by C. Fonseca
Andi felt a hand on her shoulder; she jumped and swung around in her chair.
“Far out!” she cried.
Caitlin’s hand remained in place for several seconds, before she trailed it across Andi’s bare shoulder and down her arm. “I’m so sorry. Did I scare you?”
“I didn’t hear you come back inside,” Andi whispered and withdrew from her touch. Caitlin moved to the sofa, and Andi followed to sit in the chair across from her. Caitlin leaned across the coffee table to take Andi’s hands, and her forefinger moved slowly over Andi’s knuckles. Andi could barely breathe. What was she doing?
“I think your use of colour and style are unique. I can’t wait to see more as you work towards your exhibition in December.” Caitlin’s sincere words eased her tension.
Andi had accepted Caitlin’s last-minute invitation to dinner without hesitation. As most of their afternoon together had been spent talking about her art, tonight she wanted to discover a little more about the enigmatic and captivating Irish woman.
At six forty five, she took a deep breath to calm her jittery nerves as she pulled on her white canvas boots. She added a simple emerald and silver wire necklace, tucked a slim wallet into her back pocket, grabbed her phone, and headed out the door. It wasn’t a date, but dinner with Caitlin Quinn was probably the closest thing to one in a long while.
Andi arrived at Birdie’s Café just after seven fifteen. The handful of patrons were residents. She made her way to her favourite table by the window, thankful that the hordes of weekend visitors had already left the coast and returned to the city. It was Birdie’s night off, but Andi was confident that no matter which chef was on duty tonight, the food would be excellent. She swirled the wine in her glass, brought it slowly to her lips, and waited for Caitlin.
A sleek, blue BMW Roadster pulled into the car park. The broad tyres skidded on the loose gravel, the headlights dimmed, and the engine purred to a stop. Nice car.
The driver’s door opened, and one elegant leg appeared, followed by another. Andi moved closer to the window to get a better view. She held her breath.
The soft, diffused lighting in the car park illuminated Caitlin’s face.
“Oh my God,” Andi murmured.
Caitlin entered the café and smiled directly at Andi. Her eyes sparkled mischievously, and her dark hair gleamed, cascading in wavy tendrils to just above her shoulders.
Dressed in fitting jeans that sat low on her waist, and a magenta V-neck sweater that revealed a hint of pale skin, she was lovely. Andi tried hard not to stare, but she couldn’t stop the biggest grin from spreading across her face.
“Hi,” Andi whispered. She could barely speak.
“Hi,” Caitlin replied, as she lowered herself gracefully into a chair. “I hope I’m not late? My grandaunt called just as I stepped out the door with a bit of news from home. She had loads to say. I am sorry.” She took a deep breath. Andi was captivated by the way her blue eyes shone behind her thick black lashes.
Andi smiled. She was doing that a lot. “I did wonder if you’d stood me up.”
“As if.” She winked, and her hand closed lightly over Andi’s shirtsleeve. “You look amazing. This colour is beautiful on you.” Andi blushed. The Irish accent was a sweet lilt, music to Andi’s ears.
Caitlin withdrew her hand as Tim, the waiter, approached their table. Andi accepted the menu with a nod of thanks.
Tim looked professional, smart in his black and whites, a significant change from the casual jeans and T-shirts worn by Birdie’s staff during the breakfast and lunch service.
“Good evening, ladies, may I show you the wine list?”
Caitlin angled her head towards Andi. “What are you drinking?” Without waiting for an answer, she lifted the glass from Andi’s hand, and for a fleeting moment, their fingers touched. Caitlin tilted the glass, and the wine rolled to the edges; she raised the glass to her lips. “Ripe and plummy, that’s very nice. I’ll have the same, please.”
“Good choice. A glass of Farr Rising Pinot Noir for you, coming up straight away.”
“We’re here for dinner… Why not bring us the bottle?” she said as she brought Andi’s glass to her lips again.
“Certainly. Please check the menu; our specials for tonight are on the blackboard here.” He pointed to his left. “I’ll return shortly to take your order.”
Andi retrieved her glass and held it to her mouth, enjoying the hint of honey where Caitlin’s lips had brushed it just seconds ago. Caitlin smiled as though they were sharing a secret—co-conspirators. Her lips curled up at the corners, and she gazed at Andi until Andi had to look away. It was too intense.
Now that they were together in an intimate environment, Andi allowed herself to appreciate how gorgeous Caitlin was. She was funny and witty too.
Andi didn’t know Caitlin at all, but when she looked into her eyes, she felt as if she were on her surfboard, facing a dauntingly powerful wave. Spending time with Caitlin was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.
After a second glass of wine, Andi began to mellow.
“It’s all part of the Great Ocean Road,” Andi explained when Caitlin asked her about the township of Lorne and the Otway Ranges. “Have you visited Bells Beach?”
“Not yet. I’ve heard of it though, and I passed a sign on my way to Aireys Inlet yesterday,” Caitlin said.
“Hakea transforms when the surf comp is on. The place is abuzz with surfers from all over the world. You can walk along the path, all the way from Hakea to where they hold the competition, in thirty minutes. The women’s pro competition is scorching.”
“That must be hard on the eyes.” Caitlin smirked and raised her eyebrows.
Andi’s gaydar bleeped with such intensity, she wanted to stuff her fingers in her ears so she couldn’t hear it. She tapped on the linen tablecloth and told herself to calm down. She was out of touch and just imagining the attraction signals. That was it; she was delusional.
“Point Addis is a great place to go bush walking and swimming in the summer, and there are loads of places around here for you to discover.” Andi changed the subject, and the curious look Caitlin gave her made it clear that she knew it was deliberate.
Before long, their meals arrived. Caitlin had selected the seared tuna with black sesame, fresh peas, and grilled fennel, while Andi chose a simple pan-fried barramundi with steamed broad beans and lime-olive salt.
“We’re really lucky to have this café here in Hakea,” said Andi. “Not only is the food great, but Birdie also tries to source all her produce from regional suppliers.”
“The food is of a high standard and very enjoyable,” agreed Caitlin as she sampled her tuna. “This is perfectly cooked.” She dabbed at her lips with a napkin. “You’re a fountain of local knowledge. I’ll come to you in the future if I need information about the area.”
Caitlin’s foot came into contact with hers under the table and Andi swallowed. “Are you teasing me?” Andi asked.
Caitlin grinned. “You think?” She placed her cutlery on her plate and gave a satisfied sigh. “The quality of the food here is as good as, if not better than, in much more expensive restaurants in the city.”
Their main course plates were cleared away, and Caitlin topped up Andi’s glass but didn’t refill her own. Instead, she drained a large glass of water. She was obviously pacing herself, and Andi knew she should do the same. But the wine should calm her nerves. Why wasn’t it working?
“If you don’t mind me asking, what brings you to our little speck of a town?” Andi tugged at her shirt collar. Was it getting hotter in here?
“You’re blushing.” Caitlin lowered her voice to almost a whisper as she leaned across the table. “You’re adorable when you do. No, I don’t mind you asking. After all, you shared quite a lot about yourself this afternoon.” Caitlin’s blue eyes shimmered in the candlelight. “My aunt…actually, grandaunt, has a property here in Hakea, on the point.”
Phew, she’d changed the subject.
“Rocky Point?”
Caitlin elegantly arched one eyebrow. “Yes, that is right, Rocky Point.”
“There are only a handful of properties at the point. I often run past those houses. Which one is your aunt’s house?”
“My grandaunt. Kinsale.”
“Wow. The house on the cliff? Oh, that must have stunning views.”
“That is the one. It does have fantastic views of the ocean and the coastline.”
Andi shifted around in her chair. Caitlin’s steady gaze made her fidget. “Are you living at Kinsale? I haven’t seen you around here before.” She would have noticed her for sure.
“I try and spend as much time as I can here, but my grandaunt, Isabella, lives in Melbourne, and that is the base for my current work,” she replied.
“Okay, I see. So what do you do in Melbourne?”
Caitlin glanced away and raised her arm to get Tim’s attention.
As Andi waited for an answer, the waiter arrived at their table.
“May I show you the menu? Maybe interest you in some coffee or an after-dinner drink?”
Caitlin checked the menu and looked questioningly at Andi.
“I’d love a coffee, thanks. Long black, decaf.”
“Regular coffee for me.” Caitlin handed back the menu. “Espresso, thanks.”
“So. What is it you do in Melbourne?” Andi repeated.
Caitlin hesitated. “I’m an art historian researching and cataloguing a private family collection,” she said.
“Art historian?” Well, that made sense. “Sounds like a cool job. Can I ask what family… the collection you are cataloguing, I mean?”
Seconds ticked by. “That would be my family. Well, not directly, but yes, my family. The collection belongs to Isabella.”
Andi stared. “Really? Your grandaunt has her own art collection?” She moved in closer and chuckled. “You are well connected.”
Caitlin laughed. “It’s a long story, but Isabella and her partner started their collection over forty years ago and assembled a varied assortment of artworks. Not just paintings and drawings, but also original artist’s sketches and sculpture.”
Andi nodded and waited for her to continue.
“I’ve been in awe of Isabella all my life. I’m very lucky to have her and this opportunity. It has given me a chance to spend time in Australia.” Caitlin looked even more alluring with the slight blush, and her eyes lowered. “So I can’t complain. I get to escape the cold winter in Ireland, spend time exploring Melbourne and this beautiful coast, involve myself in a project I love, and make new friends.”
“A chance too good to pass up,” Andi agreed. “Is the collection open to the public?”
Tim placed their coffees on the table, refilled the water glasses, and left.
“There is a small gallery that is open by appointment, but we are working on a much larger space and a new storage facility. If all goes well, it will be open to the public early next year.”
“What is your role?” Although she and Caitlin moved in very different circles, they did have shared interests.
“My time is divided among research, inventory, and archiving, as well as cataloguing the collection. But at the moment, because we are working on renovating the main exhibition space, I work with architects, designers, tradespeople, and lighting specialists.”
“Sounds like you have a very busy and exciting time ahead,” said Andi. “I suppose you won’t get to the coast very often.”
Caitlin sipped her coffee and licked her lips. “Since I arrived in Melbourne, four months ago, I’ve been flat to the boards—initiating the project, establishing procedures, and working with new staff. Now I have a little more time for myself. I’ve visited Melbourne twice in my life, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to explore the city, and I’d like to see more of Victoria.”
“There’s a great deal to see,” said Andi. “How long are you staying in Australia? Will you have a chance to do much travel?”
“Hmm…it depends on a number of things. That’s a hard question to answer.”
The café door opened, and a light gust of wind caused the glossy tendrils of Caitlin’s hair to flutter and brush against her cheek. Andi was captivated as Caitlin pulled her hair back from her face.
“Sorry, I’m not deliberately avoiding your question. It depends on a few variables—how long it takes to finish my work and if we encounter any complications.” She drained the last of her coffee. “Maybe twelve months.”
Andi tried not to show her disappointment. “What about your family? Are they in Ireland? Do you have a job to go back to?” She was asking a lot of freaking questions. What was this, the Spanish Inquisition?
Caitlin looked relaxed. If she thought Andi was asking too many questions, she didn’t show it. “My parents live and work in Cork and have very active careers of their own.” She looked up to the ceiling as if thanking the heavens. “As far as my job goes, I’m on sabbatical. The university has allowed me twelve months leave, and my research will benefit its standing in international art studies.”
“You certainly seem to have it all sorted.” Andi looked around the café and was surprised to see that apart from their table, the room was now empty of patrons. Tim was the only person behind the counter, restocking the bar, trying to look busy.
“The time seems to have got away from us.” Caitlin sighed wistfully. “It’s after eleven. I think we should take pity on our waiter and let him go home.”
Andi rose from the table to settle the bill, but Caitlin stood and gently touched Andi’s arm. “This is my shout.” Andi started to object, but Caitlin insisted. “It’s the least I can do after you shared your art and trusted me in your studio today.” Caitlin walked towards the bar, and then turned back with a grin. “Anyway, I owe you for saving my lens cap.”
“This will definitely make us even.”
Did she mean twelve months from now, or twelve months in total? She’d already been here four months, so maybe she had only eight months more in Australia.
There was that telltale pull of attraction, and it wasn’t just Andi’s imagination; Caitlin definitely showed some interest. Andi grimaced. There was no way she could do it. She did not want a casual affair with another temporary resident.
A few minutes later, Caitlin returned to the table and handed her a business card. “These are my details.” She turned the card over to reveal a mobile number neatly printed on the back. “And my private contact.” She reached into her leather satchel for her iPhone. “So, can I have your phone number?”
Andi hesitated. Should she? “Okay…Yep, 0-4-0-5 11223.”
“0405 11223,” Caitlin repeated and tapped the numbers into her contacts list. “Sorted.”
Andi held the door open for Caitlin, and Tim waved goodbye.
“Good night ladies,” he called. He looked relieved to see them go.
Caitlin followed Andi outside into the car park. The night was clear and bracing. Andi jogged on the spot as Caitlin pushed the key fob to unlock the Roadster.
“Where did you park?” Caitlin peered into the shadows.
“Oh, I walked over, so I’ll say goodnight. Thanks for a great evening.”
“You walked?”
Andi shrugged. “Yep.” She shoved her hands deep into her pockets and rocked back and forth on her heels.
Caitlin walked around and pulled the passenger side door open. “Hop in, I’ll run you home. It’s nearly midnight.” She leaned on the doorframe and casually tapped her fingers on the hood, waiting.
“I’ll be fine, Caitlin. I do this all the time.” It was late to be walking home alone, but the danger seemed infinitesimal compared to being alone in a car with Caitlin.
Caitlin cleared her throat and didn’t move. Andi conceded. She walked to the car, lowered herself into the passenger seat, and murmured, “Yeah, it is dark. I could trip over an echidna.”
Caitlin closed the door, drew the seatbelt across her shoulder, and started t
he engine. “Did you say something about an echidna?”
Andi shook her head, closed her eyes, and leaned against the backrest.
* * *
Sitting in the BMW, with only the stick shift between them, Caitlin wanted to lean across the narrow space and kiss her—but she resisted. Andi’s eyes were closed, and she’d seemed to withdraw.
It was a short, silent drive, and it wasn’t long before Caitlin stopped the car and unbuckled her seatbelt. She turned to Andi. “I enjoyed spending time with you.” She placed her hand gently on Andi’s arm but removed it just as quickly when Andi flinched. “And visiting your studio.”
Andi opened her eyes and reached for the door handle. “I did too. It was really good to meet you, Caitlin. I hope we… I mean, it would be nice to see you again.”
Caitlin gently trailed her lips across Andi’s cheek to stop her hesitant words. “I would like to see you again too,” she said.
Andi tilted her head and leaned slightly towards her. Caitlin moved her arm along the back of Andi’s shoulder, but Andi moaned, opened the door, and stepped quickly out of the car. She reached the front steps in a few long strides.
“Andi, wait,” Caitlin cried out, exasperated, and clambered out of the car. She caught up to her at the top of the stairs, placed her hands gently around her waist, and turned her around.
She rested her forehead against Andi’s. “Hey, I’m sorry if I did something to make you feel uncomfortable,” she said. She pulled back slightly and looked into Andi’s soulful brown eyes. “I like you.”
“You didn’t. I like you too,” Andi said softly, and she rested one hand on Caitlin’s hip.
Caitlin caressed Andi’s cheek and then lightly traced the curve of her jaw with her finger. They moved closer until their mouths brushed delicately against each other, and Andi’s hands circled her waist.
