‘Sarah? I thought it was you.’
Nick? I snapped open my eyes. He was silhouetted against the sun, but it was definitely him. My heart began beating faster again as I propped myself up on my elbows and put my hand up to shade my eyes as I squinted at him. ‘Hi! What are you doing here?’
‘Same as you by the looks of it.’
‘Sweating buckets and having a coronary on the beach?’
Nick laughed and reached his hand out to me. ‘Want a hand up?’
I nodded. ‘Your hands are very warm,’ I said as he pulled me to my feet. And very soft. An image filled my mind of those hands cupping my face, and then his fingers running through my hair as he kissed me. Whoa! Where did that come from?
‘And yours are very cold,’ he said. ‘Here.’ He encased my hands in his and rubbed them quickly. I looked at our joined hands, then into his eyes. In that brief moment, it felt like everything around us stopped. I was oblivious to the lapping of the waves and the cries of the gulls that had been so clear moments before. I was, however, still very aware of the thud-thud of my heart as I lost myself in his twinkling blue eyes. He reached up to my face with one hand and gently caressed my cheek as I held my breath… and his gaze. ‘You have some sand on your cheek,’ he said but he didn’t move his hand. And I didn’t want him to. He was going to kiss me. And I didn’t want to stop him.
‘Ebony! Stop!’
We both turned as a large black Labrador leapt up at Nick, knocking him sideways.
‘I’m so sorry. Ebony! Here! Now!’ An elderly woman gave us an apologetic glance before she chucked a ball for Ebony who bounded after it. Peace was restored. But the moment was lost. Damn bloody dog!
Nick cleared his throat. ‘All warm now?’
‘Yes. Thanks. Erm, so, erm… you’ve been running too? Is this a regular thing?’ I set off towards the steps onto the promenade in the hope of averting attention from whatever it was that had just happened between us.
Nick followed me. ‘I try to come down two or three mornings a week. I hate gyms and I used to hate the idea of running, but a couple of years ago I looked after Skye and Stuart’s Spaniel while they were on holiday. She ran so fast and I was scared of losing her so I used to run to keep up with her. When they came back, I realised I missed the exercise so I took it up properly. I’ve no interest in running anywhere other than the beach, though. There’s something exhilarating about running with waves crashing round you. What about you? Regular runner?’
‘God, no! To be fair, I used to be in a club at college where we regularly ran along the beach, but this is the first time I’ve done it since I went to university. I had a bad night’s sleep and woke up this morning with an overwhelming urge to see the sunrise, which somehow turned into an overwhelming urge to run. I haven’t done much exercise for well over a year so I’ll probably need a Zimmer frame to help me get around tomorrow.’
Nick laughed. ‘You might want to do a few stretches just in case. Do you think you’ll do it again?’
I thought for a moment. ‘You know what, I think I will. It was hard work, but I really enjoyed it.’
‘If you ever want company, I’m usually here for sunrise on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.’
We reached the steps and ascended onto the promenade.
‘I might take you up on that,’ I said, heading towards where I’d parked the car. ‘If you can put up with seeing me in this state again.’
‘What state?’
‘Sweaty, bright red, and far too fat for a pair of leggings.’
Nick stopped.
‘What’s wrong?’ I asked, stopping too.
‘I wish you could see yourself through my eyes,’ he said. ‘Because that’s not what I see at all. Far from it.’ He held my gaze until I had to look away, feeling suddenly shy.
‘I’d better go,’ he said. ‘Hope to see you again soon.’
I waved as I watched him jog towards his car, a grin on my face at his compliment and the almost-kiss. My cheeks hurt from grinning by the time I got out of the car at Mum and Dad’s for a shower and change.
By nine o’clock I was at the shop waiting for some workmen to fit my new counter/workspace. There was a knock on the door at about half past and I expected it to be them so was surprised to see Auntie Kay instead.
‘Two out of three days,’ I said, giving her a hug. ‘I’m honoured. Got time for a cuppa?’
‘Always.’
We headed through to the kitchen and I switched the kettle on. ‘Let me guess why you’re here.’ I folded my arms and gave her a stern look. ‘I bet you’re dying to know the outcome of your little bit of match-making and it probably killed you not to come straight round yesterday morning to find out.’
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. What match-making?’
‘Auntie Kay!’
‘Okay. You win. I had to do it. I know you think you’re destined to be with someone called Steven but you and Nick are perfect for each other. I’ve always thought it, but there was nothing I could do about it while you were living in that London with that Jason. Now that you’re single and back here, I realised there’d still be nothing I could do about it if I was on the other side of the world so I had to give things a little nudge before I left. You’re not mad at me are you?’
I took one look at her mischievous twinkling eyes and laughed. ‘You are so naughty, Auntie Kay.’
‘I know, but I’m still your favourite auntie.’
‘You’re my only auntie,’ I said, ‘which is just as well as I don’t think I could cope with more than one like you.’
‘Are you going to put your favourite auntie out of her misery, then? Did he kiss you?’
The kettle clicked off and I quickly turned my back on her under the pretext of making the drinks. I needed my cheeks to lose some of their colour before I turned and faced her again.
‘No he didn’t. We’re just friends.’
‘Why?’
‘Because you were right. He’s a really lovely guy and I like his company.’
‘You know that’s not what I mean. Why just friends? Why not more?’
‘It’s bad timing. I’ve got loads to do with the shop, I’ve just come out of a long-term relationship and he’s not called Steven.’ I turned back round and handed her a mug. ‘So I’m not going to rush into anything with anyone just yet. Maybe in the New Year.’
‘With Nick?’
‘You never give up do you?’ I ushered her towards the desk and perched on it while she took the chair.
‘Finding out about Nick isn’t the reason I came in,’ she said. ‘Actually, that’s a lie. That’s the main reason but there were another two. Do you have any plans for tomorrow night?’
‘Clare’s coming up again the night after but I’m free tomorrow. Why?’
‘I’m cooking a farewell meal for you, Ben, your mum and dad. Smuggler’s View for half six?’
‘Sounds good. What was the other reason?’
‘This.’ She rummaged in her bag and handed me an A5-sized envelope. ‘You asked me last week about a photo with a lighthouse…’
‘You found it?’ I fumbled with the envelope, pulled out an old black and white photo, and gasped. Standing at the end of Lighthouse Point in front of the old lighthouse were three figures. I’d seen their childhood photos before so immediately recognised the children as Mum and Auntie Kay. If I didn’t know better, I’d have sworn the adult with them was me, not my grandma. My heart thumped as I reached out and gently touched Grandma’s image. Is it true about Steven, Grandma?
‘I was looking for my passport last night and I knocked over a pile of my Mum and Dad’s old paperwork. It fell out. I had to do a double-take. The likeness is uncanny isn’t it?’
I nodded slowly, mesmerised by the photo.
‘What made you ask about it?’ she sa
id.
‘Madame Louisa mentioned it.’
I watched her frown. ‘No! So I’ve just found something that’s going to make you believe in the tape even more. Which is going to make you believe Steven’s your destiny and Nick isn’t…’
‘I’m afraid so.’
‘Damn!’
I stared at the photo again. What was it with things miraculously turning up? Was it a sign? I made a mental note to check behind Mum and Dad’s sofa one more time, just in case the bracelet decided to make a re-appearance too.
Chapter 14
The next evening, I decided there was no point in rushing home after work then back into town to be at Auntie Kay’s for half six so I told Mum and Dad I’d meet them there. After a quick wash, spruce, and change of top, I set off on foot to Smuggler’s View. My phone beeped with a text message a few minutes later.
* From Nick
Hope you’ve had a good couple of days. Was great to see you yesterday on the beach. If you’re not too achy, can face it again, and don’t mind some company, I’m aiming for 7.15 tomorrow. See you if I see you x
* To Nick
Could barely move this morning but it’s easing! On my way to Auntie Kay’s for a family farewell meal so tomorrow will depend on how much alcohol she plies us with! If not then, definitely next week as I would like to make it a regular thing. Thanks for asking x
I put my phone back in my bag and felt a pang of anxiety. Should I have added the kiss? He’d started it. His last text hadn’t included kisses, just a smiley face. Why a kiss today? Did it mean anything or was it just one of those things you do on texts? Was it because of what happened on the beach? A little shiver of pleasure ran through me as I recalled the intensity of that brief moment before that stupid big dog leapt on him and ruined things. Would we really have kissed? I knew I’d wanted to at the time with every fibre of my being, but I also knew that, for the whole of the drive home, there was only one thought going round and round in my mind: What the hell are you playing at? He’s not called Steven; he’s not called Steven…
My phone beeped again.
* From Nick
LOL! If I know Kay, I suspect it will be next week. Have fun tonight :)
Where’s my kiss? I practically threw my mobile back into my bag in disgust. Stop getting so carried away by the subtleties of text messaging, Sarah. You know yourself that a kiss is just a way of signing off and doesn’t mean you want to jump into bed with someone. Whether he was sending a subtle message or not doesn’t matter anyway. He’s not Steven. You really enjoyed his company in the pub and on the beach. He’s lovely looking and you’ve had stomach flips each time his name has appeared on your phone. But that’s just the novelty and excitement of a little bit of male attention after your disastrous relationship with Jason.
Isn’t it?
Oh God, I’m confused!
I reached Smuggler’s View a moment later; a great relief as it meant a distraction from analysing what was going on (or not going on) with Nick. I knocked on the door then walked straight in, as I’d always done. ‘Hello?’ I shouted. No answer. ‘Anyone home?’ My stomach rumbled at the tantalising aroma of home-cooked chilli.
A familiar mewing sound made me look down. ‘Kat? What are you doing here?’ I bent down to give her a fuss. Her brother appeared from the dining room and rubbed round my legs. ‘I know Auntie Kay wanted to say goodbye to everyone, but I didn’t realise the invitation extended to you two. Where is everyone?’
I opened the lounge door. Nobody there. I was about to close it again when something pink and fluffy on the sofa caught my eye. Were those my cushions? I frowned and stepped into the room. My candles and photos adored the mantelpiece. What the…?
‘Hello?’ I called again. ‘Where are you?’
The dining room was empty. The kitchen was empty. But both rooms housed more of my belongings.
I headed up the stairs and into Auntie Kay’s bedroom and found it full of my bags and boxes. Mr Pink had pride of place on top of the bed. I wandered over to touch him just to make sure I wasn’t imagining things when Mum, Dad, Ben and Auntie Kay jumped up from behind the bed and yelled, ‘Surprise!’
I clutched my heart dramatically. ‘I was beginning to think I’d boarded the Mary Celeste.’ I hugged them all.
‘Have you had enough of me already?’ I asked Mum and Dad. ‘What’s all my stuff doing here?’
‘You’re moving in,’ Auntie Kay said.
‘How come?’
‘While I’m away, I’m a little concerned that my beloved Smuggler’s View may get cold and neglected. I thought we may be able to do each other a favour.’ Auntie Kay looked at Mum and winked. ‘To save you from the insanity of my sister’s compulsive meal-making, clothes-washing, and clock-watching, I want you to move in here. Rent-free, of course. But, in return for this considerable generosity on my part, I’d ask that you keep the garden tidy, stop the junk mail from piling up, and keep the place clean. What do you think?’
‘Really?’
‘Really.’
I looked at my parents. ‘You wouldn’t be offended?’
Mum smiled. ‘You need your own space. And, no offence, but your dad and I have got used to having the peace and quiet of the house to ourselves.’ Dad put his arm round her and kissed the top of her head.
It was on the tip of my tongue to squeal ‘yes’ but I caught Ben’s eye. He looked so happy for me. I knew he didn’t have a selfish bone in his body and wasn’t at all materialistic, but surely it had to grate on even the most placid person how much I seemed to be getting handed to me on a plate while he got nothing. It would have been selfish of me to accept. ‘I would like my own space, but it’s a no. It’s too much. I’ve already had the shop and the money. I can’t…’
Auntie Kay plonked herself down on the bed and pulled me down beside her. ‘Why not?’
‘It’s not fair.’
‘On whom?’
I had to tell her. ‘On Ben.’
‘Me?’ Ben sounded incredulous. ‘What have I got to do with it?’
I glanced up at him. ‘I seem to be getting everything. The shop. A loan to do it up. Free rent here. And you…’
‘…got a house deposit five years ago,’ Ben finished. ‘Did you never wonder how I managed to move out of a rented flat on my salary?’
‘I…’ I shrugged. I hadn’t given it much thought but, now that he mentioned it, a two-bed terrace in a fairly nice part of Leeds did seem a little out of the reach of Ben’s day job working for a missing persons charity. I wasn’t absolutely sure what he did for them but I did know it wasn’t well paid.
‘You daft muppet,’ Ben said. ‘Auntie Kay, it’s a yes from her. Otherwise she can move all her crap out again all on her own. Can we eat now?’
I looked from him to my parents to Auntie Kay. Everyone seemed to be nodding encouragingly. ‘Does the invitation stretch to Kit and Kat?’
‘Of course,’ she said. ‘They’ve already made themselves at home.’
‘As long as everyone doesn’t mind, it’s a big fat yes, then!’ I squealed. ‘Thank you so much.’
‘You’re very welcome.’ Auntie Kay gave me another hug.
‘You’re not going for another ten days,’ I said. ‘My stuff’s everywhere. It’ll be in the way.’
‘Ah. Slight change of plan. Linda and I are leaving on Monday.’
I gasped. ‘This Monday? As in four day’s time? The shop’s not ready yet. What if I have questions?’
‘Then email me them, but I think you’re doing brilliantly without me.’
‘But… I… but…’ Eek!
‘But nothing. I’m moving into Linda’s this evening so we can sort out the last minute details. I’m around for three more full days and I promise to be more available in that time if you need me. I’ve done all my clothes shopping.’
&nb
sp; ‘But…’
‘I hate to break up this riveting discussion,’ Ben said, ‘but I’m wasting away. Man need food. Now.’ He pushed past me and bounded down the stairs like a little kid, followed by Auntie Kay, then Mum and Dad.
I looked round the bedroom trying to take in what had just happened. A new business opening in two weeks and a new home from this very minute. Shocked as I was by Auntie Kay’s announcement, I knew she was right; I’d done most of it on my own so far. How spooky that I’d just been talking to Elise about moving out and now it had happened. If felt like everything was slotting into place. Of course, moving in meant I had absolutely no excuse for putting off registering with a dating site and going all out with my search for Steven.
Kit appeared in the doorway then launched himself onto the bed. I nuzzled into his fur, ‘Do you think it’s time we found you a new daddy?’ I whispered. He purred loudly. ‘I’ll take that as a “yes”.’
My phone beeped. Nick again?
* From Nick
Forgot to say in last text… do you have any plans for 2 weeks on Monday? Have a proposition for you. Will explain when I see you x
* To Nick
No plans so far. Sounds exciting. See you soon x
Eek! Kisses again! Was he asking me on a date? No. You don’t ask someone on a date for two-and-a-half weeks’ time, do you? And you don’t use words like ‘proposition’. But a little part of me quite liked the idea of a date.
‘Sarah! Auntie Kay says tea’s ready,’ Ben shouted up the stairs. ‘Get your arse down here.’
Nice! ‘Coming.’ I stood up. As I did, I was momentarily blinded by a flash from the dressing table. I moved a little closer and realised it was a large and very sparkly photo frame that must have caught the light. Instinctively I picked it up to look at the photo. It was a large print of the lighthouse picture Auntie Kay had shown me that morning. She must have had it enlarged while she was in town. Blown up to A4 size, the resemblance of me to my grandma was even clearer.
Searching for Steven (Whitsborough Bay Trilogy Book 1) Page 12