She lifts her chin while lowering her eyes to look me over. “You’re looking well,” she says, but it’s more like an accusation. “Very tanned. I can’t say I was looking so refreshed this soon after your father left me. But then, I didn’t run away and laze about the beach for two months while my sister organised my life and my mother fretted. I never thought of you as selfish, Darcy, but now I’m wondering where I went wrong in raising you.”
My mouth drops open and I suck in my breath. I was expecting her to be nasty, but the reality of it is something else. Spending the time since Kevin left within the loving environment Nana provides has certainly made me realise I don’t deserve such hatefulness. I’m not a little girl any more. “You’re wrong, Mother. You didn’t go wrong in raising me. I grew into who I am despite your efforts to make me feel less than, and in spite of Kevin’s efforts to do the same. He left me because no matter what I did, I wasn’t good enough for him. And now you’re poking me in the shoulder with your words because my actions weren’t good enough for you. I said this only a moment ago, and when I say it now, I need you to hear my words: my actions had nothing to do with you. As my mother, you can choose to support me, or you can stand against me. Quite frankly, there’s nothing anyone can do to rattle me at this point. I am doing what I think is best for me and my children, and I won’t be swayed.”
Mum’s mouth opens and closes, flapping about like a fish out of water. I’ve never seen her speechless before. But, I guess I’ve never stood up to her like this before either.
Jo hides her own smile by wiping a hand across her face. “Something tells me that now would be a good time for tea,” she says, stepping between Mum and me and guiding us inside. “Then we can talk about Darcy’s new man.”
Mum splutters. “New man?”
“What the hell?” I pinch Jo on the underside of her arm, the same way I did when we were kids and she did something like this. She flashes me an evil grin, telling me this is my payment for her running interference for me since I left town. I roll my eyes. Some things between sisters never change no matter how grown-up you get.
“Yeah, Mum. A rugby player too,” she goes on. “You should be proud. At least one of your daughters can find herself a good man.” Now she winks at me, always loving to tease Mum after she made the mistake of asking her if she was ‘sure she was a lesbian and not just having trouble finding a good man’. Jo had replied at the time with, “The right man for me is a woman, Mum,” and that was the end of that.
“Are you insane, Darcy?” Unfortunately, this is just the start of a tirade from Mum. I’m going to kill Jo when we get back to hers. “You’ve been single for one second and you’re already dating again? Your poor kids.”
“You’d better have wine back at your place,” I whisper next to Jo’s ear. I know she does this to stir Mum, but I think she also gets a kick out of torturing me too.
“You know I do.” Of course she has wine. Jo’s solution to everything is wine. Wine after five, tea any time before, and a joke to diffuse all situations.
“You’re discussing wine,” Mum splutters. “This is serious, Darcy. You’re out of control.”
Jo laughs again.
“Why is this so funny to you?” Mum glares at Jo.
“Because you think you can still control things. To me, that’s hilarious. Darcy is a forty-year-old woman, Mum. It’s time you realise you don’t have the right to control her.”
“But her life is a mess.”
“Is it? She’s living by the ocean, bumping uglies with the hottest guy I’ve ever seen, and she’s no longer with that bastard who ran out on her.”
“There was nothing wrong with Kevin.” What fucking planet has my mother been living on?
“Now that’s funny. The guy stole all their money and left her for another woman, Mum. She deserves to go and have some fun. The kids are fine, she’s enjoying herself with this new guy. Who cares if it’s too soon, or if it’s serious or just a rebound fling. The point is, your daughter has had a horrible couple of months and she’s actually found some happiness within it. So how about we skip this tea and pop the bubbles, because we should fucking celebrate that. Don’t cha reckon?”
For the second time in a short while, my mother’s mouth falls open and flaps. And I no longer want to kill my sister, I want to hug her. But that was my relationship with my big sister in a nutshell. Up and down, but always together. And I loved her.
FORTY
LEO
“I’m glad you called,” I say, phone pressed to my ear as I lie back in bed with Darcy on the other end of the line. Besides a couple of texts and Snapchats, I haven’t had the chance to see her or speak to her since Tash rudely interrupted us yesterday. I’ve been dying to tell her how amazing she was while also wanting the reassurance that Tash’s bitchiness hasn’t affected her any.
“I needed to hear your voice,” she says with a sigh.
“I was worried you’d be a bit put off after meeting my ex.”
“What? No way. She was just playing bitchy-girl games to scare me off.”
“As long as it didn’t work.”
“No. She was intimidating for a second, but then I realised that she doesn’t want you, she just doesn’t want anyone else to have you either.”
“I think I’m a tree she’s never been able to cut down.”
“Ha. Good analogy. I want to come home.”
I smile at her sudden subject change. “Home. I like that you’re calling Bayside home these days.”
She makes a small agreeable sound and I hear the fabric moving over the receiver. “This isn’t home for me any more. I feel like I’ve been arguing and justifying my actions all day. I think I drank my body weight in wine to get over the stress.”
I chuckle. I thought she sounded a little chatty. But I like Darcy when she’s chatty. She forgets to filter what comes out of her mouth. “Visit to your mum didn’t go well?”
“That’s an understatement. She was at me the moment I arrived, then Jo dropped the you bomb and Mum almost fainted.”
“The U bomb?”
“No. The you bomb. Jo told her about you.”
“Your mum knows about me?” I smile, because that also means she was talking about me to her sister. Knowing that makes me feel…great. The more people that know, the less of a secret we are. The more real we are. I want to have something real with Darcy. And this conversation, the fact she’s told other people, the fact she calls the place where she’s with me home, is a huge leap forward.
“She does. And she thinks I’m a terrible role model because of it. I could have killed Jo for saying something. But she was getting me back for taking off and leaving her to deal with Mum all alone over the holidays. So, fair’s fair, I suppose. I love her to death, but my sister is a shit sometimes.” She lets out a chuckle. “You should have heard my mother, Leo. She can’t believe I…how did she put it? That I could throw myself at ‘the next good-looking man who came along’. Tried to make me out to be an absolute harlot and said some horrible things about Nana. But I was proud of myself at the end of it, and you’d be proud too, Leo, because I didn’t let her make me feel bad about leaving Bairnsdale, or for my decision to date you.” I’m smiling as she babbles in my ear. “I’m forty years old and I’m finally grown-up enough to stand up to my mother.” She laughs at herself and it’s the most beautiful sound. “But I can’t wait to come home. Do you think I can sneak over to your place on Sunday night? I’m dying to see you and these Snapchat messages won’t be enough.”
“I would love for you to sneak over to my place on Sunday night. I’ll even leave the door unlocked.”
“Good,” she says, the word a sigh that seems to trail off as her breathing changes and I’m pretty sure she just fell asleep on the phone. I laugh to myself, listening as her soft breath becomes a gentle snore.
“Good night, Darce,” I murmur. When she doesn’t respond and her breathing doesn’t change, I stay on the line, thinking about how much
this woman means to me and that my life wouldn’t be the same without her. My chest fills up with emotion and I can’t help the words that come next. They must be said. “I think I’m in love with you, Darcy.”
“Hmm,” she responds, her voice sleepy as the receiver muffles. I think her phone falls away from her ear, but I do hear what comes next, a soft murmur. “I love you, too.”
I’M on a high the entire next day. And it’s not because Niall and I jump out of an aeroplane—although, what a rush. If you’ve never been skydiving, I highly recommend it—it’s because I feel it. The deepest kind of connection a man and a woman can have. It’s taken me forty-five years to find a woman who makes me feel this sure, but better late than never. Maybe we weren’t ready for each other before now.
I know I’m getting ahead of myself here. Darcy was mostly asleep and she was also drunk last night when she murmured those words. But, experience has taught me that Darcy is most honest when she’s drinking. It’s how I learned she was interested in me in the first place, so I’m not going to discount it. I’m just going to keep it close to my chest until she’s ready to say it sober, and it’s going to be the reason I’m smiling from now until forever. Because she’s it. I’ve found my one. And better still, she’s coming over tonight so I can show that beautiful body of hers the love it deserves.
“You’re acting so weird today,” Niall says when we pull into the driveway at Tash’s and I whistle to myself while I grab his bags from the boot.
“It’s a good day to be alive.”
“My God. Did jumping out of that plane give you a come-to-Jesus moment, because I’m out if it did. Truce over.”
I clap him on the back and laugh. “We’ve had a great day. Can’t I be in a good mood?”
“I guess.”
“I’m serious, Niall. This is one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. And that’s because it was with you.”
He looks really uncomfortable, but fuck it. I want him to know that I love him and saying those words would probably tip him over the edge right now.
“OK. Well…I gotta go. But thanks for today. It was pretty lit.”
“See you soon, mate.”
He laughs a little. “Sure, Dad.”
Even Tash’s attitude can’t bring me down from this high I’m on. She opens the door and says hello to Niall, then she looks at me and asks if I’ve changed my mind, and when I say no, she slams the door in my face. Normally that would piss me the fuck off, but today, I laugh.
She tried to intimidate Darcy and she failed. Darcy is falling for me, I’m falling for Darcy, and nothing’s gonna stand in our way. We’re going to make this work. Because when it’s right, it’s right.
When nine p.m. hits and the sounds of next door quiets, I flick the lock open on my door then go outside to watch the stars come out, a beer for company as I wait for my favourite person on the planet to join me. I don’t expect her till at least ten, so I have some time to kill. And I don’t want to sit inside thinking about what I’m going to do to her or I’ll meet her at the door with a hard-on. No, some time spent stargazing and contemplating will do me good. Especially when things are looking up in all aspects of my life.
I received word late Friday afternoon that my quote for this killer treehouse design has been accepted. The job came in via an old rugby buddy of mine and I start work within the week. It’s exciting because it’s a literal copy of the main house being installed in the backyard. I’m building every bit of furniture, every fixture from scratch. This kid is obviously spoiled, but it’s a cool job for me. I’m really looking forward to it.
Speaking of spoiled kids, Niall seems pretty chilled out over the idea that he might be staying with me for his final months of high school. It’s the first time I’ve ever spoken with him about a decision his mother and I were at odds over, and he actually agreed with me. I’m pretty sure he’ll be on a plane to Heathrow the moment he closes his final exam booklet. But the fact that he chose to remain at school gives me hope that he really does have his head screwed on properly. Insisting he spend these holidays with me has turned out positively.
I’m about a third through my beer when Esme pokes her head around the screen and offers me a sympathetic smile. “I was wondering if I could get your help over here?”
“Anything,” I say, a little wary as she gestures for me to come over to her side. Taking the long way, I step onto her deck and the first thing I find is Darcy, passed out on the couch.
She’s so peaceful there that I can’t even be disappointed. She’s had a big weekend, and we’ll get other chances.
“I think she’s knackered after driving all afternoon. She really wanted to come and see you, but the poor love couldn’t make it. Thought you might be able to carry her to her bed. At least then you get the chance to say goodnight.”
Taking a deep breath, I smile at Darcy’s sleeping form then give Esme a kiss on the forehead. “Thanks, Ez.”
I crouch down beside Darcy, sweeping my fingertips through her hair to push if off her forehead. “Hey Darce. I’m just going to carry you to bed, OK?”
“Hmm.” She leans into me, all softness and warmth as I slide my arms beneath her.
“You love her, don’t you?” Esme asks as I lift Darcy off the couch, taking care not to put too much pressure on that knee of mine.
“What makes you say that?” I ask as I bring Darcy to my chest. She barely even stirs.
“Just a feeling I have. I’m good at noticing these things.”
I’m filled with warmth as I look into Darcy’s face. In the grand scheme of things, she’s so new to my life, but I feel as though I’ve known her forever. “She’s very special to me.”
“I’m glad you two found each other,” Esme says as I start for Darcy’s bedroom. “Oh, and if she wakes up and you two start getting frisky, don’t hold back on my account. I won’t listen in. Much.”
With a chuckle, I shake my head and carry Darcy down the hall, setting her gently on top of the single bed in her room. She seems so small and peaceful as I remove her shoes before she rolls into her pillow and sighs as I pull her covers up to her shoulders. “Thank you,” she murmurs, her eyes still closed.
“Sweet dreams, angel,” I whisper, pressing my lips to her forehead. Before I leave, I hover at her door, watching her sleep for a split second while wishing I could fall asleep next to her. Soon, Leo. Be patient. Then I thank Esme, and head back through my open front door, flicking the lock and getting into bed myself. And despite missing out on spending time with Darcy tonight, I’m still smiling. Because tomorrow she starts work, and I’m going to be near her all day. I‘m not gonna lie here either. I’m really looking forward to our lunch hour. Not that an hour will be long enough for what I want to do to her…
FORTY-ONE
DARCY
“Do you hate me?” I ask Leo as I walk into the workshop after dropping the kids off at school. “I hope you don’t, but just in case, I brought a peace offering. Coffee and croissants. Can’t hate a girl who comes bearing pastries.” Twice I’ve fallen asleep on him now. Once over the phone, and again last night. When I said goodnight to Abby and Archer, I thought I’d wait until ten to make sure the kids were definitely asleep before I left. I’d been so keyed up about seeing him that I closed my eyes for ten seconds to calm myself down. The next thing I remember is waking up this morning. Nana filled me in on the rest, this impish little grin on her face as she explained how strong and careful Leo was when he carried me to my room.
Leo stops what he’s doing and smiles at me, this brilliant grin that brightens his whole face and touches his eyes. My stomach flips and dances because he looks at me like I’m his world. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating. “Get your arse over here,” he says, setting aside the blueprints he was working on as he gestures for me to move forward.
“Are you asking as my boss, or my beau?”
He chuckles. “Who even says beau these days?”
“Nana and Betsy. I
think it should be used more. I like the sound of it.”
When I’m level with his feet, he grips my hips and hoists me on his drafting table, spearing his fingers in my hair as his mouth reunites with mine. With a whimper, my body sighs and relaxes, and I almost forget I’m carrying coffees, catching myself just before his plans are ruined and I’ve got a whole lot more than a missed sexcapade to make up for.
“Mm, is that how you welcome all your new employees?” I ask when he releases me then takes the coffee tray from my grip.
Setting the cardboard tray aside, he hands one cup to me and keeps one for himself. “Since you’re my first employee, I’m going with yes.” Opening the paper bag, he pulls out a croissant and takes a bite, eyes sparkling as he chews.
I touch the side of his face, longing for this ability to reach for him freely. He turns his head and kisses my palm.
“You have such happy eyes,” I say as he hands me my croissant and we start eating.
“That’s because I’m happy around you.” He grins as he chews. “In case you haven’t figured that part out yet.” He moves a few papers that are a little close to where I’m sitting and places them a safe distance from our meal.
“What are those for?” I ask of the plans drawn on them. It’s looks like cut-outs for a house.
“Big job creating a miniature version of a one-hundred-year-old farmhouse. It’s going to be stunning.”
“Oh wow. Do you have a picture of the house you’re recreating?”
Love is a Beach: a romantic comedy Page 26
