Winter at Wishington Bay

by Maxine Morrey

  ‘No. That’s not the reason.’

  I looked up at him, wondering what the reason was. Suddenly, Bryan dancing about near the door caught my eye. ‘I think someone needs a visit outside.’

  ‘Oh, Christ. Sorry mate!’ Nate scooted down the stairs, Bryan doing his best to trip him up in his own haste and shortly after I heard the door to the beachside open and close. Turning back to the room, I snapped another shot as a sunbeam lit the interior softly through the gauzy curtains, then tucked the phone back into my pocket and headed downstairs to clean there.

  I dusted and cleaned to the gentle accompaniment of Nate’s keyboard tapping rhythmically, and surprisingly speedily.

  ‘Do you mind if I vacuum now?’ I asked, reluctant to disturb his concentration.

  ‘Not at all,’ he said through a yawn as he stretched, leaning back and reaching his arms to the ceiling.

  ‘Sounds like it’s going well,’ I said, glancing back as I checked the charge in the cordless appliance.

  Nate grinned at me. ‘Like I said, you seem to be my lucky charm. Do you think you could come here every day?’

  ‘I don’t think you make enough mess for me to come and clean every day.’

  ‘I could try. But it wouldn’t have to be for that.’

  I looked up at him and he suddenly looked awkward. ‘I think that might have come out wrong.’

  Grinning, I tilted the handle back on the vacuum. ‘You might want to be careful going around making offers like that. Corinne would certainly be interpreting them differently.’

  Nate swallowed and gave an eyebrow raise. ‘Are things OK between you two? I didn’t mean to cause any problems or make things difficult for you at work.’

  I gave a dismissive wave. ‘It’s fine. She’s never taken to me anyway so it’s no great loss. She’s a bit more frosty than usual but the wonderful thing about youth is its confidence. In her eyes, there is no way you could possibly be more interested in anyone than her, so she’s certainly not considering me any sort of threat.’

  ‘Am I supposed to do something tomorrow night? I mean, what she said about going to see the lights together.’

  I shrugged and tried to ignore the uncomfortable twist my stomach gave at the thought of Corinne draping herself all over Nate. ‘That’s up to you, I guess.’

  ‘Sophia, I never asked her out.’ His tone was earnest. ‘At least, I don’t think I did.’

  I looked up. ‘You don’t need to explain yourself to me, Nate. What you do, and who you do it with, is entirely up to you. I’m just here to make sure the house is comfortable for you, not report back on your activities.’

  ‘That’s not what I meant. Gabe would probably be quite happy for me to see someone else.’

  ‘Then what are you worried about?’

  He gave me a patient look. ‘What do you think?’

  My eyes widened a little in surprise. ‘Me? Why?’

  He gave his shadowed chin a quick scratch. ‘Because I… value your opinion.’

  ‘Oh.’ Disappointment sagged inside me like a deflating balloon. The more I’d got to know Nate, the more I liked him. It was ridiculous, I knew. I lived here. He lived on the other side of the world and both of us were mired in the process of getting divorced. But I couldn’t help it. I liked him. And frankly, it had been such a long time since I’d felt that way, it was novel and exciting. And utterly pointless. Nate might not be interested in Corinne, not that she had any plans to give up on that particular conquest yet, but he clearly wasn’t interested in me either.

  I stole a glance as he took his seat back in front of the laptop. As if sensing me watching, his gaze flicked up, catching me in the act. If I looked away now, I may as well have just hung a sign round my neck that said, ‘Why yes, I was staring at you.’ Instead I smiled in what I hoped was a casual manner, before stepping on the vacuum switch, filling the room – and hopefully my mind – with a distracting roar.

  By the time I’d finished downstairs, I had got my thoughts, and libido, back in check. Nate was gorgeous, yes, but keeping it just friends was perfect. That way we got to enjoy each other’s company without all the hassle that taking it further could bring. By keeping it just friends we could chat and have a meal together without me worrying whether I’d shaved my legs that morning, or deal with the bother of Nate’s large, strong hands exploring my body as that sensuous mouth pressed down on mine, his body close to me as he – oh, bugger. I definitely needed to work on this.

  ‘You done?’ he asked, closing the lid of his laptop.

  ‘Uh-huh,’ I said, yanking my runaway imagination back into line and giving it a good talking to as I busied myself tidying away the cleaning gear.

  ‘Still up for that walk to the post office?’

  ‘Yes.’ I cleared my throat and took a couple of deep breaths before turning to face him. ‘Absolutely. I just need to sign the papers and write that envelope.’

  ‘I’ll get you a pen.’

  I sat back down at the breakfast bar and spread the papers out in front of me, reading through again and checking what I needed to do. Half of me was curious to know what Jeremy’s sudden rush was but the other half was more in the ‘good riddance, moving on’ camp. That seemed the healthiest mindset, and I took another mental step towards it as I signed the paperwork in a manner my mother had always told me had ‘rather too much flourish’.

  ‘All done?’ Nate asked as I pulled the sealing tape from the envelope and ran my finger over the flap, ensuring it was all secure.

  ‘I think so.’

  ‘How do you feel?’ His expression was serious.

  I thought about it for a moment. How did I feel? The divorce had dragged on far longer than I had expected. Although I knew Jeremy could be awkward when he wanted to be, the levels he had sunk to had surprised and disappointed me. It made me wonder whether he had ever felt anything for me at all. If he had, would he have been quite so vicious in his handling of the divorce, determined to make everything as difficult and expensive as possible for me, knowing he’d already taken the bulk of our money? Could you really do that to someone you’d loved, even if it had only been for a short time? Although I suppose the news and magazines are full of people who had once stood in front of their family and friends and professed everlasting love only to subsequently do vile things to each other, so perhaps I had got off lighter than some and should be grateful.

  ‘Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that. I guess there’s a whole slew of emotions.’

  ‘No, it’s fine. But you’re right. When I sit back and think about it all, a whole host of emotions tumble about – sadness, disappointment, surprise – but right now, looking at this envelope and knowing that I’m so close to being able to finally close that chapter, the main feeling is relief.’

  Nate nodded.

  ‘Have you…’ I wasn’t entirely sure how to phrase the question.

  He finished it for me. ‘Started divorce proceedings?’

  It was my turn to nod, as I dropped the envelope in my bag.

  ‘Kind of. Although things don’t seem to be progressing that quickly, but I guess she’s busy with her new life.’

  ‘How do you feel about that?’ The words popped out before I could censor them. ‘I mean, only if you want to talk about it.’

  ‘No,’ he stayed me momentarily with a hand on my arm. ‘Actually, it feels a bit of a relief to discuss it with someone who understands.’

  I gave him a smile. ‘I’m always happy to listen, Nate. Any time.’

  ‘Thanks, Sophia. I know I’m lucky to have Gabe and Mum and Dad, but I don’t want to burden them with all this.’

  ‘I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t see it as a burden. From what I know of your parents, and certainly Gabe, whatever they could do to help, they would.’ I felt a sad twist of envy as I voiced this.

  ‘But sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who isn’t involved… if that makes sense? A step removed from the family.’

  ‘It does.’
/>
  ‘So,’ he held out my coat for me and I slipped my arms into it.

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘Basically, I’m waiting on her to agree to what I’ve proposed. When she gets round to it. I think she will. My lawyer wasn’t that happy about things and says she’s got a pretty good deal so hopefully she will see it that way too.’

  ‘Sounds like you’ve made it very simple for her,’ I said.

  ‘Yep. I guess I was pretty easy to play. Pretty much whatever she wanted, I gave her. It made it easy.’

  ‘Goodness, I wish I’d divorced you instead,’ I said, then frowned. ‘Sorry. You know what I mean.’

  A resolved expression tinged with sadness hovered over his features. ‘I do. I guess that all makes me sound a bit sappy.’

  ‘Not at all,’ I said, pulling my woolly hat on and checking my reflection in the hall mirror, before straightening the hat a little. ‘So long as it doesn’t leave you on the streets, and what she asked for isn’t something that means a lot to you, then perhaps it was the best way forward for you.’

  ‘Yeah, that’s kind of what I thought, too.’

  ‘Do you have your parcel for the post office?’

  ‘Oh…’ he dashed back, grabbing a small square box off the table. ‘I do now. Thanks.’ He moved the box from one hand to the other. ‘It’s just a little thing for one of our cousins. She used to be a ballerina. Well, I guess she still is, but she teaches at a school in Sydney now. I saw it in Flora’s shop the other day and thought she’d like it.’

  ‘The little china ballerinas?’

  ‘Yes. Do you think she’ll like it?’

  ‘Well, obviously I’ve never met her, but I do think they’re beautiful and I know Flora’s had trouble keeping them in stock, they’re so popular. I’m sure your cousin is going to love it.’

  ‘Thanks. We’re a similar age and always got on well.’

  ‘It’s lovely you’re still close.’

  ‘Yeah, she and her husband have been pretty supportive,’ he said, busily employed in doing up Bryan’s coat.

  ‘When you let them?’

  Nate gave a shrug as he reached around me and opened the front door, Bryan’s lead looped over his wrist and the little dog dancing about by my feet in excitement at the prospect of a walk.

  I smiled. ‘That’s what I thought.’

  ‘So, did you have someone you could talk to about it all? I mean, it sounds like you’ve had a tougher time of it than me.’

  I fidgeted with my hat and hoiked my bag up on to my shoulder. ‘Not especially, no.’

  Nate gave me a look. ‘And there you are telling me off for not opening up.’ I looked up and saw the gentle teasing in his eyes.

  ‘Flora knows I’m getting a divorce. I mean, everyone at the restaurant does, too. But you’re right, I haven’t really taken much of my own advice about opening up when it comes to that. It wasn’t something I was used to doing and I guess most of the time I’ve wanted to keep it separate from my new life here, as much as that’s possible. I’m happy here and I wasn’t happy before.’

  ‘You didn’t want to risk tainting this happiness.’

  ‘Exactly.’

  ‘I get that.’

  We walked on in silence for a moment, Bryan’s toenails tapping out a happy rhythm as we walked.

  ‘But if you ever want to talk, I’d listen. I promise not to taint anything.’

  I looked up at Nate as I walked, seeing the smile in his eyes, the sincerity in his voice. ‘I’ll remember that. Thank you,’ I said, softly.

  And then I fell on my face.

  16

  ‘Oh my God! Are you all right?’ Nate’s concerned voice reached me through a fog of mortification that I now felt from my toes to the tips of my ears.

  ‘Absolutely fine,’ I said, being terribly British about it all and pushing myself up from the floor. I’d been in such a hurry to meet the pavement, I’d failed to find the time to put my hands out and had instead opted to break my fall with my chin with back up from my nose.

  ‘Here, let me help.’ Nate’s arms were round me before I could answer as he helped me stand, guiding me away from the patch of pavement the weak rays of winter sun had failed to reach, leaving last night’s ice remaining in place. ‘Oh crikey, Soph.’

  I finally met his eyes. His brow was covered by his beanie but I guessed he was frowning as his entire gaze focused upon me. In any other circumstance, I might well have relished this attention but right now, embarrassed and sore, I could think of a hundred places I’d rather be now than under Nate McKinley’s scrutiny.

  ‘I’m fine,’ I said, reaching up to brush the grit off my face. Ouch.

  ‘We need to get you cleaned up.’

  ‘Really, Nate, it’s noth—’ I glanced at my cream mitten which was now artfully decorated with a bright red streak. I stared at it for a moment longer then looked up at Nate.

  ‘Oh. Oh dear.’ And then it all went black.

  ‘I think she’s coming round.’ Muffled voices swam in my head and I tentatively opened one eye. Above me Nate and Flora were both hovering, concern written across both faces. I closed my eye then opened both together.

  ‘Hey.’ Nate’s voice was soft, and a gentle smile broke through the worry and despite knowing at some point I was going to have to deal with a flood of embarrassment worthy of Niagara Falls in full flow, I smiled back.

  ‘Hello.’

  ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘OK.’ I made to push myself up and Nate was there immediately, helping me to a sitting position, stuffing another pillow behind me as I sat on my sofa, my legs out, covered by the soft blanket that normally lay across the back of it.

  ‘Shall I get you a drink, love?’ Flora asked.

  I nodded. ‘Thank you, Flora. I’m fine. I’ll do it myself in a minute. Just need to gather my thoughts a sec. Who’s minding the shop?’

  ‘George. I rang him the moment Nate rushed into the shop with you in his arms.’ Behind Nate, she gave me a wide-eyed look and wiggled her eyebrows a couple of times. ‘I’ll go and make us all a nice cuppa.’ With that, she disappeared through to my tiny kitchen and I heard her getting mugs out of the cupboard and the kettle beginning to boil.

  ‘I fainted, didn’t I?’

  Nate smiled. ‘Quite spectacularly.’

  ‘Oh, God.’ I dropped my head into my hands. ‘I’m so sorry. As soon as I saw the blood I knew it was going to happen. I’m so embarrassed.’

  Nate’s hands closed softly round my wrists and tugged gently. Reluctantly I looked up. Letting out a sigh, I met his gaze. ‘Why couldn’t I have done it without an audience?’

  Nate’s brow creased. ‘I’m very glad you didn’t or you would have hit the pavement pretty hard. Again.’

  ‘I’m rather covering myself in glory today, aren’t I?’

  Nate smiled and gave my hands a squeeze before standing and relieving Flora of the drinks she’d just bustled in from the kitchen with.

  ‘Actually, I’m going to take mine down to the shop and just check on George, if that’s all right? I think Nate’s got everything in hand here.’ She gave me another cheeky wink. ‘I’ll pop the mug back later. Take it easy, sweetheart.’ Flora bent and gave me a quick kiss on the top of my head, squeezed Nate’s forearm and headed back downstairs.

  Nate passed me my drink and took a seat on the coffee table opposite me.

  ‘Is my face a mess?’

  ‘Nope,’ he said taking a sip of tea. ‘Flora found me your first aid supplies and helped me clean you up while you were out. Bit of gravel rash and a small cut on your chin which was what leaked all over your glove.’ He nodded towards the kitchen. ‘She’s got them soaking in a bowl of something or other in the kitchen to get the blood out.’ At the mention of the word, I felt the room swim a little.

  ‘Sorry. I won’t say it again.’

  ‘It’s fine. Really.’

  ‘You look kind of green.’

  ‘It’ll go off. And thanks fo
r cleaning me up. And for catching me and bringing me home.’ I raised my eyes to the ceiling and gave a small head shake.

  ‘What’s up?’

  I let out a sigh. ‘It’s just embarrassing. Smacking my face on the pavement was bad enough and then I had to give a finale performance of fainting like some eighteenth-century heroine.’

  ‘If it helps, it wasn’t like that at all. More like someone dropping a sack of spuds.’

  I wasn’t sure if that helped or not but it brought a smile to my throbbing face so there was that.

  ‘That’s better.’ Nate returned the smile.

  ‘So not a fan of the B word then?’ he asked, taking my mug from me as I reached forward, to place it beside his own on the side table. I glanced round. There were even coasters underneath them. Whatever his ex thought, I knew a lot of women would definitely file Nate under the ‘keeper’ category. There was a good chance I might even be one of those women but my head was too sore to think about anything like that right now so I focused back on what he was saying instead. Which was definitely harder than it looked.

  ‘No, it’s something that’s happened ever since I was a child. Absolutely mortifying, really.’

  ‘Nah, you’re all right.’

  ‘How would you like it if it happened to you?’

  He moved his head from one side to the other and shrugged. ‘Probably not so much. I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have been able to catch me and I know you wouldn’t have been able to carry me so I’d probably still be splayed on the pavement like that proverbial sack of spuds.’

  ‘You’re hilarious.’

  He grinned and I immediately forgave him. Damn.

  I drew my knees up towards me. ‘Here. Sit on here. It’s more comfy.’ Nate obeyed, moving from the oak coffee table to the softness of the sofa, settling back, and turning to look at me.

  ‘So, any particular reason?’

  ‘Huh?’

  ‘This reaction.’

  ‘Polo.’

  His brows raised momentarily. ‘Not the answer I was expecting but with that voice, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.’

  I poked his thigh with my toes and he grinned. I felt a bolt of warmth fizz and pop in my stomach before shooting out in a variety of directions, none of them helpful.