Thirty-five
Joe was feeling cheerful as he prepared to go to dinner at Crossings . The diving expedition had gone well, bringing back memories of his youth. He had given up diving after meeting Barb. She hadn’t been keen, and they found plenty of other things to do together. He was delighted to be able to pick it up again with Gill. He smiled at the memory of her grin when she’d removed her mask. She’d been like a child with a new toy.
She’d looked so happy, he had embraced her without thinking… and she hadn’t pulled away. Of course, she’d still been wearing her wet suit, so it wasn’t as if there had been any skin contact, but… it was a start… and maybe… But he wouldn’t think of that now. It was enough they were to have dinner together again, albeit with Poppy and Cam. For once, the thought of spending the evening seeing his friends being affectionate with each other didn’t upset him.
‘Seeing Gill again?’ Erica asked, when he told her – and Coco – of his plans. The dog merely sighed and curled up in her bed. ‘How many times is it this week?’
‘I haven’t been counting,’ he said, even though he had been counting and wondering how he could move their relationship forward from friendship to something more intimate. Gill was proving a difficult woman to get to know, but he felt he was gradually managing to break down the barriers she’d erected around her emotions. Perhaps tonight would be a turning point.
‘You’re looking very smart. She’s a lucky lady.’
‘Hmm.’ Joe glanced down at the blue sweater, the collar of the blue and white striped shirt peeking out of the neckline, and the navy pants. Would Gill think it was over the top ? He missed having Barb advise him what to wear. What did other men do ? Everyday was easy, but he was out of practice at this dating business. ‘Thanks, Erica,’ he said. ‘And thanks for keeping Coco company.’
‘She and I will have a lovely time together. Won’t we, Coco?’ she said to the dog, whose ears pricked up at the sound of her name. ‘We had a good walk this afternoon while you were on your dive. I presume it went well?’
‘Very well. You should try it sometime.’
‘Maybe I will.’
Joe felt guilty. Had he been so busy finding things to do with Gill, he’d forgotten to consider Erica ?
‘But not yet,’ she said. ‘I have a few things to work out before I start trying anything new. You’ve no need to worry about me.’
‘But I do,’ Joe said, suddenly serious. ‘I want to see you happy again.’
‘It’s what I want too,’ Erica sighed. Then she smiled. ‘Now, off you go, and enjoy your evening. Don’t waken Coco and me when you come in,’ she chuckled.
‘I won’t be late.’
Erica laughed as if she knew something he didn’t.
*
It had been agreed they would all meet at the restaurant, and when Joe arrived the other three were already there, seated at the table reserved for Poppy, close to the kitchen. He had barely greeted his companions – Cam with a handshake and the women with a kiss on the cheek – when a waiter arrived with a bottle of white wine.
‘I hope you don’t mind, I already ordered the wine,’ Poppy said.
‘Not at all,’ Joe said, still reeling from the touch of his lips on Gill’s cheek. It was a first for him with Gill. He always greeted Poppy this way, and it had seemed natural to greet Gill in a similar manner. He’d noticed her blush at the contact, whether from embarrassment or some other emotion, he wasn’t sure.
After Poppy insisting she order, given it was her restaurant and her kitchen, they were served the house special of the day which was a sashimi plate followed by coral trout served with potatoes, leek and fennel. They were enjoying chocolate pavlova for dessert, having spent the meal talking diving and the various sailing expeditions Poppy and Cam had undertaken, when Poppy fixed Joe and Gill with her gaze and said, ‘What about you two?’
Joe flinched, but Gill, seemingly more accustomed to Poppy, said, ‘What about us? Not everyone is in the market for the sort of relationship you and Cam have, Poppy.’
Joe’s heart sank. This wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He’d had a relationship like Poppy and Cam’s and would love to have one again, if only… He noticed the two spots of colour on Gill’s cheeks, and wondered if she really meant what she’d said, or if it was her way of protecting herself and her emotions.
But before he could speak, Cam said, ‘Leave it, Poppy. Gill’s right. We’ve had a good day together and a lovely evening. There’s no need to spoil it.’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to spoil things,’ Poppy said. ‘I suppose it’s because I’m so happy myself, I want the same for my friends… and you two have been doing a few things together. You’re both single, and…’
‘Leave it,’ Cam repeated.
This time Joe did find his voice. ‘Gill and I are friends, Poppy, and friends do enjoy spending time together. I’m happy for you and Cam, pleased you’ve been lucky enough to find happiness a second time around. But not everyone can be as lucky as you. Life’s not like that. Some of us have to be satisfied with what we have.’
‘I’m sorry,’ Poppy said again. ‘Forgive me. I won’t try to force my opinions on you again.’
‘You’re forgiven, Poppy,’ Joe said. No one could remain annoyed with Poppy for long.
Gill nodded, but Joe knew Poppy’s words had disturbed her.
‘You two should come sailing with us some time,’ Cam said in an obvious attempt to clear the air, and discussion followed on where the best spots were for fishing and the prime bays for picnicking. No firm arrangements were made, but it was agreed Cam would sort something out with Joe. Joe was pleased to see Gill looking relieved the focus had shifted from her and Joe’s relationship.
They rose to leave, and after a short wrangling between Cam and Joe as to who was to pay, they all left the restaurant together. Poppy and Cam went off arm-in-arm, leaving Joe and Gill standing together. It was very dark, clouds hiding the stars. ‘Why don’t I walk you home?’ Joe asked. He assumed Gill would have walked to the restaurant.
‘There’s no need,’ she said.
‘I’d like to.’ He fell into step with her, and they headed off in the direction of her apartment.
They walked in silence, then as they approached their destination, Gill said, ‘Thanks for what you said earlier. I don’t know what Poppy was thinking.’
‘I expect she was thinking about her and Cam, about how they started off as friends.’
‘Mmm. But her marriage to Jack was happy, and she was free. It’s not like…’
Joe sensed her tense up, the way she always did when she started thinking about her husband. ‘Not all men are like the one you married,’ he said.
‘I know, but…’ She gazed up at Joe, and he caught sight of something in her expression, something he hadn’t seen there before. It gave him hope.
Before he could stop himself, Joe leaned in. His lips brushed hers. It was the merest touch, but the contact sent his heart racing.