The Secrets of Water

by Wendy Nelson-Sinclair

  Sebastian’s mother had died when he was twelve from ovarian cancer. Incapable of dealing with her loss and raising his son alone, Reginald Sanders sent Sebastian to England every summer to spend time with his grandmother. Reginald would come over at the end of summer to spend a week with his mother and to take his son home. They’d spend the Christmas holiday and New Year in England, too. From what he had told Lizzie previously, Sebastian hadn’t minded crossing the pond to visit the one of the few women who continued to be a constant in his life. He loved being here, loved spending time with the friends that he made, and especially enjoying his time with his grandmother. When Lizzie first told him about getting accepted for the internship, he had spent weeks filling her in on all that there was to do, it’s people, and waxing poetic about his amazing Nana.

  “This place is really nice,” Lizzie said recognizing the momentary lull in their conversation. “It has such a welcoming feel to it.”

  “It’s one of Nana’s favorites,” Sebastian said as he glanced around and gave the bartender a quick wave. Lizzie watched the tall, heavy-set, bearded man shout towards the back. “My father loved it here, too,” Sebastian added. “He always wanted to come back one last time before he died. His heart decided otherwise.” Lizzie tried not to react to the regret and sadness that shadowed Sebastian’s features.

  Sebastian’s father had died four years ago from a heart attack while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Hazel immediately rushed over to be with her grandson, seeing that they were the only family each one had left. The tragic loss cemented that bond and provided the support they both needed.

  The night of Sebastian’s father’s funeral was one that would be forever burned on Lizzie’s memory. It was the night that Sebastian kissed her. A night she’d hoped that everything would change.

  They had been sitting together in Sebastian’s living room. The rest of the mourners had left, including Virginia, who stated that she was overtired and was heading home. Distraught from burying her only child, Hazel had gone to her room, unable to bear being around the living. Only Lizzie remained, knowing that Sebastian didn’t want to be alone. The only one missing was Sheila, who conveniently claimed to be sick and didn’t want to ‘pass it on’ to the rest of the mourners. Lizzie knew it was a lie. Sheila knew she wouldn’t have been the center of attention and, Lizzie knew, Hazel would have eaten her for lunch.

  “Thank you for staying,” Sebastian said as he sat beside her. Sebastian leaned into the cushions, shoulders slouched, and his body heavy with grief.

  “Of course,” Lizzie replied and gifted him a reassuring smile. “You would do the same for me,” she added and immediately regretted it.

  That is not what you say to someone who’s grieving, you idiot! She cursed herself for not knowing what to say.

  “No, Lizzie,” Sebastian half-whispered as he turned to face her, his eyes damp and cheeks flushed from grief. It pained her to see the misery that tightened the corners of his mouth. “I really mean it. You’re the only one that bothered to stay to make sure that I was okay. I can’t tell you what that means to me. What your friendship has meant to me. Every time that I’ve needed you, you’ve been there, no questions asked. Virginia, too.” Despite the somber setting, Lizzie struggled against the thrill that rippled across her skin. A thrill caused by Sebastian’s sweet words and from his close proximity to her. The same thrill that stopped short the second that he mentioned her grandmother.

  “Well, you’re family, Sebastian,” she said as she rested a comforting hand upon his shoulder. “We’re all here for you and we love you—”

  Sebastian’s mouth crashed over hers before the last word could fully form. At the first touch, Lizzie froze, unsure whether this was really happening, or if she was hallucinating. When Sebastian’s hand splayed across her lower back, Lizzie surrendered. A second later, she was lying on the couch with Sebastian on top of her. As much as she hated for this to be happening at this particular moment, she accepted what he offered wholeheartedly.

  Sebastian’s lips teased hers in the most tantalizing way. Lizzie’s body sparked and sizzled, fully alive, as Sebastian’s hands went under her shirt and encircled her waist. Their warmth teased deliciously as Lizzie ceded to the passionate spell they weaved.

  For the full span of a minute, Lizzie had what she wanted most in the world but suddenly, Sebastian let her go and it was gone.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I just…” Sebastian apologized, righting himself up and immediately broke down. Lizzie attempted to comfort him, to reassure him that it was all right, that it meant nothing, but Sebastian pulled away. The blissful moment from before was irreparably erased as Sebastian rushed from the room, leaving her alone.

  “Lizzie?” Sebastian’s voice snapped her from her reverie and brought her back to the present. “Is everything alright?”

  Lizzie, newly stunned from effect of that memory, gave him a single nod while she attempted to collect herself. “I’m fine,” she said and waved off any concern to be had. “I was just thinking about something.” Sebastian eyed her again suspiciously before picking up his menu.

  “Oh my God!” A shrill, piercing voice suddenly cried from behind the bar. “You’re back! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!” Lizzie looked up just as a tall, young, reedy blonde ran over to Sebastian and boldly wrapped herself around him. “When did you get back?” The girl pulled back just enough to see his face. “How long are you staying? We should get together now that I’m eighteen! Man, you look so good. I guess that American air really does wonders!” The young woman wore a black T-shirt with the word Juicy written across her chest, tight blue jeans that looked as if they had been painted on, and a spotless white apron. The girl looked like she had just walked off the pages of Vogue and suddenly, Lizzie felt uncomfortable. The young woman, whom Lizzie assumed was their server, rubbed herself up and down Sebastian’s body, refusing to relinquish her grip as Sebastian struggled to free himself. The girl’s reaction didn’t surprise Lizzie in the least. Women were always throwing themselves at him. Sebastian’s reaction, however, left her temporarily speechless.

  “Melinda, let go of me,” Sebastian ordered as he finally peeled the young woman off of him like an orange rind. With a half-shove, he created a decent-sized distance between them. Lizzie didn’t miss the dejected expression that rooted itself upon the girl’s pretty, tender face.

  “Friend of yours?” Lizzie smiled as her eyebrows raised teasingly.

  “Lizzie, this is Melinda Whitworth, my mate, Andy’s, baby sister.” Sebastian half-heartedly motioned between the two women, clearly not interested in what was happening. The younger of the two pouted at being called a ‘baby sister’. Lizzie swallowed the urge to laugh. Instead, Lizzie gave Melinda a nod of recognition that the girl blatantly ignored. The sound of a throat clearing nearby made Melinda jump to attention.

  “What are you having?” Melinda dared to step forward and stood extra close to Sebastian, creating a scowl that marred his otherwise perfect mouth.

  “Fish and chips,” Sebastian grumbled and slapped the menu closed. Melinda wrote the order down, took his menu, and spun on her heel. “Excuse me, she’d like to order too,” he barked harshly, snapping Melinda back to the table.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Melinda produced the fakest smile that Lizzie had ever seen. “I didn’t see you there.” There was that smile one more time, Lizzie thought, and suppressed the urge to call Melinda out on her crap. “What will it be?” Melinda added unenthusiastically as she turned her attention back to Sebastian.

  “I’ll make it easy on you. I’ll have what he’s having,” Lizzie said simply and relaxed against the back of the chair. Melinda stood like a second skin next to Sebastian, waiting for him to speak to her again.

  “Hey, get to work!” the bartender shouted out, startling Melinda who immediately rushed through the single door that Lizzie assumed led to the kitchens.

  “Man, you don’t realize the effect that y
ou have on women, do you?” Lizzie teased.

  It was no secret that Sebastian had been very popular with girls and women alike. How could he not? He was irresistibly handsome, chivalrous—except when blind, stinking drunk— and armed with a face that was reminiscent of Tyrone Power. With long-blonde hair that he kept tied back, well-defined Norse cheekbones, and eyes the color of sapphires, Sebastian could easily make any sane woman forget herself entirely and follow him like a lost puppy.

  In addition to his looks, Sebastian was kind, sensitive, considerate, and genuinely charming. While going through his degree programs, Sebastian had had a series of girlfriends. Most of them were pleasant and friendly, with the exception of Sheila. Each one had gushed about how they fell in love with Sebastian from the moment they saw him. Lizzie wanted to throw up each time she was forced to listen to them wax about his physical attributes. Yet, she always found it odd that they never mentioned any quality that made him who he was. It was as if those girls were in love with an ideal, and she was in love with the person.

  “No, I don’t have an effect on women,” Sebastian half-growled in response. “I wish everyone would stop saying that. It’s not like I go seeking attention. It’s so annoying to have all those young girls fawning all over me. Let’s not forget having some random chick ‘bump’ into you and spill your beer just to slip her phone number into your pocket. As if I would date someone that devious? Just the other day, I was at Sal’s. This chick came in sat down at the booth where I was sitting! Without being invited! What’s worse, she didn’t even bother to tell me her name. She just started eating my pizza while spewing out the details of the date we ‘just had to go on’. I went to the bathroom with the hope that she’d get bored and leave, but when I came out, she was still sitting in the booth. It was so bad that I had to get a second pizza to go and eat it at home. I do not understand why women are so bold and so ruthless? Why don’t they realize that I’m not interested in them? That I will never be interested in them. That they will never be who I am interested in,” he grumbled further, visibly irritated and looking as if he were longing to say something more but couldn’t.

  “I don’t see you complaining when you’re sitting in a classroom filled with a retinue of nubile young women who all dream of having a hot, torrid affair with their Calculus instructor.” Lizzie couldn’t help but poke the bear. After a year of humiliation and suffering, she felt it was her due.

  “That’s because I’m there to teach them, Lizzie,” Sebastian snapped bitterly. He was angry but doing his best to control it. “If they sign up with that intention, that is on them. They should know that that will never come to fruition. I am there solely to teach my class and to help educate those who have a genuine interest in learning. My classroom is not a dating pool. I would never jeopardize my job like that, and… I don’t date immature little girls.”

  Lizzie suppressed a scoff but then something struck her. He was serious. It came as a surprise that he seemed to earnestly believe these girls stood absolutely no chance with him and should be wise enough to keep their distance.

  His pronouncement made Lizzie think about someone who she desperately wanted to forget. Sebastian’s former girlfriend, Sheila. The same one who often called Lizzie the quintessential, immature little girl. The bitch that once sent a scathing, nasty email, warning Lizzie to stay away from Sebastian. In the body of the email, Sheila accused Lizzie of being in love with Sebastian. She’d expounded on how any hope of being with him was futile because Sebastian would never see her as anything but an annoying little girl who filled her head with ridiculous, impossible romantic notions. The memory from that email still burned an embarrassing, infuriating hole inside Lizzie’s soul despite all attempts to suppress it.

  “Gee, I seem to have hit a nerve,” Lizzie said instead, chancing an attempt to soothe an open wound. “It’s hard to believe that you don’t like the attention, especially with that pretty little thing plastering herself to you.” Lizzie motioned her head towards the swinging door where Melinda stood, peeping out through the circular window.

  “I’ve known her since she was born,” Sebastian replied irritably. “I could never think of her like that. That’s not the kind of man that I am. I think that should be clear by now.” Sebastian added before he turned, motioned to the bartender, and ordered their drinks, seeking a temporary reprieve. Lizzie thought the familiarity of the gesture was strange but didn’t question it.

  “I like women my own age,” Sebastian declared certainly. “Accomplished women who are intelligent and dependable. I want someone who is poised and graceful. A brilliant, cute, irresistible cookie who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to work her ass off to get it.” Sebastian stared directly at Lizzie as he spoke. Against her will, a sizzle of energy shot through her body, radiating out into her limbs. “And I would like for you to cut me a little slack, even though I am fully aware that I don’t deserve it.” He turned his face towards the massive, fieldstone fireplace and the roaring fire raging in its hearth. Lizzie watched the shadows dance across his features as he struggled to calm down.

  “I won’t tease you anymore,” Lizzie eventually relented. “It’s just hard to ignore how much that girl likes you. It’s always been hard to ignore how much all women like you.”

  “She can like all she wants. She’s my best mate’s baby sister. I wouldn’t touch her even if I wanted to,” he mumbled, still bothered but steadily cooling from a hard boil to a slow simmer.

  Sebastian looked up suddenly as the bartender appeared at the tableside, bearing two pints of ale. “On the house, lad,” The burly man clapped Sebastian’s shoulder and shook his hand heartily. “We haven’t seen you in these parts in well over two years. I suppose you’ve come back to take care of the Firebrand while she recuperates?” The bartender and Sebastian laughed in unison.

  “That’s exactly right, Mr. Whitworth. I was initially coming to spend the holiday with her but since she won’t admit that she’s almost ninety and won’t stay off ladders, I’m here until after New Year,” Sebastian replied with a touch of amusement. “Before I forget, Harry Whitworth, this is Eliza Bennett. She used to work with Nana at the Museum before she retired.”

  “Oh, did you now? Named after the Austen heroine?” Mr. Whitworth’s eyebrows raised inquisitively.

  “No. My mother named me after the novelist and playwright, Eliza Haywood,” Lizzie explained, referencing her mother’s passion for women writers.

  “Well then, any friend of Seb and Hazel is a friend of mine. You’ll always have a welcome place here in my pub, Eliza.”

  “Please call me Lizzie and thank you Mr. Whitworth.”

  “Call me Harry. The two of you enjoy. The fish was caught fresh this morning and should be out momentarily. And if my daughter bothers you, let me know. I’ll have a talk with her. Oh, and when you’re done, I’ll take you the way up to Hazel’s. I’ve got a delivery due at her neighbors.”

  Both Lizzie and Sebastian thanked him for the beverages and the offer before Harry returned to the bar. Lizzie sipped her ale and savored the full-bodied, sweet, fruity brew. The fact that it was served warm only enhanced its deliciousness. Sebastian downed his, consuming almost half in one pull.

  “Since you seem to know everyone here, where can I find a decent priced room with a lock safe?”

  “Nana’s,” Sebastian answered as if it was the most logical choice. “If she found out that you were here and that I didn’t invite you to stay in one of her many available and dare I mention it—free —rooms, she’d kick my ass, broken leg or no broken leg.”

  “I can’t intrude on you two like that,” Lizzie protested but Sebastian shot her down.

  “It’s not an intrusion. You and I have been friends for years, and… my Nana loves you. It would break her heart if you didn’t stay with us. Plus, it will save you a ton of money. Most of the pubs are charging more because of the holiday season, along with the increase in tourism that Blackwell Farm draws in. Even a few days will
run you well over five hundred pounds.” Lizzie’s eyes bulged at the figure. Once again, she easily relented and agreed to stay with Hazel Sanders and her persuasive grandson.

  Melinda appeared just ten minutes later, carrying a tray bearing a single plate. Sebastian, upset as he eyed the half-empty platter, voiced a complaint. “Aren’t there supposed to be two plates?” he asked, pointing out the glaring error as Harry’s eyes remained peeled on his daughter.

  “I must have forgot to put it on the tray,” Melinda rambled with a feigned apology before catching a disapproving glance from her dad. Lizzie knew the error was intentional but remained silent. “I’ll go and get it,” Melinda said reluctantly and went back to the kitchen, but not before tossing Lizzie a scowl that was supposed to go bone deep but failed.

  “What is your plan?” Sebastian asked as he sprinkled malt vinegar over his fish and chips. “With the letters and the manuscript? I assume the first step is to meet with that prat Jacobs,” Sebastian half-growled, not bothering to hide his irritation with Marc Jacobs and the way he treated Lizzie.

  “Well, I’m sure the Museum will want to have them authenticated. Hopefully they will let me watch the process, seeing as I’m the one they were given to. From then, I guess my plan is to go home and watch as history is rewritten.”

  “They better give you credit,” Sebastian said again after swallowing a piece of fried chip and washing it down with his beer. “Because if they don’t, I’m going to sick Nana on them. You deserve all the credit you are owed, and I’ll be damned to see anyone try to take that from you.”

  Lizzie listened closely, her body swelling with delight. Silently, she breathed a deep sigh through her nose, relieved that the Sebastian she’d known for years was back and that the one she’d only endured for a single night was long gone.