Chapter Nine
“I can’t believe your family is coming back tomorrow and this is your last full day here,” said Nathan, when Jessica came out into the kitchen for her breakfast on Saturday morning. “It’s going to be so quiet without you and Monty around.”
“I’m not going back to the States for a few more days, so you won’t get rid of us completely,” Jessica reminded him.
“No, but it won’t be the same, so we need to make today special. What would you like to do? I’m at your disposal.”
“I actually have a prior engagement, but only for part of the morning. I said to my old ballet teacher that I’d drop in and give her a hand with a class at ten. It’s only an hour, I think.”
“That’ll be nice for you. Make sure you don’t overdo it, though. You should still be keeping off that foot as much as possible.”
“I know, don’t worry, Dr Townsend.”
“How about I pick you up afterwards and we can do something?”
“Sure. What did you have in mind?”
“I’ve got an idea, but I’m not telling you what it is.”
“Intriguing . . .”
“And actually, you being out for a while will give me time to organise it.”
“How mysterious! I love it!”
“Would you like a lift to the dance studio?”
“No, thanks. The walk will be good exercise. Will what I’m wearing be OK for whatever you have planned?”
“Yeah, it should be fine, just don’t change into a tutu during class.”
Seeing Jessica’s face fall, Nathan quickly said, “I’m so sorry. That was really thoughtless of me.” He wrapped her in a hug, pulling her close to him.
“It’s fine,” she said, determined to pull herself together. “I’m just still a bit sensitive about not being able to dance.”
“Of course you are. That was a completely stupid thing for me to say.”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll say something daft to you later about ex-wives and then we’ll be even.”
“You make sure you do,” Nathan said, giving her a kiss on the head and letting her go.
“I’d better get ready,” Jessica said.
“I’ll be going out in a minute, so I’ll see you outside the dance studio at eleven.”
“Sounds good.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed Nathan on the cheek. “See you then.” Their eyes met and held for a beat before Jessica reluctantly broke her gaze.
* * *
Jessica was glad to be by herself for a little while before the class. She knew that she’d find it hard watching all the students dancing and not being able to join in, but at least this class was for little ones who wouldn’t be going through all the familiar routines she knew and loved. She also knew that it was important she did this. It was going to be three months at least until she’d be able to begin training again; she needed things to fill up her time or she’d go crazy counting down the days until her life could begin again. Not being able to dance had made it completely plain to her just how much of her life ballet was, and how lacking it was in many ways without it. Maybe teaching could be what she needed at the moment, and it might even be her future.
She packed a bag, just like she always would for class, but without her dance shoes and leotard, which definitely felt strange.
She made sure that she was at the dance studio ten minutes early. None of the students had arrived yet, but Diana was there putting music ready in the CD player.
“Please say that’s the same CD you used to play when I first started coming here,” said Jessica.
“The very same!” Diana laughed. “But I have upgraded the player.”
“Wonderful!”
“I’ve put a chair for you by the piano. Would you be able to stop and start the music for me when I ask?”
“No problem,” Jessica said as cheerfully as she could.
“Don’t worry,” said Diana quickly. “That’s not all I want you to do! Could you also be an extra set of eyes for me and, if you’re up to it, you could walk around the class, making any corrections as you see fit.”
“Of course.” Jessica was much happier now she realised she would have a proper job to do.
The children began to arrive, all aged between four and six, just like Jessica when she started. They were mostly little girls, but Jessica was pleased to see a couple of boys as well. It was important to get them when they were young so their love for ballet could develop before they were told that it wasn’t cool for them to dance and got put off.
There was mayhem as children got ready and then ran around, parents dropping them off, some wanting to speak to Diana, but as soon as it was ten o’clock, Diana said, firmly, “OK children, into position!”
Fifteen sets of tiny feet hurried to get into place in three lines of five.
“I’d like to introduce you to my helper for today, Jessica. Jessica is a professional ballerina. She’s hurt her foot so can’t dance at the moment, but she’s very kindly offered to give us a hand.”
Jessica felt fifteen pairs of eyes turn to her, several of them wide with admiration.
“I’m sure you’ve got lots of questions for Jessica, but that will have to wait until after class. Jessica, could you start the music, please?”
* * *
The class flew by. The children were very sweet and listened earnestly whenever Jessica came over to help or correct them. The music reinforced all of her happy memories of when she’d first started dancing. How she used to be so impatient to get to class that she’d run the whole way, and would always be the first one there. She wondered if any of these children felt the same way. They were so young, it was impossible to tell if they had the talent, the drive and the body shape to become a professional.
She’d been so engrossed in the class, that it was only when the children had all left and she was saying goodbye to Diana that she remembered Nathan was picking her up and they were going out on their mystery outing together.
Nathan was waiting in his Land Rover outside the studio. The car had a large green Canadian canoe tied firmly onto the roof rack.
“Hi!” said Nathan cheerfully, getting out to greet her and help her into the car like he always did.
“You want me to go canoeing with a broken foot? What if I fall in? I’m not supposed to get the plaster wet.”
“You won’t fall in. The canoe is really stable, and we’re going to be going on the canal so the water’s completely calm.”
“There’s a canal near here?”
“Yeah, well, not that far away. It’s near Guildford. The canal’s also handy because you can just turn around and paddle back to the car without having to go against a current.”
“And you’re sure I won’t end up in the water?”
“I’m positive.”
Choosing to trust Nathan against her better judgement, Jessica got in the car. She checked the back seats. “Aren’t the dogs coming with us?”
“No. Monty in a canoe would be a recipe for you getting a dunking. I’ve given them both a bit of a walk and they’ve got the run of the garden.”
* * *
They pulled into a parking space by the canal an hour later. Jessica eyed the water suspiciously. It looked cold.
Nathan helped her out of the car. “I’ll get the canoe off the roof,” he said. “There’s a buoyancy aid for you in the boat. It’s the red one.”
“If I’m definitely not going to fall in, then why do I need a buoyancy aid?”
“For safety, and so that I can get photos of you wearing one.”
Muttering darkly to herself, Jessica put on the buoyancy aid. It smelled mildewy. How did she let herself get talked into these things?
Nathan joined her and put on his own blue version.
“I hate you right now,” said Jessica.
“Come on, let’s get this boat in the water,” he said, ignoring her.
Nathan pulled the canoe over to the canal and gently eased it into the water before getting in himself. “Can you pass me that rucksack?” he asked, indicating a bag he’d left on the path.
Jessica handed it to him.
“OK, now, give me your hand, and I’ll help you in.”
Jessica very gingerly accepted his help and climbed into the canoe, managing to stifle a scream when the boat wobbled rather alarmingly as she did so.
She collapsed onto one of the benches and glared at Nathan.
“See, completely safe,” he said, looking a little guilty.
“I’m not having a good time so far,” Jessica said through gritted teeth.
“You will be soon,” Nathan reassured her, handing her a wooden paddle.
“You expect me to paddle as well!” Jessica said incredulously.
“It’ll be good exercise for your arm muscles.”
“Fine,” grumped Jessica, taking hold of the paddle.
It didn’t take long for Jessica’s bad mood to dissipate. Nathan was right; now that she was in it, the canoe was very stable. It was a glorious sunny day, the light hitting the water was beautiful, and the trees alongside the canal afforded them much-needed shade. The ducks and swans passing by provided some entertainment, as did the people travelling along the towpath. And it was nice to be outside doing something vaguely physical which didn’t involve using crutches.
Jessica smiled and turned her face to catch the sun. “I knew you’d enjoy it,” she heard Nathan comment quietly.
They paddled for about an hour with Nathan at the back of the canoe steering, pointing out things to one another. It was so peaceful and relaxing and they were going at such a lazy pace that Jessica didn’t think her arms were getting much of a workout, though she’d probably have blisters on her hands from holding the paddle.
“Shall we stop for lunch?” asked Nathan. “There’s a good point where we can moor up just ahead.”
“That sounds good.” Jessica’s busy morning meant she was very hungry.
Nathan directed them to a spot with an easy exit point.
“Are you all right getting out of the canoe for lunch? We can stay in it if you’d rather but there’s a nice spot for a picnic on the grass over there.”
“I’ll be brave.”
Nathan stepped out first and tied the canoe up on a mooring, and then helped Jessica out and retrieved her crutches from the bottom of the canoe as well as his rucksack. “It’s just over there.” He pointed to a grassy area underneath a large oak tree.
They walked over and Nathan unpacked the rucksack to reveal a picnic rug and several containers of food. “Are you OK sitting on the ground?” he asked. “Otherwise, I think there’s a bench we can move to a little further along the towpath.”
“I’ll be fine if you can just give me a hand getting down.”
Once she was settled on the rug, Nathan began unpacking Tupperware. He’d brought cheese, salami and olives, as well as a rice salad, hummus and falafels — basically all Jessica’s favourite picnic food. There was also a large tub of strawberries.
“Thank you so much,” said Jessica tucking in. “This all looks delicious.”
“My pleasure.” He handed her a bottle of water. “There’s also a flask of coffee and some granola bars, but I thought we could save those for later.”
“Sounds like a good plan.”
“So, are you having an OK time?” Nathan asked with a grin.
“I am,” Jessica admitted. “This was a really lovely idea.”
“I’m glad. It’s going to be really strange not having you around all the time. And Monty, of course.”
“But I’m sure it’ll be nice to have your home back to yourself. You’ll be able to walk around naked, or whatever it is you like to do when you’re alone.”
Nathan laughed. “I don’t think poor Dennis deserves to put up with that kind of behaviour.” He ate a piece of salami, then continued, “To be honest, I thought I would struggle having a guest. I’ve lived by myself for a while now, and you saw how tidy I kept things. I wasn’t sure how well I’d cope with my routine being changed, but I’ve really loved having you. It’s been nice to have someone to come home to in the evenings.”
“I’m glad I wasn’t too much of a pain. I know I can be kind of messy,” Jessica admitted.
“You really can!” Nathan chuckled. “But I liked it. I think it’s the first time that house has felt like a home. I’m going to need to do something about that. Though I’m not sure what exactly.”
“Maybe you need more stuff around. It does feel a little like a show home... Sorry,” she said, seeing Nathan wince.
“No, you’re right. It does. Claire got most of the furniture in the divorce, so I just bought whatever I needed from IKEA.”
“Well, you won’t get rid of me easily. I’m sure I’ll be popping around to make a mess before I fly back to the States.”
“You’d better,” said Nathan, smiling, though there was a sad look in his eyes.
Jessica shimmied over to be closer to him. “Thank you so, so much for the last week and a half. It’s meant so much to me. Not just because I would have struggled physically by myself, but because you really cheered me up. I can’t believe I’ve actually enjoyed myself in the depths of my despair.”
“And thank you for cheering me up on Thursday. I’d probably still be wallowing now if it weren’t for you.” He gave her a hug.
“We make quite a team,” Jessica said.
“That we do,” agreed Nathan. “Let’s take a photo. I want to remember this.”
“No way am I being photographed dressed in this!”
“Just one, please? I won’t show it to anyone.”
“All right, just one,” she agreed.
They leaned close together and Nathan used his phone to take a selfie.
“Look, it’s really nice,” he said, showing her the image.
“I suppose it’s not terrible,” Jessica admitted. Actually, it was a lovely photograph. Jessica was used to having her picture taken for work, both while she was dancing and for headshots and the occasional magazine or newspaper article about her or her company. These photos were always very staged, and she had time to ensure that she looked absolutely perfect for them. But in this quick snap taken with her hair a mess from the wind and without a scrap of make-up on her face, she looked really happy. She and Nathan fitted well together. They looked like a couple. The kind of couple other couples aspired to be, having fun adventures on the weekend and enjoying each other’s company in the outdoors.
* * *
They lazed around for a while after they’d finished eating, debating how much further they would travel before turning back. They decided to go for another hour, stop again and have their coffee and snack, and then head back.
The sky clouded over while they were paddling. Jessica insisted on being at the back this time so she could have a turn steering. They chatted as they paddled, but not about anything important. It seemed they’d both decided they were taking an afternoon off from the troubles in their lives and were just going to enjoy being together.
It was almost five o’clock by the time they reached the landing stage where they’d first got into the canoe.
They performed their usual routine of Nathan getting out first and then helping Jessica to disembark. Once she was safely on dry land, Nathan went to step back into the canoe to retrieve their things, but he misjudged his step. His foot caught the edge of the canoe, pushing it away from the canal bank, and, before Jessica could do anything to stop him, Nathan landed in the water with a large splash.
“Oh no! Are you OK?” Jessica hurried over to the side of the canal.
“Yes,” said Nathan, his head appearing out of the water. He stood up. The water only reached his stomach.
Jessica burst out laughing. “No chance of anyone falling in, eh?” she eventually managed to say.
“I think what I actually said was that there was no chance of you falling in, and in that regard, I was right,” Nathan retorted, hauling himself into the canoe.
“I will never let you live this down,” said Jessica, whipping out her phone and taking a photo of a very soggy Nathan.
* * *
Nathan got himself and the canoe out of the water and took off his soaking buoyancy aid — and T-shirt. His body wasn’t as sculpted as those of the dancers Jessica knew, but he definitely kept in shape, and he looked strong and, somehow, safe.
“What are you staring at?” He laughed. “Your mouth is practically hanging open!”
“It is not!” said Jessica, blushing.
“You’ve got plenty more time to check me out,” Nathan said. “I don’t have another top to change into until we get home. Are there any particular poses you’d like me to hold?”
Jessica threw his damp T-shirt at him. “We’d better get you home as quickly as possible so you don’t scare anyone.”
Nathan helped Jessica into the Land Rover, a little smile playing on his lips, which Jessica decided to ignore. He didn’t need any more encouragement. She couldn’t help the occasional look over at his chest while he was driving, though.