Chapter 45
45
JOE
As he walked with Skye around the side of the house to go and feed the animals, Joe still felt the pressure of her gorgeous lips on his. She was such a good kisser, he mused, wishing he had more time alone with her. Then again, they still had a bit more time together on the farm. At least he hoped the Torels wouldn’t expect him to leave straight away seeing as they no longer really needed him and he only lived twenty minutes away. Both he and Skye realised that although Gareth was retired he missed aspects of farming and would probably be only too happy to take advantage of the opportunity to step back into his old work boots and start working with his beloved rescues once again.
Joe looked up at the cloudless sky above the pine trees. ‘Lovely, isn’t it?’
Skye sighed. ‘It’s a perfect day.’
He heard regret in her voice. ‘It doesn’t help when we’re preparing for our time here ending, does it?’
‘No.’ Her voice was quiet.
Turning to her, Joe took her in his arms. ‘Don’t feel too badly,’ he said, wishing he could take his own advice. ‘We still have a bit longer.’
She looked up at him, then rested her head against his chest and put her arms around his waist. ‘I’m not ready for it to end though.’
Neither was he. He could feel her warm breath through his shirt and wished they could stand together like this all day.
‘I am sad about going, but already feel a bit like a guest who’s starting to outstay their welcome here.’
She looked up at him and frowned. ‘I don’t understand. Why?’ She continued, ‘Now the family are all back together and enjoying baby Isla, the dynamics are different. It’s understandable.’
‘It is, but don’t you get the sense that they don’t want to upset us by telling us we’re no longer needed here?’
He watched her as she gave his suggestion some thought. ‘I see where you’re coming from, but I don’t think it is like that. I’m sure they would have said something. Anyway, we’re both leaving very soon and Gareth and Lindy seem happy not to have to worry about the animals for now.’
She made good sense and Joe felt better.
She laughed.
‘What?’
‘I was just picturing the Torel family sitting around the baby, gazing at her and swapping thoughts on how clever she is, how pretty and what brilliant career Isla is going to have when she grows up.’
Joe smiled at the thought and wondered if anyone other than her gran had ever done that with Skye when she was small. He doubted it. From what he had picked up, her mum hadn’t seemed the type to do that. He thought of Carlos and the terrible misunderstanding that had shaped both Skye’s life and those of her parents. It was all so sad and, worst of all, needless.
The thought of Carlos gave him an idea. ‘I’ve thought of something.’
‘Go on,’ she said, looking intrigued. ‘What is it?’
‘If you’re leaving soon then we should contact Carlos and arrange to meet him for supper somewhere. What do you think?’
‘Why have you suddenly thought of my father?’
‘I just want to help you make the most of your time left here.’
‘That’s sweet of you. Thanks, Joe. I really should make the most of having him nearby.’
‘Great. When would you like to do it?’
‘I suppose I could see if he’s free tonight.’ She gave a nod. ‘I could tell him about the Torels’ early return from their cruise and the baby. Oh, and also about my plans to leave the island soon. I could talk to him about arranging meeting up with him and Gran at some point in the future too.’
‘Good idea.’ He watched in silence as she withdrew her phone from her back pocket.
The call on loudspeaker, Joe listened as the phone barely rang before Carlos answered her call. ‘I was hoping to hear from you.’ Skye looked at Joe. ‘I’ve got Joe standing with me,’ she explained. ‘We wondered if you were free for supper tonight?’
‘Hello, Joe,’ Carlos said. ‘I’m glad my daughter is going to bring you along with her. It will be nice to see you again. As it will be you, Skye,’ he said cheerfully.
Skye laughed. ‘I’m glad to hear it.’
They arranged to meet up at seven-thirty at one of the restaurants in St Brelade’s Bay.
‘Would you mind if I bring Sandra along with me?’ Carlos asked.
Joe’s eyes immediately met Skye’s. She seemed as surprised as he was. Joe pulled a face. Interesting , he mouthed feeling a bubble of excitement expand in his stomach.
‘That would be lovely,’ Skye said. Final arrangements made, Skye ended the call, her hand holding the phone dropping to her side. ‘I wonder if the pair of them have seen much of each other?’
‘I was thinking the same thing,’ he admitted. ‘Wouldn’t that be brilliant, if they have been?’ She frowned thoughtfully. ‘Would you mind?’ Joe wasn’t sure if the idea might offend Skye in some way, especially now knowing the reason behind Annie getting the wrong idea and running from the island and everything that had happened afterwards.
She thought about his question. ‘No. It’s not as if Mum is still around to mind. They both seem lovely people and despite their families I did sense a sadness about each of them. A loneliness maybe. Didn’t you?’
Joe nodded. ‘I did.’ He frowned. ‘We’re getting a little ahead of ourselves. Carlos probably thought it a pleasant gesture to invite Sandra out with the pair of us.’
‘Possibly, or,’ she added thoughtfully, ‘maybe there is something between them now?’
Whatever it was, he sensed they would find out much more when they met up with Carlos and Sandra that evening. ‘We won’t have much longer to wait, I hope.’