11. Chapter Ten
Chapter Ten
BETH
The wind whipped around Beth’s face as she squinted from the bright morning sun. Her aqua floral top flapped as gusts of air swirled around her. She held down the wrap-around skirt so as not to expose her legs. Where was Nick?
The green industrial shed converted into a café stand had several tourists milling about. Most of them wore comfortable shorts and t-shirts. One middle-aged lady had a money purse strapped around her waist. Beth strolled toward the line, drawn by the scent of Italian brewed coffee.
Hands slipped around her eyes. “Guess who?”
She flinched and turned into Nick. Hot flushes zoomed from her toes to her cheeks. “Hi.” Beth blinked repetitively. This guy was bold.
He laughed. “I couldn’t resist sneaking up on you. I’m in a silly mood today. It’s so great to get off that ship.” He spun, scanned his surroundings, and took a deep breath. “Australia is a beautiful country.” Nick turned toward Beth, and his pupils enlarged as he focused on her. “And what a pleasure it is to have a sweet young lady as my tour guide. I’m a lucky man.”
She smothered a giggle. His enthusiasm was contagious. “I’m not that young, you know.”
“Thirty-three years old. Your dad told me all about you at the community centre. Gave me a long list of your accomplishments and talents. Is he trying to marry you off or something?”
Heat flushed her cheeks. “Usually, he beats the men off with a stick.” She laughed. “Not many, but any that dare approach me. I’m surprised by his behavior lately. But, don’t worry, I’m a woman with my own mind.” Beth smoothed her hair back from her face. “Where are your Navy buddies?”
“They had other commitments. Anyway, I’d much prefer spending time getting to know you and this gorgeous city you live in.”
“Are all sailors smooth talkers?” She placed a hand on her hip.
He chuckled. “I’m barely a sailor. I’ve only been with the Navy for six months. It’s not the lifestyle for me. I’m ready to move onto greater things.” Nick winked. “Starting today, where are you taking me, lovely Beth?”
She shook her head and grinned. “The Maritime Museum is on the way to the café strip.” Beth pointed to the artistic-shaped building in the distance. From where they stood, it appeared similar in style to the Sydney Opera House. “How about we have a look through, get a bite to eat in town, then head to the Fremantle Markets? Then, if you’re keen, we can catch a train to Perth City and visit Kings Park.”
“I’m keen.” He rubbed his hands together.
It was evident he was keen as beans.
Once inside the museum, Beth strolled, gazing toward the high ceiling where the Australia II yacht hung above. “Agh. There’s the secret keel underneath that helped us win the America’s Cup in 1983.”
“Oh, so long ago, dear Beth. Who really remembers these things?” He smiled.
“The Aussies do.” She tsk-tsked.
They moved across to another display with a giant copper whale, showing the size comparison to a dingy.
Nick handed her his phone. “Can you take a photo of me next to the whale?”
“Sure.” She took the cell and moved back to frame as much as she could of the whale. Although he must be around six-foot, Nick seemed small in comparison. He froze in a funny pose, with his mouth and eyes wide open, scared of the creature coming for him.
Beth held back a giggle. This guy loved to clown around, and she didn’t mind. His lack of inhibitions was refreshing, and she enjoyed his company.
Later, when they walked down South Terrace, they spoke loud over the traffic and noise about them. Nick kept asking questions, wanting to know her dreams and future plans.
“I once wanted to make it in journalism, but I’ve had no breaks in the industry. I work for a small paper, and the other reporters get assigned the exciting stories. I’m mainly an editor.” She swished a fly from her face. “I nearly got a big story, but in the end, the facts didn’t line up, and I wasted a lot of my time.” Lachlan’s image flashed in her mind. “And emotional energy.” She flicked the irritation away like she had the fly. She’d enjoy Nick’s company. Uncommitted to the Navy, unlike Lachlan had, Nick held a different appeal. By his questions, she could tell he wanted to know if their direction in life could align. Nick’s outlook promised adventure, and she tried not to get ahead of herself, but the possibility of traveling the world, securing money for charities, excited her.
At Pizza Bella Roma, they shared Bruschetta and a Caesar Salad. With full stomachs, they continued to the markets. When they passed the Sail and Anchor, a wolf whistle came from the top balcony. Nick waved at his Navy colleagues. Then touched Beth’s elbow and urged her to quicken her pace.
“Sorry about that,” he whispered into her ear.
“Don’t be. I’m used to the sailors coming into town. I just ignore it.”
“I’m not like them. I promise.” This was the first time she’d seen him somber.
On the corner stood the Markets’ historic red-bricked building. Emerald lamp posts graced the entrance on either side. Inside, the scent of incense mixed with musk wafted in the air as they passed the first stall.
Compact mini shops crowded the lane. In the middle, the gray painted concrete floor had red footprints showing the way to go. Industrial fans whirled above on posts, with fluorescent beams hanging from the raked ceilings lined with aluminum insulation.
An acoustic guitar played in the distance along with a Gaelic melody—buskers, no doubt. Sale signs boasted of bargains on natural products, souvenirs, jewelry, bakery goods, and down the other end, fruit and vegetables.
Nick approached the tarot card reader and stood before him. “I can tell the future too, and I won’t charge you any money.”
The stallholder scrunched his brows.
Nick sat on the chair opposite him. “In eight months from now, you will become very unwell for a time. Close to death. But do not worry, it won’t be the end for you. You’ll recover.”
Nick stood abruptly.
The man stared with his mouth ajar. Nick nodded goodbye and moved on. Beth scurried after him, and when she caught up, linked her arm with his. “How did you know all that? You didn’t even blink, it just came out of you.”
“I had to say something. I was compelled to.”
She admired Nick’s expression, lined with concern. “You have a good heart.”
Their eyes met, and he smiled. “As do you. That’s why we get along so well.” He patted her arm.
He led her to a Pandora store. With his hand on her lower back, he bent over the glass cabinet before them, displaying tiny trinkets. “Do you have a Pandora bracelet?”
“No.” She studied the selection.
“They’re nice for collecting charms around the world as a memento of where you’ve been. Can I buy you one?”
Aware of the price, the reason she didn’t have Pandora in the first place, she hesitated. “That’s okay. You don’t need to do that.”
“I want to, Beth. As a thank you for taking me out today.” He collected her wrist. “Silver would suit your skin.” His thumb brushed her hand as he placed it onto the glass. “And lookie here.” He pointed. “An anchor charm. I’ll buy that as our first memory together.”
Her heart pounded in her chest. Did she hear that correctly?
A saleswoman in a blue pencil skirt approached and offered her assistance. Nick ordered the items while Beth remained erect like a stunned emu. Then her knees became weak, unable to believe this confident man beside her liked her so much.
“No need for the packaging.” Nick tucked the receipt into his back pocket, then took the bracelet from the woman. He turned to Beth with a satisfied grin, holding the unclasped bangle for her to thread her hand through.
“Thank you, Nick. You’re so thoughtful.” She inserted her hand, and he fixed the clamp into place around her wrist.
He collected her hand and placed a kiss on top. “You’re welcome.”
Nick placed his warm palm on her lower back and kept it there as they continued to walk around the markets. What was happening? They were acting like a couple laughing, walking hip to hip as if they were in love. Surreal.
After a long time in the markets, Beth glanced at her phone when they stepped into the sunshine outside. One o’clock.
“I need to get back to work.” She shrugged. “Sorry.”
“That’s okay. Let’s go to Kings Park on the weekend.”
“Sounds good.”
“And how about dinner tonight? Are you free?”
She blinked. “It’s my niece’s birthday. The family is getting together for cake.”
He gave a playful frown.
“Why don’t you come and meet the rest of my family?”
“I’d love to come. Can you meet me up at the port again?”
“Sure. Six-thirty?”
“I look forward to it.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll call Carl and hang out with him until then. You have a great day at the office.”
She floated away and headed toward The Fremantle Herald . A contented sigh left her lips. Wow. She hadn’t dated anyone in years and started to doubt she’d meet someone interesting—and one who pursued her. Most of the single guys she knew didn’t want to travel or serve in charities. She wanted to be with someone who shared the same interests. Were her single days nearly behind her?
On the way to her sister’s house, Beth gave Nick the rundown of the family dynamics. “Amy’s married to Brett with one child, Talicia. It’s her fifth birthday.” She maneuvered through a roundabout, as the streetlamps flickered into the car’s cabin. “Trudy is my other sister who is engaged to Michael. Shanae is dating Phil. He won’t be coming, as Dad hasn’t warmed to him yet.”
“Dominating father?” Nick laughed.
“You guessed it.” She flicked the indicator on and turned into Amy’s street. “My younger brothers, Jacob and Simon, are single. They may or may not be there tonight.”
“That’s a big family. I’m not sure if I’ll remember all the names.” He sat upright. “I’m an only child. My mom was probably turned off having any more kids after she had a demanding toddler. Apparently, I was a handful.”
“That’s not hard to imagine.” Beth gave a cheeky smile. “You love to muck around. Are you sure you’re thirty-eight?”
“When I wanna be.”
They parked in the dim driveway. “Well, brace yourself. Our family is loud.”
Standing on the doormat, Beth tightened her hold on Talicia’s present. Nick’s hand touched her elbow as they waited for someone to greet them.
“Um, Nick. For tonight, it’s best if we don’t . . . touch each other.” She offered a small smile. “Let Dad get to know you a little more first.”
He chuckled and jumped back with his hands raised in surrender. “Yes, ma’am.” He swung his hands behind his back. “Don’t want to get off-side with Papa Bear.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior tonight. Anyway, your Dad loves me, practically offered me dowry money.”
She slapped his shoulder. “He did not.” She playfully scolded Nick. “You’ll keep.” Where had she heard that saying before?
The door opened with a gush of sibling love. “Beth!” Amy hugged her tight. “Talicia has been waiting for you. Thinks you’ve bought her a unicorn.” Amy glanced at Nick. “And who’s this handsome man? I didn’t know you had a date?”
“Nick, this is Amy. See. My family is loud, and they speak whatever comes to their mind.”
Nick laughed and shook Amy’s hand.
Amy pulled him into a hug. “We’re huggers in this family. Welcome. Come in.”
As they entered, a waft of cinnamon and chocolate floated about them making Beth’s mouth water.
Squeals of delight came from the living room. “I always wanted a Peppa Pig house. Thanks, Uncle Simon. You’re the best.”
“Aye.” This from Jacob. “You haven’t opened my gift yet.”
Her sisters all laughed. When Beth poked her head around the corner with Nick on her tail, the room fell silent for a moment.
“Aunty Beth. You’re finally here.” Talicia stared at the present and put her hand out.
Everyone laughed again.
Dad stood. “Nick, how are you, son?” He walked over and offered a hand.
Son? Nick was right. Dad was trying to marry her off.
Michael looked at Trudy with question in his eyes. Dad had taken a long time to warm to him, so he’d be wondering why Nick was getting favor already.
Simon and Jacob stood as Dad did the introductions around the room.
Beth kneeled and gave Talicia a hug. “Happy Birthday, sweetheart. Let’s sit on the rug so you can open your present.” Beth led her to the center of the room, placed the gift on the floor, and sat in a single seated sofa chair. Nick sat in the one next to hers.
All eyes toward little Talicia, as the precious girl picked at the paper and peeled it back slowly. Her eyes lit up, and her mouth formed an O. “Aunty Beth! You’re the best.”
More chuckles filled the room as Talicia lifted the lifelike doll in the air.
“She looks like me!” Talicia swung the doll in front of her grandfather’s face.
Beth smiled, glad her niece could notice the resemblance in the blonde hair and green-eyed doll. Talicia ran to her and jumped in her arms, then wriggled onto her lap with her gift in hand. She peeked over to Nick and whispered in Beth’s ear. “Who’s he? Is that my new uncle?”
Beth flushed, hoping no one heard, but even Talicia’s whispers were loud. She’d asked the question that seemed to be on everyone’s faces.
Beth tucked some hair behind Talicia’s ear and whispered, “He’s a friend.”
Her niece sat upright, her eyes big. “Ohh.”
Nick placed his hand on Beth’s chair, and looked at Talicia with a smile. “Maybe one day, I’ll become her very special friend.”
“Good. Because I want a cousin.”
Beth smothered a laugh into Talicia’s neck, the heat in Beth’s cheeks intense. She dared not look around the room, but the giggles told her that everyone was having a good time at her expense. Nick! She’d throttle him after.
Soon, the family settled into easy conversation. Talicia sat on the rug playing with her new toys. Dad, her brothers, and Nick chatted away. Nick had them laughing on several occasions.
Beth joined Amy in the kitchen to help her make teas and coffees. The cappuccino machine gurgled as it heated.
“Beth, I like your new friend . How come you didn’t tell me?” One brow rose.
“Tell you what? I’ve only been out with him twice.”
“He’s keen. You look like you’ve been dating for a while. Comfortable with each other.”
“Okay. I admit it. It’s all happening pretty fast.” Beth bounced on her runners and held out her wrist. “Nick bought me this bangle today. He’s so sweet.”
“It’s gorgeous.” Amy played with the hanging anchor charm. “How long is he in town?”
“Two weeks, then he’ll be a twelve-hour drive away. Exmouth. Four weeks.”
“Are you going to follow him and stay up there?”
Beth gasped. “What would Dad say?”
“It’s your life, Beth.”
“He’s staying at the Navy barracks there. I could take holidays and rent a caravan.” She touched her throat. “I can’t believe I’m considering this. I’ll see if he asks me first, and if he does, I’ll take it as a sign.”
Amy jiggled a tea bag in a floral cup. “Oh, he’ll ask you, all right. Nick’s besotted by you.”
Beth nodded. “He is.”