by C. Fonseca
“Kath-leen?” asked Andi.
“That is the correct pronunciation, but you can call me Cait-lin; everyone I’ve met in Australia does.”
“Nice to meet you, Caitlin.”
Andi shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her canvas shoes squeaking against the wooden floorboards. She placed her drink on the table and wiped her hands along the front of her trousers. “I do live here, and I’ve been known to assist Birdie from time to time but not generally, no.” She smiled shyly. “I’m not on staff.”
Caitlin grinned. “So I’m just lucky, then?”
Andi looked relieved when the waiter delivered Caitlin’s meal and said, “Can I bring you anything else now? Condiments?”
She shook her head. As the waiter stepped away, he winked at Andi, and Caitlin wondered about the significance of his gesture.
“Maybe you’d consider joining me? I’d like to thank you for saving my lens…” Her voice trailed off as Andi turned towards the door. A woman had just stepped inside the café.
“Sorry, I can’t tonight. I’m actually waiting for a friend, and here she is.” Andi gestured towards the woman who shook out her raincoat and pulled off her speckled beanie to reveal a head of short, brown hair.
“So much for our sunny spring weekend,” the newcomer said, as she looked around the room and briefly focused on Caitlin before her gaze finally settled on Andi.
Caitlin could tell by the way she smiled affectionately at Andi that she was a special friend.
Birdie called out, “Doc, it’s good to see you… It’s been ages. Too busy playing doctor and saving lives, eh?”
She turned towards Birdie. “Of course, but more like working double shifts and being too darn tired to move when I get time off. Now,” she placed her hands on the bar, “I could use a Scotch, single malt, straight up, and some of your excellent food.” She moved to Andi’s side, grabbed her around the waist, pulled her into a crushing embrace, and lifted her off the ground.
Caitlin watched as Andi wriggled and moved her feet in the air.
“Ellie, put me down,” Andi cried out. Caitlin observed the exchange and contemplated the nature of their friendship.
“Is that any way to greet me?” The woman returned Andi to the floor. “Are you ready for dinner? I’m starving.”
Andi’s friend peered over Andi’s shoulder and stared at Caitlin curiously.
Andi spun around and looked at Caitlin, one hand clutching Ellie’s arm. “I should introduce you. This is Ellie. Ellie, this is Caitlin. I met Caitlin today on the platform above Gull Rock.”
Caitlin held out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Ellie.”
“Likewise, nice to meet you too.” Ellie smiled charmingly and took Caitlin’s hand.
She glanced at Andi and then back to Ellie and wondered if this was Andi’s girlfriend. Disappointing as it was, she supposed it was inevitable that Andi would have a girlfriend.
“Tim has my order already,” Andi said to Ellie. “Seeing as you’re starving, why don’t you tell him what you’d like, and I’ll be with you soon?”
Ellie shrugged casually and headed towards the bar.
When Andi turned her attention back to her, Caitlin raised her glass and said, “I won’t keep you, and it was nice to see you again. Thank you for saving me this afternoon.”
“No problem. Enjoy your dinner.”
“Since you’re from around here, we may run into each other again,” Caitlin said. Her gaze followed Andi as she made her way across the room and sat at a table for two. She thought it would be grand to know Andi, even if she was not available for further exploration. A woman, especially one as attractive as Andi, would have been perfect to help her wile away the evening hours here in Hakea.
* * *
Andi waited patiently for Ellie as she chatted to Jim and Dave at the bar. They were tradesmen, local plumbers, who spent all their spare time surfing. Dave swept his shaggy, bleached-blonde hair off his forehead as he made some statement about Aussie rules football and speculated about their team’s chances of making the finals later this month.
After she finished her conversation, Ellie approached her with a mischievous grin on her face. She had lost even more weight, and her hazel eyes looked tired with dark shadows beneath them. Probably a result of too much work and not enough play. All the same, she looked striking in denim jeans and a black turtleneck sweater, and Andi hoped that time away from the hospital over the next two days would help Ellie relax and get the rest she obviously needed.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Ellie smiled as she leaned over to brush her lips across Andi’s cheek.
“Since when have you been interested in football?” Andi asked.
Ellie pulled her chair closer and grinned. “Who do you think she barracks for?” She inclined her head towards Caitlin.
“Don’t be ridiculous. She’s Irish,” said Andi with a smirk.
Ellie raised an eyebrow. “You know what I mean. Does she play on our team?”
Andi blushed.
“Well, who is she?” Ellie asked as she ran her hand through her hair. “Come on, spill it… and please start at the beginning.”
Andi sighed. “Not much to tell you. I met her this afternoon on the platform at Gull Rock. I don’t know much more than that, sorry.” Andi leaned across the table and lowered her voice. “She’s interesting, don’t you think?” She pretended to survey the room as an excuse to glance across at the intriguing woman.
Ellie’s gaze followed Andi’s, and she gave Caitlin a quick once-over. “Very, with those long legs and lovely wavy strands of dark hair. She’s gorgeous. Big blue eyes, very nice body, and an Irish accent… Is that what you’re asking about?”
“Ellie, you’re staring.” She agreed. Caitlin was gorgeous, but it was easy to get caught up in the whirlpool of attraction when someone was so far out of reach. And Caitlin was clearly out of Andi’s league. Dream on.
Ellie placed her hand over Andi’s and gave her a comforting squeeze. “Pity, I think she’s leaving. We should have invited her over to our table for a drink. What do you think, Andi? Shall we?”
They both watched as Caitlin stepped out the door.
“Too late Ellie. She’s gone.”
CHAPTER 2
Andi woke to spring sunshine filtering through the slatted blinds. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and flattened the pillow with her fist so she had a better view of Ellie, who was burrowed snugly under the covers, sound asleep. Andi smiled and reached over to gently trace Ellie’s cheek with her finger, careful not to wake her. She looked so content and peaceful.
Something tickled the back of Andi’s knees, and she placed her hand on warm, silky fur. She lifted back the sheet to see Koda curled up, and at the touch of her hand, the cat purred loudly.
“Good morning, Koda,” she whispered. Koda gave her finger a friendly bite. “Ouch!” Andi pulled her hand back and rolled out of bed. Koda settled next to Ellie and nestled in along the curve of her hip.
Andi reached for her clothes, dressed quietly, and made her way through her studio and into the living room.
Half an hour later, Ellie appeared at the doorway. Andi peered over the newspaper from where she sat on the sofa and smiled as Ellie pulled her long, white T-shirt down over her legs. Her feet looked snug in Andi’s worn, woollen Ugg boots.
“Hmm…just what I need. There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly brewed coffee,” Ellie murmured.
“Good morning, sunshine. Sleep well?” Andi held out her empty mug and gestured towards the kitchen. “Coffee’s on. I’m ready for a refill.”
Ellie rolled her eyes. “What did your last slave die of?” She filled two mugs from the drip coffee maker. “I slept so well, I may even join you on your run this morning.” She placed the steaming beverages on the side table and elbowed Andi. “Shove over,” she said as she sat down and stretched her long frame beside her. “Yum, this is good.”
“Yeah, thanks to you
.” Andi would have never bought a coffee machine as expensive as this one for herself. It had been Ellie’s present to Andi just a few weeks ago, on her thirtieth birthday. It was easy to use, made great coffee, and was beautifully designed. Andi loved things that were beautifully put together.
“Are you up for the seven k run along the cliff-top? I’d like to check the swell down at the point. The rain and onshore wind has kept me out of the surf for ages,” Andi said.
“I could easily crawl back into bed and sleep for the rest of the day, but yep, I’m up for it. Just let the caffeine work its magic.” Ellie laid her head back against the sofa and sighed as she hugged her coffee mug against her chest.
Andi folded the newspaper and placed it on the table. “I’m glad you could make it this weekend. I’ve missed you.” She gave Ellie a concerned look. “You’re exhausted. Are you still working those ridiculously long hours? You were asleep five minutes after your head hit the pillow last night.”
Ellie rubbed her eyes. “These are the joys of surgical residency. I’ve missed you too, but it will get better. I’m nearly through the worst of it now.” She raised her eyebrows and playfully prodded Andi with her toe. “Tell me more about Ms. sultry, seductive Ireland. She did ask you to have dinner with her, didn’t she? She’s not shy.”
“I guess. She was just thanking me for saving her life,” Andi said. “Look, I don’t even know where she’s staying, and I’ll probably never see her again.”
“Aww…Didn’t she slip you her phone number? What is her story, I wonder? Hey, maybe she dropped in on a paraglider. Or rode in on her white horse.”
Andi bent down to run her hand over Koda’s soft tummy. The playful Burmese cat sat pressed against her leg and nudged her lovingly. “Or maybe she’s a traveller just passing through or has a husband, children, girlfriend. Look, the possibilities are endless.”
Ellie placed an arm around her shoulder, and Andi shifted into her embrace. Ellie asked, “How long’s it been. Andi? Over a year since Martha went back to Germany? Don’t you think it’s time to get back out there? Start dating again.”
She rested her head against Ellie’s shoulder. “I think about it sometimes, I do. It’s not like I haven’t dated since Martha left, but there’s been no one special.”
Ellie smirked. “Let’s see. First there was your weekend with the Hawaiian pro surfer. That was a wipeout, wasn’t it? Then your fling with Freya, the Danish backpacker. An international smorgasbord.”
Andi scowled. “Anyway, I’ve been trying to work on my exhibition and build some financial security. You know how it is. Things just get in the way.”
“I understand all about financial security, but a girl’s got to have some fun. And that woman looks like a lot of fun.”
“More like a lot of trouble,” said Andi as she bounced up from the sofa. “Come on, let’s get a move on. Are you running in a T-shirt and my Ugg boots or slipping into some track pants?” She grabbed Ellie by the arm and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get out there and see if you’ve improved your running times.”
“Just go easy on me; remember, I don’t get a chance to run as often as you do. Especially on the sand in the fresh air by the sea.”
“Excuses, excuses.” Andi laughed and headed out the front door. “I’ll wait for you out in the sunshine, sunshine. Don’t be long.”
It was so good that Ellie had finally taken time out from work. Andi had hardly seen her over the last few months. She knew that Ellie was dedicated and loved her work, but lately, when they had spoken on the phone, she’d sounded so tired. Andi hoped that their time together this weekend would give her friend the respite she needed.
* * *
Caitlin steered the blue Roadster along the winding road towards Aireys Inlet. With the rooftop down, she revelled in the warm morning sun as it danced against her skin. The day had warmed considerably to a comfortable twenty degrees. After yesterday’s rain, the air was fresh, and everything appeared lush and pure. She looked forward to visiting Black-Tern, the art gallery Isabella had told her about that showcased the works of established and emerging artists from this region.
The fresh smell of eucalyptus trees and a hint of ocean air filled her senses. As the road zigzagged out of the ironbark forest, with its sparse understorey of wattles and shrubs, Caitlin caught sight of the stark, white tower and the red cap of Split Point Lighthouse against the clear azure sky. She was far away from home, but the sight of the lighthouse was a comfort. It stood like a beacon, a symbol of strength and a safe harbour. She intended to photograph it later in the day.
Caitlin had her day all planned out. After she’d visited the gallery, she would treat herself to a late lunch at one of the nearby restaurants and then take a walk along the beach. She’d done her research and knew the short track to Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary would give her the best views west, towards the wide beaches of Fairhaven and Lorne.
Caitlin pulled into the empty car park; she appeared to be the only visitor. She entered the foyer and had little chance to take in the environment before an elegant woman, who Caitlin guessed to be in her midsixties, appeared by her side. The woman had the imperious look of an art gallery curator. Caitlin knew it well.
“Welcome to Black-Tern. I’m Cynthia.” With an enthusiastic smile, she handed Caitlin a catalogue. “Have a look around and let me know if I can help you at all.”
“I’ll be fine, Cynthia. I’m looking forward to exploring, and I’m in no hurry.” She accepted the catalogue. “I’ll take my time and come back to you if I need more information.”
“Oh, you’re Irish, aren’t you?” she stated the obvious and tilted her head quizzically.
Caitlin nodded. “Hmm…that I am.”
“Are you holidaying in Australia?” Cynthia asked.
“I’m currently working in Melbourne, but I like to spend time here on the coast when I can.”
“In that case, I’m so glad you found the gallery, and I hope you enjoy our collection.”
Caitlin moved towards the front room. The space was filled with a mixture of small seascapes in oil and acrylic, print works of flora and fauna, some mixed media, and a few framed black and white photographs of Split Point Lighthouse. She ran her fingers gently over the small carvings of echidnas, wombats, and lizards made of ironwood. Caitlin frowned and pushed her hair from her eyes. Nearly everything she’d seen so far was aimed at the tourist market. Quaint and well executed, they nevertheless lacked the complexity and cutting-edge freshness that she looked for when visiting an art gallery.
As she turned back towards the entrance, a luminous glow drew Caitlin towards an open doorway. “Wow,” she exclaimed. She walked into an intimate space that displayed only four works of art. “Now, this is more like it—the good stuff.”
Three landscapes that focused on the environment graced the left wall. But it was the radiance and luminosity from one sizeable painting on the opposite wall that really captured Caitlin’s attention.
“You have a good eye.”
Taken by surprise, Caitlin turned around and blinked. Out of nowhere Cynthia had reappeared.
“Simply magical, isn’t it?”
“It is,” Caitlin agreed and turned back to move closer to the painting. A sweeping receding tide, wet sand, ochre cliffs, and a majestically undulating sea drew her into a seascape reflecting intensity and passion. It looked as though the broad textured strokes were produced through direct use of a palette knife. Whoever had done this knew what he, or she, was doing.
“It is one of my favourites of this particular artist’s work. The painting is part of my own collection,” Cynthia commented.
Caitlin dragged her gaze away from the canvas. “Who is the artist?” She glanced through the catalogue.
“Andréa Rey. We have shown a number of her smaller works over the last few years. Andréa did take a hiatus for over twelve months before producing this particular piece. I am impressed by the quality of her work.”
When
she found the details of the painting in the catalogue, Caitlin’s skin tingled. What luck, Andréa’s studio was in Hakea. “It says here she’s based in Hakea. Do you think it would it be okay for me to visit? Looks like it worked, whatever she did during her break.”
“She does live close by; I’ll be happy to give you her email address.” Cynthia moved towards the front desk, and Caitlin followed. “Perhaps you can arrange a visit. Andréa is truly a delightful woman; I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.” She handed Caitlin a business card on which she had handwritten Andréa’s email address. “Do you know Hakea?”
Caitlin nodded. “Fortunately, I’m staying there at a friend’s house.” She didn’t feel inclined to tell Cynthia that she was Isabella’s grandniece, because she wanted to avoid the inevitable interrogation. Her aunt was too well known for a local not to be curious about her.
“You’re in luck, then.”
“If you don’t mind, I will go back and take another look at the painting. Thank you so much for giving me Andréa’s email address.”
“You’re welcome. You may be interested to know she is currently working on her first solo exhibition. I can’t wait to see the direction she’s taking,” Cynthia said and then added, “If you’re looking for a place to eat this afternoon, Demetrio’s at the lighthouse has an utterly marvellous lunch menu.”
“Thank you so much.” Caitlin smiled. “Sounds wonderful, I may just do that.” She turned and walked back towards the painting that had both soothed her and sparked pleasure.
* * *
The risotto of local seafood cooked with arborio rice, white wine, and dill, finished with mascarpone, was absolutely delicious. Caitlin licked her lips in appreciation. Cynthia had been right about the views from the restaurant and Demetrio’s menu. The risotto was cooked to perfection. She sat back, took a sip of her espresso, and relished the smooth, rich Marocchino with a sprinkling of cacao and milk foam.
Caitlin reached into her pocket to extract the business card with Andréa’s email address. She was intrigued by the artist’s work, and now that Caitlin knew Andréa lived in Hakea, she was keen to meet her. She picked up her iPhone, added the address into her contacts list, and tapped out an email. So, who is she? There was only one way to find out.
