Chapter Fifteen

Piper decided to take a stroll down past the harbour towards The Ship Inn. It was only a matter of time before she ended up at her old haunt. Plus it gave her the headspace she needed to think about the awful nightmare she'd had about Dale last night. A little perspective was all she needed and the sea air would do that for her. The trained therapist in her knew that she couldn't brush how she was feeling under the carpet, but at the same time, it was hard to think about Dale again. She was naive to think moving home would solve all her issues.

As Piper neared the pub she saw two familiar figures sat on the bench at the bottom of the stairs. She smiled as memories came flooding back once again of the three of them sat in that exact spot many years ago. For just a moment it felt like no time has passed until she felt two sets of eyes on her.

She approached Seb and Will with a little trepidation as she hadn't expected to bump into both of them so soon, especially Seb. He'd made it abundantly clear the other day that he was far too busy for a reunion.

Will smiled and waved her over as she approached "Piper, come sit down and have a drink with us". And there was that Hollywood smile once again that made her feel welcome.

Seb on the other hand remained perfectly stoic, his eyes watching her intently, making her feel like she was under a spotlight. Did Seb even realise how uncomfortable he could make her feel without actually saying a word? Goodness knows how he reacted to his enemies!

"Hiya - this is a nice surprise". Piper said slipping into the seat next to Will. She smiled at both brothers. Seb returned her smile, but to Piper, it felt like more of a grimace.

"Can I get you a drink?" Will asked getting up.

"Erm, that would be nice. Can I have a glass of house red please?".

And once again, Will was walking up the stairs to the bar leaving Piper alone with Seb.

"We need to stop bumping into each other like this or people will start to talk". Piper tried to humour this time to break the ice with Seb.

"People can think what they like". Seb replied a little too sharply.

Piper shrunk back a little in her seat not knowing what else to say. Why did Seb still seem so angry with her? Unless he was just generally always in a bad mood and it had nothing to do with her?

Seb seemed to notice Piper's discomfort and sighed "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come across so harshly. I tend to put my foot in my mouth at times and I don't always think before I speak".

Wow, an actual apology from Seb.

"It's ok". Piper shrugged " My humour is rubbish at times".

Seb actually smiled "I am glad that you're back you know. Just wanted to let you know that".

Piper was stunned into silence at how candid Seb was. But inside, she was glowing at the fact he was glad she was back. Small miracles!