Chapter Twenty-Three
In the darkness on Saturday morning, Tim approached the tower, relieved to see Teddy waiting. Even more relieved when Teddy lifted his hand for a shake-slap before drawing Tim into a half hug.
“Hey, mate,” Tim said. “How you going?”
“Every day’s better now that the radiation’s through. Can’t wait to get back to work. Though a couple more weeks off will do me good. We’re going up to Monkey Mia for a long weekend.”
“That’ll be great. Nice and warm up there. Not that you’d know it’s almost winter with these thirty-degree days.”
“Hot as. You lot have been under the pump this week, I reckon.”
“Flat out. Wanted to bring everyone together earlier to debrief, but it was too hectic.”
Teddy nodded. “Never too late.” He paused. “How’s Lachie going?”
“Mostly good. He had a nightmare the other night, but—” Tim broke off, glad Teddy couldn’t see his face redden in the dark. He cleared his throat. “Sorry, I…”
“Ah, look, mate. I’m not judging. I wish it hadn’t happened while you were in charge here, but you’re stepping down. The timing works out anyway with my recovery. And if you and Lachie are happy together, I’m happy for you.”
Tim exhaled. “I don’t deserve it, but thank you.”
“Sure you do. We all stuff up sometimes. And I don’t reckon you’d risk so much for a fling. Lachie’s a top bloke, and so are you. If Ryan can accept this, we all can.”
Chest tight, Tim cleared his throat. “You’re a good mate. We haven’t… Do you want me to tell everyone? About me and Lachlan?”
“Yeah, nah. HR doesn’t need an official disclosure, and neither do the boys right now. In two weeks, I’ll be back. They’ll find out soon enough once you’re a civilian again. Speaking of which, what’ll you do? I hope you’re sticking around?”
“Yep. I’m home for good. Putting together a plan for a surfing school. My cousin Petey’s got a line on a bulk order of wet suits, and I’m looking for the best deal on boards.”
“Ah, how good’s that? We need a proper teacher around here. You know, my neighbor Ringo’s a good man to talk to about the boards. I’ll give you his details.”
“Brilliant. Thanks again, mate. I’m so bloody glad you’re on the other side of treatment.”
“Me too.” Teddy slapped Tim’s shoulder. “Let’s get up there. I see headlights in the car park.”
Soon, the boys—and Mia—crowded into the tower, everyone thrilled to see Teddy. When Lachlan arrived, he gave Tim a quick smile before chatting to Damo, who’d brought Blake at Tim’s request since he’d helped during the drowning.
That little flash of a smile made Tim tingle all over. He felt like a teenager again—aside from the creaky joints. Not to mention the need for a good night’s sleep.
He’d spent every night at Lachlan’s, and he’d slept restlessly, waking often, worried that Lachlan would have another nightmare. But Lachlan had slept through the night before no worries, giving him a sleepy kiss as Tim left to meet Teddy.
Ryan arrived, making his way to Lachlan’s side and slapping hands as he went. “Hiya, bro,” he said to Lachlan, nudging his shoulder.
Tim had to turn away for a moment, afraid he might burst into tears, filled with love for his son. Teddy raised an eyebrow, but Tim murmured that he was fine and asked, “You want to start?”
Teddy shook his head. “Just here as a bystander. This is your meeting.”
So, Tim called for attention, standing with Teddy in front of the shuttered windows with everyone squeezed in around them, down in the medical area and into the hall to the locker room.
“It’s been a week since the drowning, and I wanted to check in. Thanks for getting up early and making the time. Mark’s finishing a night shift and couldn’t be here.”
“Legend,” Baz said to nods and murmurs of agreement.
Tim motioned to Blake. “And you all know Damo’s partner, Blake, who was having a surf when the drowning happened and didn’t hesitate to pitch in.”
“Go the clubbies!” Hazza said, and everyone gave Blake a round of applause.
Smiling, Blake ducked his head. Damo took his chin and kissed his cheek.
Tim went on. “I’ve been able to talk to most of you this week, and I know Chalkers and Bickie have had chats with you as well. You’re all aware of the counseling on offer, yes? Even if you weren’t there on the day, it affects us all when we lose a patient.”
There were murmurs of agreement and more nods.
With a deep breath, Tim pulled the carefully folded letter from his pocket. He’d printed out the email before showing it to Lachlan the night before. Lachlan had cried in his arms after reading it, and Tim steeled himself now to read it aloud.
“I received a letter from John and Jen McLeod. Callum’s parents.
” Another hush settled over the lifeguards.
“To the lifeguards of Barking Beach: Thank you for everything you did to try to save our boy. Callum was a bright, beautiful soul who will be so missed by everyone who knew him. Our hearts are broken.”
Tim had to stop, his throat thick. After another breath, he finished the letter. “But without you, there would be countless other families experiencing this pain. We’re incredibly grateful that Callum’s mates Reece and Molly are still with us. God bless you.”
Tim immediately looked to Lachlan, whose eyes shone as he nodded to something Ryan murmured to him. Tears streaked Cody’s face, and Liam’s arm was tight around his shoulders. Damo and Blake both had wet eyes, and Damo sniffed loudly. Others around the room shuffled and sniffled.
“Thanks, Bull,” Chalkers said hoarsely. “We have to remember how many lives we save here every single day.”
“Absolutely,” Tim replied. “I’m proud of each and every one of you. I know Teddy is too. You’re a bloody good team here, and it’s one of the things I’ll miss the most.” A hush rippled over the room, and he grinned. “Because in a couple of weeks, he’ll be back in charge.”
There were whoops and hollers, and Ronnie shouted, “Forecast is calling for a Cyclone!”
They all laughed, and Liam said, “We hope you’ll stick around, Bull.”
Teddy slung an arm over Tim’s shoulders. “We’re stuck with him, I reckon. We need someone to teach the tourists to surf who won’t try to get them killed.”
“Oh, I told that dickhead Kayde he didn’t know what he was doing!” Mia grumbled. “He can barely surf himself!”
“Bull hammered the point home,” Damo said with a laugh. “Good on ya, Bull! We need ya around here.”
Tim met Lachlan’s gaze, and Lachlan’s smile brightened his beautiful face. Tim called out, “Thanks, everyone. Two Sundays from now, mark it in your calendars. I’m firing up the barbie at Liam and Cody’s and stocking the drinks fridge. Would love to see you all there. Bring your partners and kids.”
Cody added, “We’ll start late arvo. Bring a plate. Looking forward to it.” His eyes were red, and he sniffed as he made his way to Tim as the meeting dissolved into chatter and hugs.
“Thanks for sharing that letter,” Cody said. “And you know you’re welcome to stay in the pod as long as you like.” Leaning in, he lowered his voice. “Though I bet you’ll be looking for something bigger soon.”
“Don’t want to rush, but…” Tim grinned. “That’s the plan.”
As the sun rose and the openers—including Lachlan—fired up the buggies and planted the flags in the sand, Tim found Ryan standing on the sand, watching the water.
“How about a flat white from the caf?” Tim asked. “Some brekkie?”
“Can’t. I’m driving up to Quinns to meet Jodie.”
“Another time, then. Or we could grab lunch tomorrow?”
Ryan sighed. “Maybe. Just… Give me a minute. Don’t push.”
“Right. Whatever you need. I’m here. When you’re ready, I’m here.” He turned to leave Ryan in peace. After a few steps, Ryan spoke.
“I know I was shitty with you when you made me move away from here. I missed my mates and Barkers. I was a stupid fuckin’ teenager.
Mad at everyone. But I still looked up to you.
Then you spent that money that was meant for me, and I couldn’t believe it.
Did’ya think it’d be worse for us to find out you got fooled by Uncle Scotty?
Mum says it was… ‘Comic masculinity’ or something. ”
“Toxic.”
“Huh? Oh. Yeah, that makes more sense.”
“If I could go back and do everything differently, I would.”
“What about Lachie? Would you change that?”
Tim hesitated. The answer was no, not a chance.
Before he could say it, Ryan demanded, “Do you really like him? It’s not just because he’s hot?”
“You think he’s hot?” Had Tim missed that maybe Ryan wasn’t as straight as he seemed either?
Ryan rolled his eyes, and for a second, he looked so much like the aggro teenager he’d been that Tim almost laughed. “I can see. ’Course he’s hot.”
“You’re not… You don’t fancy him yourself?”
Ryan pulled a face. “Lachie’s my brother. Yeah, nah. And I’m not into blokes.”
“I didn’t know I was ’til my forties.”
“Nah. When Damo came out, I thought about it just to make sure. It’s chicks for me.”
“Okay. Nothing wrong with that.”
Ryan huffed a laugh. “Glad you approve.” His smile vanished. “Back to Lachie. You like him? For real?”
Tim wasn’t sure he knew how to put it into words. He liked him so much.
Loved him, even.
There were so many feelings pinballing through him. Desire, affection, protectiveness, curiosity. He wanted to discover everything about Lachlan Yang there was to know.
Finally, he simply said, “For real.”
Ryan rubbed his face and muttered, “Fuck me.”
“I’m sorry it bothers you. And that we lied to you.”
“Yeah, well, hoping I know everything now?”
“All my cards are on the table,” Tim promised.
“It’s far out.” Ryan waved his hands. “You and Mum were swingers, and you’re bi, and she and Wozza have other boyfriends—and an extra girlfriend for Woz, I think?—but they’re happy as anything together.”
“They are.”
“So if you and Lachie are really into each other, then you should go for it, and anyone who doesn’t like it can get stuffed. Including me.” He dropped his hands to his sides.
“Thanks, mate,” Tim croaked. “When you’re ready for more, I’m here.”