers as they expectantly awaited Sandra’s imminent arrival.

  As the seats filled, the sight of so many of my neighbours gathered here tonight caused a warm feeling to swell inside me. The locals of Emerald Bay were a close-knit community, and I felt fortunate that we had been accepted by them. Even luckier to have the opportunity to host such a significant event in the town. Gavin’s hand suddenly took mine, giving it a firm squeeze. I turned my head to look at him fondly, grateful for his reassurance.

  “The place looks beautiful, you have done a great job, Sophie,” he said proudly. “I can’t wait to see Sandra’s face when she gets here.”

  “Thanks, I just hope she likes what I have done,” I answered.

  But any nerves were short-lived. A warm waft of air against my bare arm signaled that the door had been opened. I turned around to see Sandra step into the restaurant with a bemused expression on her face. Terry followed close behind, beaming happily, perhaps relieved that the room was crammed with all of their friends already.

  “Oh, my goodness! What is all this?” Sandra gasped in wonder.

  “Well, surely you didn’t think that I would let my wife’s sixtieth birthday pass without some sort of party,” Terry smiled at her.

  “You are such a softie!”

  Sandra couldn’t hide her blushes as her husband draped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her toward him. He kissed the top of her head before taking her hand and guiding her to the head table that we had set up for the couple. For tonight, they were the focus of everyone’s attention, and they graciously thanked their friends for coming to join in their celebrations.

  The diners looked over the menu with excitement when they saw the decadent dishes that they had to choose from. There was, of course, the infamous Ole Tapas and Bar’s rustic bread, which was served as an appetizer with olive oil. A recipe which had been handed down from Miguel’s Great Grandmother and a treasured tradition that the restaurant held dearly.

  There was also the secret pil-pil sauce that was the restaurant's biggest attraction. It came with a portion of hake fritters that Luis plated alongside rice with jalapeño and padron peppers, another meal that was always a huge hit.

  These dishes, alongside the other seafood, meat, and vegetarian options on offer, there was something for everyone. I soon found myself helping to bring the numerous warmed plates from the kitchen as Luis called for service.

  Busy with other duties, I was stunned to suddenly spy Wayne sat at on one of the bar stools, a bottle of beer in his hand. I scowled at him as I passed, but all he did was tilt his drink in my direction with an arrogant smirk. Taking dirty dishes through to the kitchen, I gripped Gavin’s arm tightly before whispering….

  “What is Wayne doing here?”

  “I’m not sure. He just turned up,” Gavin answered distractedly as he continued to check the food before it was taken out into the restaurant. “He just said that he needed to talk to me about something.”

  For the first time that evening, I recalled my earlier conversation with Wayne, and an unexplained feeling of nerves began to tighten in my chest. Ever since Gavin’s cousin had arrived in Emerald Bay, it had seemed that he had come here to cause trouble between us.

  Wayne always seemed to turn up at the most inopportune moments. It was as if he was following us or somehow knew in advance where we would be. And Gavin didn’t see the scowls that I received from his cousin as soon as he looked away.

  “What do you want?” I hissed while waiting for a tray of drinks.

  “Retribution for Uncle George!” Wayne spat as he leaned closer.

  Interrupted by Mark as he loaded my tray with the required order, I could do nothing but take them across to the waiting table. Though my hands were shaking, and I struggled to hold them steady, flashing everyone a fake smile before returning to hear the rest of what Wayne was clearly eager to say.

  “You see, I used to work for the same legal firm that represented my uncle. And although I didn’t work on his case directly, I have read through the files.”

  “So?” I questioned.

  “Well, it appears that information arose just before the case was closed due to George’s death. Information that hints at some illegal activity with your father, and that being the cause of them not getting the land they wanted to purchase. The stress of which, of course, then led to his heart attack!”

  “Look, all of this happened years ago. The families are alright now,” I protested.

  “Maybe, but they aren’t privy to some of the information that I have. And perhaps if they knew the truth, they would be less forgiving,” Wayne added mysteriously.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Sophie, it’s like this! If you don’t want me to let my family, especially Gavin, know about all these secrets that your family has, then I suggest we come to some sort of agreement. Perhaps three hundred dollars a month for my silence?”

  Appalled by Wayne’s comments, I felt sick to my stomach. Though, I kept my cheerful exterior as I disappeared into the ladies' room. Gripping the worktop tightly as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Seeing silent tears trickle down each cheek before wiping them away rou
ghly.

  Chapter Four

  By the time I came out of the bathroom, I found that Wayne had thankfully already left. The sight of his empty bar stool something of a relief as I composed myself before stepping into view. Gabriella and Mandy rushed past me without even giving me a second glance. They were in a rush with their arms piled high with plates of desserts for waiting diners. I could hear Luis shouting his orders from the kitchen, while Mark and Gavin were busy serving more drinks from the bar.

  I smiled at the bustling and happy scene before me. Family and friends contently eating, deep in conversation. While some of the children gathered on the dance floor, shouting out requests for music to play for them. But despite the celebrations my heart was still heavy as thoughts of my conversation with Wayne continued to worry me. Surely, he had to be wrong. My father would never intentionally hurt anyone. Especially not a good friend like he had considered George Carter to be. And I was furious that he had the nerve to try and blackmail me over something that I knew nothing about.

  So I was grateful to finally be able to lock the doors when the last of the diners had left. Breathing a deep sigh of relief after stuffing the takings safely into our small hidden vault. I knew that the night wasn’t over for us just yet, as there was still the cleaning up to do. Meaning that I retained the false smile that I had worn ever since Wayne had made his earlier comment. Not wanting either Gavin or any of the other staff to know that anything was wrong, as I began to help to clear the tables.

  Gavin wasn’t easily fooled, however, and I could feel his eyes on me as I passed him to take dirty plates through to the kitchen. Trying to avert my gaze as I knew that if I looked at him directly, I might not be able to contain the tears that threatened to fall. But after watching me for a while, Gavin placed a firm hand on my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

  “Sophie, what’s wrong?” he asked with a concerned look.

  “It’s nothing, really,” I lied.

  “You have been in a strange mood for most of the night.”

  “Look, I’m fine,” I insisted with an exasperated sigh.

  “Well, I can tell that something is bothering you. Please, Sophie, just talk to me.”

  As I pulled away abruptly, Gavin looked at me with a stunned expression. And before I could stop them the dishes that I had been carrying suddenly slipped from my grasp. Tears of frustration began to stream down my cheeks, and I glared at him angrily.

  “Now, look at what you have made me do!” I snapped.

  The whole restaurant immediately was silent as I sobbed before running to our private door to the apartment. Not daring to look back, I raced up the stairs and threw myself down on the king-sized bed. Moments later and I felt Gavin’s weight as he sat down beside me, stroking my hair lightly while I cried into the feather stuffed pillow.

  “Darling, please tell me what it is,” he pleaded softly.

  Slowly I sat up, grabbing a tissue from the bedside cabinet and wiped my damp face. I held my head in shame. Appalled by how I had spoken to him, and especially in front of all the others. There was no excuse, and I quickly apologized for my behaviour.

  “Don’t be silly. There is clearly something on your mind. I’m just getting worried about what it is that has upset you so much.”

  “I’m sorry. It was a comment that Wayne made earlier this evening,” I eventually admitted after taking a deep inhale of breath.

  “What? Why, what has he said to you,” Gavin asked, immediately alarmed and defensive on my part.

  It didn’t take me long to relay the conversation that I had with Wayne. Although I did become growingly concerned as I saw the change is Gavin’s expression. At first, when I had been crying, there had been nothing but love and concern in his eyes. But now, they flashed with glints of anger as he realized just how much his cousin had upset me.

  “How dare he? Who does he think he is? I need to go to the hotel and have a word with him,” he raged.

  “No, no! Please, don’t darling!” I pleaded while peppering him with kisses. “You know how I hate people going to sleep on an argument. It’s late, we can deal with it tomorrow.”

  A pout may have appeared on Gavin’s lips, but he did relent, although it was reluctant. Stripping from his clothes to lay naked on top of the sheets beside me. His warm fingers were soon slipping beneath the shoulder strap of my dress. Sliding it slowly down my arm before moving to the next to reveal the black lacy bra I wore beneath.

  After kissing the top of each breast lightly, Gavin slid the hem of my dress higher. Showing my freshly shaven inner thigh as he stroked my smooth bare skin. I could hear his groans of desire and could clearly see how hardened his penis had become. Eager to feel its girth inside me, I arched my back, already aware of my dampness.

  There was a breeze in the room that was created by the ceiling fans that spun high above us. And I wondered if it was perhaps a different kind of heat that was creating the warmth that was currently surging through me. Now naked myself due to his deft hands, I pulled Gavin’s head to my chest, feeling his breath on my body as he licked at each nipple.

  I squealed with loud laughter as Gavin suddenly and without warning flipped me onto my stomach. Happily, I allowed him to spread my legs a little wider while lifting my arse higher. Moaning with delight as he inserted himself inside me from behind. Finding myself lost for breath as he took me in his arms to lift me closer to him. It meant that I could feel him even deeper inside me than before. And with one hand clutching my breast and the fingers of the other teasing my clitoris, I was soon ready to meet my climax.

  As we both called each other’s names, I suddenly realized that the window was still opened wide. I reached out to close it in horror and prayed that no-one in the street below had heard our lovemaking. But Gavin didn’t seem to care as he moved my long hair aside to kiss the nape of my neck, murmuring deep in his throat with contentment.

  “Listen, about all of this with Wayne. Why don’t we take a trip back home for a while? The restaurant more or less runs itself now, so we can afford the time off. And while we are there, we can ask some questions, try and get to the bottom of all this before we do anything else,” he quietly suggested.

  “Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. And we can catch up with everyone while we are there.”

  We snuggled into each other’s arms, and I soon grew tired. It had been a long, busy and emotional day and I was ready to sleep. But as I drifted into welcoming dreams, I could also hear the winds gathering outside. While I was whistling through the eaves of the building, its wooden structure creaked loudly. In the back of my mind, I recalled a news report that I had seen earlier that day. Now kicking myself as I gave Gavin a gentle nudge.

  “I’m so sorry, I forget to tell you. But Emerald Bay has been given a weather warning tonight. There are meant to be some high winds over the next few hours and perhaps the chance of some flooding. Are you sure we are locked down properly?” I asked urgently.

  “Don’t worry, it will be fine,” Gavin answered sleepily as he patted my leg.

  But even though I nestled my head back onto his chest, I was still filled with concern as I lay there, my eyes still open wide. Listening to the sound of the winds growing even louder as fatigue finally caught me, and I drifted off into an unsettled sleep that night.

  Chapter Five

  I woke just six hours later, the sound of the howling wind disturbed my slumber. I rose from the bed and peeked through the blind with a feeling of dread. My fears realized when I saw the scene outside, unable to prevent my involuntary gasp of horror. I raced to Gavin’s side and began to shake him awake roughly.

  “Gavin, please wake up,” I begged him.

  “Mmmmm. What’s wrong baby,” he mumbled groggily.

  But his sleepiness was quick to disappear when I pulled back the bedroom blind, immediately he became readily alert. A pylon had fallen in the distance due to the high winds, so all the lights in the area were now only emitting a dim flickering glow. And we watched in horror as huge waves beat hard against the sea wall, seeing the small cracks that were being created with each surge of the water.