A Small Town Affair

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘It’s gorgeous here. So isolated. Not a soul in sight.’

  ‘I hoped you’d like it. One of my favourite places. I’ve been coming here for ages. We had holidays in the area when we were kids so I’ve known it for years. I say, you’ve done us proud here. Wow, this is a feast, not just a picnic.’

  ‘Audrey gave us quite a bit of it. She’s so kind.’ She didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable, thinking she had spent a lot of money on the delicacies, even if she had been a little extravagant.

  The meal over, she lay back, looking up at the gulls wheeling around overhead. Jay moved the empty containers and rolled to her side. He pushed an arm behind her head and pulled her close.

  ‘Lovely Gina,’ he whispered. ‘I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.’ He kissed her till her mind was whirling and her senses were in turmoil.

  Chapter Four

  It was the most perfect evening. Anything Georgie had ever done in her varied past was forgotten, so swept away was she by this moment. She kissed Jay’s eyes, his face, his lips. He rolled over to one elbow and looked down at her. His thumb was relentless in stroking her wrist, sending waves of ... of something new and unfamiliar, washing over her.

  ‘You are so beautiful. I can’t believe my luck in finding you. I don’t want this evening to end. I love seeing your hair spread out behind you like a golden fan.’ He bent to kiss her again and she felt her body seem to float into space in that wonderful, unique way that first time he had kissed her. She would have liked it to go on forever but a sudden shiver made her realise she was growing cold. ‘We should move,’ he whispered. ‘You’re shivering and I suspect it isn’t just with passion.’

  ‘I don’t want it to come to an end either but the light is going. I don’t fancy walking along these cliffs in the dark.’

  ‘We don’t have to. If we follow the path inland a bit, there’s a road that goes back to our village. We might even catch a bus going our way if we’re lucky.’

  ‘I didn’t realise a road came close to this beach.’

  ‘There’s no car park anywhere so it remains secluded. People rarely walk far from their cars so it’s only ever found by walkers and people who know it’s here.’

  They packed up everything, tucked it all into Jay’s rucksack and set off, holding hands as if they couldn’t bear to be parted. Conversation was less intense and they enjoyed the walk, chatting easily. The gulls were flying back to their cliff-top homes and jays wheeled over, clattering their raucous cries as they found their perches. Hedgerows were filled with the scent of the wild garlic. The white flowers made bright borders at the roadside, so even in the gathering darkness their route was marked. Stars were beginning to show until they were close to the lights from Poltoon, making it more difficult to star gaze.

  ‘I know we need street lights but it stops you seeing the stars, doesn’t it?’

  ‘Light pollution is a problem. Oh, look. There’s a shooting star.’

  ‘You should make a wish,’ Georgie told him. ‘I missed it.’ He closed his eyes briefly, then he smiled.

  ‘Guess what I wished for?’

  ‘No, don’t tell me or it won’t come true.’

  ‘Okay. But I’m pretty sure it will. I feel it in my bones.’ He slowed her down and once more, drew her close and kissed her. ‘I’m becoming addicted to your kisses,’ he remarked.

  ‘Good. How long before you get another day off?’

  ‘I don’t know. They post overtime once we get the rotas. There’s competition for it but I get there first.’

  ‘But surely you don’t have so many commitments that you have to take every bit of overtime?’

  ‘Pay’s pretty poor so I’m afraid I do.’

  Georgie sighed. This was going to prove frustrating relationship if they could see each other so rarely.

  ‘We’ll have to take to midnight walks, I guess,’ she said with a grin.

  ‘Won’t do much for your early rising regime.’

  ‘True. But I should just have to sleep in the evenings.’

  ‘I love your openness and honesty,’ Jay told her. She was glad it was dark and he couldn’t see her blushes. Open? Her? If only he knew. ‘So, is Gina short for Georgina?’

  ‘Yes. I always knew when my parents were angry when they used my full name.’

  ‘I can’t imagine anyone ever being angry with you.’

  ‘You don’t know me that well. I can be quite stroppy when I’m annoyed.’

  ‘Then I’ll have to make sure I don’t annoy you.’ They reached the road leading to her apartment and paused. ‘I need to give you the picnic containers.’ He opened the bag and handed over the empty boxes.

  ‘Thanks. You said there was enough to feed an army but I notice it all disappeared.’

  ‘I know. I’m a pretty hungry person once I start eating. Mind you, I didn’t see you holding back. You have a gorgeous figure so I suppose it’s natural for you. Sorry. I’m just talking to stop this evening coming to an end. I’ll text you when I’m free again. It’s been perfect. Thank you so much for coming.’

  ‘Thank you. I’ve had a lovely time. Nobody’s ever taken me for a picnic like that before.’ She had forgotten that she had provided most of it.

  ‘We’ll do it again soon. I suppose it’s a bit limiting walking everywhere.’

  ‘I do have a car tucked in the garage. We could go further afield next time. I’m happy to drive.’

  ‘We’ll see. I’ll call you soon. Goodnight my lovely Gina.’

  ‘Goodnight Jay. Sleep well and thank you again.’ She stood on tiptoe and reached up to kiss him just once more. He kissed her back but very gently, pushed her away.

  ‘If you do that again, I may not be able to part with you at all. We’d be entering dangerous territory. Night,’ he said, turning away quickly. She watched until he went round the corner and was out of sight.

  ‘Goodnight Jay. Perhaps next time I won’t let you part with me,’ she whispered to the night air. She shivered and went inside. What exactly was she thinking? Did she want to make this sort of commitment on so short an acquaintance? She knew very little about him really, although she felt she didn’t need to know any more. He was everything she could want in a partner, wasn’t he? Intelligent. Good looking. Tall and slim. Everything that Guy wasn’t. Was she being too naive?

  She washed up the plastic containers, deep in thought. She went to bed but lay wide awake, reliving the magical evening. How could something so simple take on such significance? She should convince herself that this was just a fun time, free of her parents’ control and something to enjoy. At last she fell asleep and woke late. A quick shower and she rushed off to work, knowing breakfast would have to rely once more on Audrey’s generosity.

  ‘So, how did it go?’ Audrey demanded as she arrived in the kitchen.

  ‘It was lovely. We walked along the cliffs and climbed down to the little cove for the picnic. Bit steep and I stupidly went in sandals. Gorgeous evening. Quite perfect. We even paddled in the sea. Freezing cold.’

  ‘Sounds lovely, dear. A nice simple evening in beautiful Cornwall. And when are you seeing him again?’

  ‘Don’t know, depends on his shifts and overtime.’

  ‘He’s certainly a hard worker, I’ll give him that. I’m surprised they give him so much overtime.’

  ‘So am I really. But he’s taking a course somewhere and needs to save up to pay for it.’

  ‘Such a shame these kids have to pay for education. I suppose he’s a bit old to get a grant or loan or whatever it is they do. Now, I expect you need some coffee and toast? Help yourself love.’

  ‘I hope you don’t mind me having breakfast like this every day?’

  ‘Course not. Least I can do. You’re a good worker and reliable. I think the profits can stand a slice or two of bread.’

  ‘I could do with that in writing,’ Georgie mumbled.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Nothing. Just someone I know who thi
nks I’m incapable of doing anything much. Can I make some toast for you?’

  ‘No. You’re all right.’

  ‘I’ll stay inside today. It’s looking a bit damp out there.’

  She sat at one of the tables near the window and watched the few hardy people walking their dogs. It was drizzling a bit and a complete contrast to yesterday’s golden evening. Her heart gave a small leap as she saw a figure rushing down the hill. She was sure it was Jay and she stood up, anticipating that he would come into the café to share breakfast again. But he turned off and leapt onto the bus as it was drawing away from the stop. Strange. He didn’t mention going anywhere today and she was certain he’d said he was working. She fingered her mobile phone in her pocket, wondering if she should text him. It might look as if she was chasing him. She ate her toast and wondered where he was going. Perhaps it wasn’t him. There must be any number of tall dark men around and she could have been mistaken. But she knew she wasn’t.

  It was a busy day and though she looked out of the windows several times, she didn’t see Jay again. At the end of the day, she felt the evening looming large and empty. She decided that she must do something. She settled for the cinema as it was still a damp and dreary evening. She hated the idea of going alone but there was no choice. But where did one go to meet people? At home or working in one of the hotels, it was easy. People were coming and going all the time and she was always being invited out or asked to join someone for a drink.

  It was quite a small cinema but it had three screens to choose from and surprisingly, the films were all quite recent releases. As she was coming out, she saw the crowds coming from the other showings. In front of her was a tall dark man, his arm round the shoulders of a small, dark haired female. She seemed to be leaning close to him. Georgie paused, looking into a mirror on the wall to see if she could catch a reflection. She felt convinced it was Jay and she hurried after him, torn between wanting to see him and dreading that it was him. By the time she had got outside, the man and girl had disappeared. Why on earth should it be Jay? She was letting her imagination run away with her and seeing him in places he could not possibly be. She went to her car and drove back to Poltoon, cursing herself for being so stupid. All the same, she felt unsettled. After the magic of the previous evening, it didn’t seem possible that Jay could be out with someone else. Besides, he had clearly said that he was working for the next few days.

  She switched her phone on and there was a text waiting from Jay. It had been sent at eight o’clock, when she was watching the film so he couldn’t possibly have been in the cinema himself.

  Missing you today. Great evening yesterday. See you soon, lovely Gina xx

  Georgie grinned and sent a text back.

  Hope so. Evenings are long on my own. Let me know when you are free again. Love G xx

  It was two days before he contacted her to ask if she would meet him for a drink. They met at the beach bar, as before. This time, he wasn’t late and he had bought a bottle of wine. They sat close and chatted about their work and exchanged funny little anecdotes about things that had been happening. It was relaxed and comfortable, though Georgie kept trying to convince herself that she mustn’t make too much of it. At the end of the evening, he walked her back to the apartment.

  ‘Are you going to invite me in for a coffee?’ he asked.

  ‘Of course, if you’d like to. Only instant, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Instant is fine. I’m not even sure I need any coffee. Just the chance to be with you a while longer.’

  They went up the stairs and let him in. He looked out of the window while she went nervously into the kitchen. Was she being foolish? What was he expecting?

  ‘Quite a view from here, isn’t it?’

  ‘I think so. Sadly, I’ve only got one more week to go and then I’ll have to find somewhere else. Prices take a hike after that.’

  ‘Shame. Everywhere gets expensive though. What will you do?’

  ‘Haven’t a clue. Shall have to start looking though. There’s bound to be somewhere. The kettle’s boiled. I’ll go and make the coffee.’

  ‘Come here Gina. Never mind the kettle.’ He pulled her close and kissed her, feeling her body move closer to his. ‘Oh my darling girl. I want you so much.’ She froze. Realising exactly what he meant, she didn’t know how to cope.

  ‘You’re a lovely man. But I ... I’m not ready for anything more yet. Please, slow things down a little. We hardly know each other.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I must have misread the messages you’re giving me.’ He let her go and drew away from her. ‘Perhaps you really were only offering coffee.

  ‘I’m sorry Jay. I’m very fond of you. I even think I might be just a little in love with you but ... I think it might be rushing things.’

  ‘I thought you were ... Your last texts, well you signed with Love . I thought you meant just that.’

  ‘I often sign with “love”. It seemed silly to put “yours sincerely” or something. There just aren’t enough words in the English language for love. Sorry. I’ll make some coffee.’ She spooned powder into two mugs, shaking slightly. She prayed that she hadn’t ruined everything. She didn’t want to lose him but if he really was after ... well, just the one thing everyone talked about, she needed to be surer of her own feelings.

  ‘Do you take sugar?’

  ‘No, just black please. I’m sorry Gina. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable. But you are always so responsive when we kiss. I thought it was what you expected.’

  ‘Maybe it is. Maybe it is what I want but I need a little more time.’

  ‘I take it you’re not exactly experienced?’ he asked She blushed. It almost seemed like making an embarrassing childish confession. ‘Sorry. You don’t have to answer that. So, tell me what you’ve been doing with these long evenings.’

  ‘I went to the cinema. Quite enjoyable but not so much fun on your own.’

  ‘I quite agree. Perhaps we could go together one evening. There are a couple of good things coming soon.’

  ‘Great. I’d like that. Do you go often?’

  ‘Not that often. I’ve seen a couple of things since I’ve been here.’

  She prodded a little, to try and see if it really could have been him at the cinema the other evening but he said nothing to raise her suspicions. It was the right decision to postpone anything more with him, especially if she felt unsure of him. When he had finished the coffee, he got up and stretched his long limbs.

  ‘I’d better get moving. Early breakfasts tomorrow. Then a break and the lunchtime shift. Another break and it’s the evening shift. Quite a day.’

  ‘Sounds dreadful. No time to really unwind and it seems to go on day after day. Exhausting.’

  ‘I manage. I have a lot of stamina.’

  ‘Jay, I’m sorry if I’ve disappointed you.’ She reached out to touch his hand.

  ‘Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry I misinterpreted your messages.’

  ‘I hope you’ll still want us to see each other?’

  ‘Of course. Gina, I’d hate you to think that was all I wanted from you. You’re a very special person. I want to get to know everything about you. What makes you tick. What you like and what you hate. I want to please you in every way possible. Now, am I allowed another of your kisses or do you want me to leave you in peace?’ She made no reply but drew him close to her in answer.

  ‘I’m going now. I’ll see you soon, if you want to.’

  ‘Of course I do. Just give me a little more time to get used to the idea of something more.’

  ‘Good night, Gina.’

  He left her feeling totally confused. She knew she had done the right thing but it didn’t stop her longing for him. She needed to speak to Jenny. Was eleven o’clock too late to phone? She dialled the number and lay back on the sofa. The imprint of Jay’s head was still on the cushion and she nestled into it, almost sensing the scent of him still lingering. Jenny answered at last.

  ‘Georgie? What�
��s up?’

  ‘I needed a chat. Have I interrupted anything?’

  ‘No, I was just on my way to bed. Is everything all right?’

  ‘Yes. No. Oh I don’t know.’

  ‘Is this the gorgeous hunk? What’s gone wrong?’

  ‘Nothing. He’s wonderful. He wanted to move things on a stage and I said no. I’m afraid I may have blown it but he says he still wants to see me. Was I being stupid to say no?’

  ‘Of course you’re not. You’ll know when it’s right. If he dumps you, then he isn’t the right one.’

  ‘I’m getting neurotic. He says he likes my openness and honesty but everything he knows is a lie. Should I confess all to him?’

  ‘I wouldn’t think so. Not until you know where it’s leading. Come on Georgie, you’re a grown up now.’

  ‘My parents never allowed me to be grown up. That’s the whole problem. Everything here is based on pretence.’

  ‘So what have you been doing?’

  ‘We went for a romantic beach picnic the other night. Quite magical. I’ve never done that with anyone before. I went to the cinema one evening.’

  ‘Without the handsome escort?’

  ‘Yes. He was working.’ She paused, remembering the man she had seen who so reminded her of Jay.

  ‘What is it?’ Jenny asked. She was just too darned perceptive, Georgie thought.

  ‘Oh nothing. Just part of me seeing him round every corner when he couldn’t possibly be there.’

  ‘You’ve got it bad, haven’t you love? Look, why don’t I come down for a weekend and we can chat properly? I assume you can put me up?’

  ‘The sofa makes into a bed so yes, as long as I’m still in this apartment. I have to move out next week, when the prices go up.

  ‘Surely you can afford it?’

  ‘Well, as long as Daddy keeps up paying for my credit card.’

  ‘Of course he will.’

  ‘I’m not so sure. He’s pretty angry with me for rebelling. Hey, it would be great to see you. When can you come down?’

  ‘I might make it this weekend.’

  ‘I might have to work on Saturday. But I’ll try to take some time off. There’s a Saturday girl.’