Page 111 of Second Chance Summer
‘Do you think he’ll stay?’
‘I don’t know.’ Sam sighed. ‘They’re now talking every few days so that’s a big step forward. I can’t decide for them. It’s their futures.’
Aaron nodded. ‘You can tell me it’s none of my business, but what about your future? Are you and Lily going to see each other again?’
Sam had exchanged a few messages with her. Though short, each had taken a stupid amount of time to compose. He’d been so careful to get the tone right – light and cheerful – because he was afraid of letting her know how much he missed her and how much he longed for them to be together, however impossible that seemed.
‘Have you even heard from her?’ Aaron said.
‘Yeah. She said she’s coming back to help me officially launch the retreat in a few weeks.’
‘Aha! So that’s why you’ve been working all hours.’
Sam rolled his eyes. ‘I need the revenue. I’ve taken bookings.’
‘Sure you do.’ Aaron eyed him shrewdly. ‘Do you think she will come back? She’s a busy woman.’
‘Maybe. I don’t know. I want to see her again, I won’t deny I like her.’
Aaron snorted. ‘“Like”. Oh, mate, listen to yourself. You were so busy trying not to look at her that night in the pub, it was painful.’
‘Was it that obvious?’
‘Only to someone who knows you very well. Fathoming you out can be almost impossible.’
‘I almostdon’twant her to come back because it would never work between us. We’re a million miles apart and I don’t just mean the physical distance, though that’s a problem too. You know what it’s like living here, expecting someone to fit in. Our lives are so different. I’d rather not prolong the agony. Better to get it over with before it’s begun.’
‘Strikes me it’s gone way past the beginning between you two.’ Aaron sighed and slapped Sam on the back. ‘I’m not enjoying watching you torment yourself.’
‘I’m not enjoying it, either!’ he said morosely.
‘I can’t tell you what to do. Same as you can’t solve Nate’s problems. Sorry, I’m a shit mate, aren’t I?’ Aaron grinned.
Sam had to smile. ‘I wouldn’t say that.’
‘We can talk about it if you like – over a pint tomorrow night, maybe. I’d have said tonight but we’re having a barbecue. My sister-in-law and the kids are staying. Seven of us in a two-bed bungalow. Should be fun.’
‘Enjoy yourself.’
He pulled a face. ‘I’ll try!’
Aaron jumped into his red RIB and Sam untied for him.
Aaron’s hand was on the throttle. ‘Oh, andradicalidea, but you could call Lily. On the actual telephone thingy that lets you speak to people.’
‘Ha ha!’ Sam said as Aaron gave a salute and fired the engine to motor the short distance over the channel to Tresco.
Sam made sure theHydrawas secure before heading home in the Land Rover. In the distance he imagined he could glimpse Land’s End. He pictured Lily still in herLondon office – what would she decide to do about the supermarket offer?
She’d probably be working late or heading off to a business meeting at a smart restaurant. One thing he was sure of: she wouldn’t be looking out over the ocean and mooning about him.
He took Aaron’s advice and sneaked out after dinner with Morven and Elspeth to call Lily. There was no way he was using video; he looked too scruffy.
His call had gone straight to her voicemail. ‘Er … it’s me. Sam.’
Shit, she knew that.
‘Just wanted to say that Starfish is finished and Sea Holly is well on schedule … Morven has been helping to style Samphire with her creations and the pieces you suggested from the local makers. Um … hope you’re OK. Speak soon. Bye.’
