Twelve
Joe cursed as the Prius came flying out of the car park. ‘Sorry, Coco,’ he said as he swerved to avoid the car, causing Coco to pull her head in from the window from where she’d been enjoying the view and the breeze. Then he recognised the driver. It was Gill Dickson, driving like a madwoman. What was wrong with her? One day in tears, the next driving dangerously. Although not exactly the next day. It was strange, he mused, how you might never bump into someone for years, then your paths started to cross. Some would call it fate. He just called it bad luck… or was it good luck? And what was she doing down here at this time in the morning? Was she one of the crazy group of wild swimmers, mostly women, who braved the ocean at dawn regardless of the weather?
Joe didn’t normally come to the beach as early as this, but he hadn’t been sleeping well since Erica arrived. Since Barb died, he’d become used to the emptiness of the house, to the familiar sounds. The presence of another person changed things. It took a bit of getting used to. This morning, when he found himself unable to get back to sleep, he’d gone to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea. Coco had wakened and decided it was time for a walk. As a result, here he was, arriving at the beach at an ungodly hour, just as the early morning swimmers were leaving.
Unclipping Coco’s leash, Joe wandered across the beach to the edge of the water and gazed out towards the horizon. It was beautiful at this time of the morning. He could understand why people chose to rise early and greet the dawn in the ocean. But it wasn’t for him.
His thoughts turned to the woman whose car he’d almost collided with. He wondered what made her tick. She was a friend of Poppy’s. He supposed he could ask Cam about her. But then Cam might think he was interested in her, and he wasn’t, was he? He was just curious. He knew of her reputation as a lawyer. It was good of Poppy to suggest Erica speak with her. His sister needed advice, more advice than he could give her. And Gill Dickson was the person to provide it.
By the time he and Coco arrived home, Erica was up and bustling around in the kitchen.
‘I guessed you’d taken Coco for a walk,’ she said. ‘I bet you’re hungry. Scrambled eggs and bacon?’
‘Sounds good. I’ll take a shower while you’re making them.’ Since Coco was standing over her empty bowl, Joe filled it and her water bowl, before heading to the ensuite.
Washing himself in the shower, his thoughts went again to Gill Dickson. It wasn’t good, seeing her in tears, or driving like a madwoman. He wondered what was ailing her. Something intrigued him about the elegant woman with the cropped black hair. He wondered also if fate would cause their paths to cross again. He also wondered, as he was drying off, if he would like to bump into her again. But Erica shouting that breakfast was ready left that thought unanswered.
‘What are you doing today?’ Joe asked when he had demolished the large breakfast Erica had prepared. He could get used to eating like this. Since he’d been living alone, breakfast had consisted of toast with vegemite or marmalade.
‘I’m meeting Livvy for lunch,’ Erica said. ‘I decided it’s time I made an effort to catch up with old friends. I bumped into her when I went in to register with the local medical centre.’ She hesitated. ‘And I’ve made an appointment with the solicitor Poppy recommended.’
Joe paused, his cup partway to his mouth. ‘Gill Dickson?’ He wasn’t sure why he suddenly felt a rush of heat to his face.
‘That’s her. I called her office and I’m seeing her tomorrow at nine.’ She twisted her hands. ‘I’m not sure how she can help me, but…’
‘She has a good reputation. She’ll be able to steer you in the right direction.’ He had a sudden thought. ‘Does Geoff know you’ve come here?’
‘He might guess, but…’ Erica bit her lip, ‘… I’m not sure what he’ll do. I don’t…’ The colour drained from her face.
Joe wished he hadn’t asked about Geoff. Erica had been doing so well. ‘You’ll enjoy seeing Olivia again,’ he said, ‘and why don’t we go out to dinner? You’ve been doing a lot of cooking since you got here. It’s time I treated you. How about I book a table at the yacht club?’
‘The yacht club? It’s still a thing? Remember how we used to think it would be so grown up to go there on a date?’
Joe chuckled. It was when they were all in their teens, and the yacht club was where their parents went, only taking the children there for special occasions like birthdays. ‘It’s very much a thing. I eat there a lot. It’s undergone a few renovations since then. You’d barely recognise it. The food’s pretty good too. Maybe not quite up to the standard of Crossings ,’ he said, remembering he’d promised to take Erica there.
‘Let’s start with the club and work up to Crossings ,’ Erica said with a smile.
‘Let’s.’
*
Joe was glad he’d had the foresight to book a table. The yacht club was packed. There were two large tables of groups who looked like they were celebrating birthdays, plus the usual collection of families out for a mid-week dinner. There was a lot of loud chatter and laughter coming from the larger groups as several of the diners were taking photos with their phones.
To Joe’s relief, he and Erica were shown to a table at the other side of the restaurant, close to the window which faced the marina.
‘This is nice,’ Erica said, gazing out at the rows of vessels, many of which were lit up. ‘It’s grown a lot since I lived here.’
‘The whole of Pelican Crossing has grown,’ Joe said, ‘but luckily, we’ve managed to retain the unique atmosphere which the tourists love. It was touch and go there for a bit last year when a developer tried to ruin it.’
‘What happened?’
‘You don’t want to know. But suffice to say, he didn’t succeed and has since got his comeuppance.’ Joe tapped the side of his nose. He had no intention of going into the gory details. It was over and best forgotten.
After they’d placed their orders, chilli prawn pasta for Erica, and smoked eye fillet for Joe, he asked, ‘How did your lunch with Olivia go?’ He’d been unable to ask her earlier because the planning committee meeting had gone on longer than he anticipated, and he’d been late home, leaving him only enough time to have a quick shower and change before leaving.
‘Good.’ Erica took a sip of the Seppelt Jaluka chardonnay Joe had ordered. ‘It was as if we’d only seen each other yesterday. I’m glad she’s still around. And,’ she took another sip of wine, ‘you’ll never guess…’ She grinned.
Joe raised an eyebrow and took a sip from his own glass. It was good to see Erica looking so happy.
‘She knows Gill Dickson. You know, the solicitor Poppy recommended, the one I’m seeing tomorrow. She and Olivia are in the same book club, and they swim together every morning. Livvy’s invited me to go along.’
‘To the book club?’
‘No, silly. At least, not yet. Swimming. She says it’s amazing to be out on the ocean as the sun is rising.’
Joe stared at his sister in amazement. So, he’d been right about Gill. She was one of those wild swimmers. But… ‘Will you?’ he asked.
‘Maybe, but not tomorrow. I don’t want the first time I meet my future solicitor to be on the beach… and I’m not sure I’m a strong enough swimmer.’ She chuckled. ‘But it does sound fun. Don’t you think so?’ she added, when Joe didn’t immediately respond.
‘Sure,’ Joe said, but he knew he didn’t sound enthusiastic. It appeared that fate was ensuring Gill Dickson’s life was going to become entangled in that of his family, one way or another, and he wasn’t really sure how he felt about it.