Emergency at Bayside by Carol Marinelli Page B

him.’
    ‘Good.’
    But Kathy’s lack of conviction rattled Meg. ‘He’s married, Kathy—as if I could even think of going out with him again.’
    ‘I know. Look, Meg, Flynn’s one of the nicest guys I know. He’s been to hell and back and has somehow managed to come out intact. He’s kind, funny—a bit opinionated, mind,’ Kathy added, rolling her eyes. ‘There’s nothing I’d like more than to see the two of you together…’
    ‘But? Come on, Kathy, I assume there is one.’
    ‘But there’s nothing I’d hate more than being around if it ended. And before you jump in and tell me you’re not going to hurt him that’s not all I’m worried about, Meg. I’m worried that Flynn might not be as over Lucy as he lets on.’ Looking at Meg’s pale face, Kathy moved over on the sofa and gave her sister a hug. ‘I’m probably just being over-dramatic— you know me, anything for a bit of scandal.’ She was trying to lighten the mood, but her words had only echoed the nagging voice that Meg had been trying to ignore.
    ‘Now, we’ve spoken about you long enough—it must be my turn now.’ Rummaging in her bag Kathy pulled out a bridal magazine, happily ignoring Meg’s groan of dismay. ‘I need help with the cake…’
    * * *
    Proud was the best way Meg could describe her feeling as she walked into the party with Flynn on her arm. Proud of her sister, who looked flushed and radiant in a red, crushed velvet dress sweeping the floor, with her blonde hair framing her elfin face. Proud that Kathy had defied all the odds and had made it in the world. And proud of herself too. How could she be otherwise with Flynn on her arm, recalling the tender kiss they had shared when he had picked her up, a teasing taste of what was to come?
    And when Jake stood up and spoke to the assembled guests, told everyone how honoured he felt to be betrothed to Kathy, Meg felt her eyes fill with tears. She watched the sheer love in his eyes when he spoke about his fiancée.
    ‘Hey, what are you getting all choked up about?’ Flynn whispered as he stood beside her. ‘This is supposed to be a happy occasion.’
    ‘I am happy. I’m really happy for them. That’s the problem: I feel really bad about the things I said about Jake. It’s just…’
    ‘Come on.’ Taking her arm, Flynn led her outside. The manicured gardens were beautiful and he led her to a wrought-iron bench, the sound of a fountain a soothing backdrop.
    ‘You had every right to be cautious,’ Flynn said once they were both sitting down. ‘And I had no right to judge you without knowing all the facts.’ He stared at the water for a while before continuing. ‘Kathy’s pretty good at playing things down, isn’t she?’
    Meg managed a watery smile. ‘That’s one way of putting it.’
    ‘From the way she described things to me it sounded as if her limp was never much worse than now. It was a lot worse, wasn’t it?’ He didn’t wait for her to answer. ‘I’m not asking you to break any confidences; I already know. I asked Jake about it.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Because I wanted to understand.’ Those beautiful grey eyes were staring right at her now, and there was nothing she could do but stare back. ‘I wanted to know about you, and Kathy’s a big part of you.’
    ‘She was pretty bad,’ Meg admitted.
    ‘And it must have been hard on you.’
    Meg shook her head. ‘What have I got to complain about?’
    ‘That sounds to me like your mother talking.’
    Meg blinked, startled by his insight. ‘She feels guilty, though there’s no reason why she should…’
    ‘She’s her mother. And sometimes, when you’re scared or guilty, it’s easier to be angry. I know—I’ve been there.’
    Meg didn’t say anything; she knew the conversation was turning to Lucy, and that she needed to hear this if ever she was truly going to know the real Flynn.
    ‘When Lucy died, I got angry. Not just at the driver who caused it; that would have been too simple. I ranted at