A Virtual Affair

by Tracie Podger

  I took the motorway, stopping at a service station for Dini to stretch his legs and for me to grab a coffee. I’d never driven so far before but I was enjoying the experience. After three hours, I found myself on the Atlantic Highway, the sea to one side and fields to the other. I wound down the window and breathed in the sea air. Dini stuck his head out and joined me. The sun was low in the sky and I pulled over to see the rays bounce off the water. I could make out the silhouettes of surfers catching the last of that day’s waves. I felt a sense of joy wash over me.

  “Thank you, Dad, for bringing me here,” I whispered.

  I found the cottage, after a few wrong turns, down a country lane. It was dusk by the time I’d arrived. I pulled up on a gravel drive and sat in wonder looking at the cottage. It had whitewashed walls and roses growing around the door. It was the cottage of childhood dreams, and I already loved it. I opened the car door, squealing when Dini jumped over the seats, and exited before me. I grabbed my bags from the boot and locked the car.

  I had been informed in an email that I’d find the key under a flowerpot beside the front door. I fumbled around until my fingers clasped around it and opened the door.

  I stepped into a small hallway with a staircase to one side and a door to the other. At the end of the hallway was another door left open. I could see straight through the kitchen and to the sea. I left my bag and explored.

  The cottage had a lounge with an open fire where logs were already stacked waiting to be lit. There were two brown leather sofas set at angles in the fairly small room facing the fire. I smiled when I saw bookshelves full of paperbacks. A small wooden coffee table sat in the middle of the room, and on top I found a folder of things to do locally and information on the cottage. The living room had two wooden doors that opened up to a small dining area which connected to the kitchen. I stood at the patio door and looked out to a garden and then the beach. It was heaven to me.

  I walked back through the lounge and to the hallway; the door at the end was a toilet. I picked up my bag and headed upstairs. There were two bedrooms and a bathroom. I was surprised at the bathroom; it was modern with a bath and separate shower. I wondered what the agent meant when she’d said the owners wanted to modernise; the cottage was perfect.

  I left my bag on the double bed in the larger of the two bedrooms, its windows looked directly out onto the beach, and made my way back downstairs. I’d brought some shopping, not knowing if I’d find somewhere to eat locally, and put away my groceries while Dini explored the garden.

  I took my phone, noticing I had no signal until I was at the bottom of the garden where I found a wooden gate that led directly down some steps and onto the sand. I sent a quick text to mum, Ben, and Carla to let them know I’d arrived safely.

  With a glass of wine, I settled at the kitchen table and opened my laptop. Once I’d connected to the Wi-Fi, I sent an email.

  To: Stefan

  From: Jayne

  Date: 5 September 2014

  Subject: Arrived!

  I’m here! The cottage is perfect, small but absolutely beautiful. There are roses, not in bloom now, over the front door, and it’s right on the beach. I’ll take some photos and mail them to you. I can’t believe, even after that journey, how relaxed I feel. I love it here. Dini immediately took ownership of the garden. I can’t wait to take him for a walk on the beach in the morning. There are walkers with dogs, so I guess it’s allowed.

  You know what’s really strange? I feel at home here. I’ve only been here a half-hour and already it feels right. I don’t think I’ve seen this cottage before but it feels familiar, the beach and scenery feel familiar. I think my dad would be pleased.

  Hugs and stuff, J xx

  I left the laptop and email open while I decided on something to eat. I plated some cheese and crackers, a small salad and some pickles from the welcome basket that had been left.

  To: Jayne

  From: Stefan

  Date: 5 September 2014

  Subject: Sounds great

  I’m glad you arrived safely. :) I bet Dini will love that walk on the beach, and yes, send photos. I bet you feel at home because that part of the UK was your dad’s favourite place. I imagine it makes you feel closer to him.

  And stuff?? ;)

  S xx

  I laughed. Our emails had initially been friendly, then downright dirty, back to friendly but with a little harmless flirting. I enjoyed the banter with Stefan.

  To: Stefan

  From: Jayne

  Date: 5 September 2014

  Subject: Stuff

  Use your imagination. ;)

  J xx

  To: Jayne

  From: Stefan

  Date: 5 September 2014

  Subject: I am

  And not just my imagination. ;)

  S xx

  I laughed out loud at that response. Before I could respond, the sky darkened. I’d raced the storm clouds on the way, hoping they’d change direction. A streak of lightning lit up the sea and a clap of thunder rumbled above.

  To: Stefan

  From: Jayne

  Date: 5 September 2014

  Subject: Hope you have an empty office!

  I have an image in my mind that will no doubt help me have nice dreams now! There’s a storm rolling in, so I might lose power. Have a nice time with your, err, imagination and your empty office. ;)

  J xx

  I chuckled and sipped my wine. I wondered where plain Jayne had gone when I read back through our exchange. Face to face, I’d never be able to say those things without flaming cheeks and stammering.

  As predicted, once the storm closed in the power went out. I used my phone for light and fumbled around in kitchen drawers for candles. I settled on a sofa, wrapped in a blanket that had been laid over one and read by candlelight. It was chilly in the cottage; the wind had picked up and rattled the windows. Dini was a little unsettled and curled up around my feet on the end of the sofa. I should have made him get back down on the floor; he never climbed on furniture at home but I welcomed his warmth. I felt safe; rattling windows was a normal sound throughout winter back home so I wasn’t troubled.

  When I’d strained my eyes too much and they’d begun to hurt, I picked up the candle and headed for the kitchen. The rain was lashing against the side of the house. I watched angry waves crash against the shards of black rock that snaked into the sea and foamed on the sand. I opened the door slightly, calling to Dini. He came to the door, stood by my side and looked up at me. I could imagine him telling me ‘not likely’ and laughed.

  I left him a bowl of water and food, and with the candle, made my way upstairs.

  I undressed and threw on my pj’s before climbing into bed. I left the curtains open and, once I’d blown out the candle, I watched the lightning and listened to the rain. The bed was so comfortable that I feel asleep quickly.

  It was a bright morning; the sun streaming in through the window woke me. All traces of the storm the previous evening was gone. I climbed from the bed and picked up my phone to check the time. It was early, just after seven, but I was up. I made my way downstairs to be greeted by Dini stretching his front legs. He looked like he’d had a comfortable night as well. I’d brought his bed, which had somehow managed to find itself at the other side of the room. Dini liked to drag it around until he was settled. Opening the back door, I let him out.

  I took a cup of tea and sat at the small metal garden table just looking out to sea. An elderly couple walked along the beach holding hands and laughing. They looked over as they drew closer and waved. It took me a little by surprise at first. I tentatively waved back.

  “Good morning. Jayne, isn’t it?” The elderly lady asked as she climbed the steps to the gate.

  “Yes, and good morning to you, too. It’s a beautiful morning.” I wanted to ask how she knew my name but didn’t want to appear rude.

  “I’m Nora, and this is Jim. Hello you,” she said as she leaned over the gate to pet Dini.


  I always believed my dog to be a great judge of character. He wagged his tail and jumped up, resting his front paws on the gate. I stood and walked over.

  “He’s adorable. What’s his name?”

  “Houdini, although we just call him Dini.”

  “How are you enjoying the cottage? I look after it for the owners,” she said, answering my question on how she knew my name.

  “I love it. Will you come in for a cup of tea?” I asked.

  I opened the gate for Nora and Jim and headed for the kitchen.

  “Must get that gate fixed,” Jim said as he inspected a loose hinge.

  “It’s a shame the cottage isn’t used that much. The family live abroad, I think. They came on holiday and fell in love with the place,” Nora said.

  “Not enough to want to use it though,” Jim added.

  “The agent said it was booked out all summer, there’s only one week left in November,” I said.

  “They had plans to do the place up, although nothing’s changed. I think they may sell. Such a shame,” Nora added.

  I made the tea and we sat outside in the morning sun.

  “Have you been to Cornwall before?” Nora asked. Jim was inspecting the flower border and pulling up a weed or two.

  “I have. We used to come here every summer. I love it here. I just lost my dad and thought this might be a nice place to come and remember him. Is that odd?”

  “I think that’s a lovely idea. We moved here from London years ago. I say London, the South East, really. We own the little convenience shop up the lane.”

  “I passed it on my way here. I got lost a couple of times. I was born in South East London, Woolwich to be exact. I live in Kent for the moment.”

  “For the moment?”

  Perhaps she saw the cloud of sadness that descended on me. She covered my hand with hers.

  “I’m a nosy old bat, ignore me. Now, what are your plans?”

  I laughed off the sadness. “I’m newly separated, Nora. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to stay in my house. And as for plans? I just want to walk this beach every day, relax, read a little, and think.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, and as for those plans? Make sure you include a cup of tea at the shop.”

  Nora drained her mug, despite the tea still being scolding hot, and stood.

  “Look at him, he does love a garden, my Jim.”

  I laughed. I liked her immediately. She seemed genuine and friendly.

  “That storm didn’t scare you, did it?” Jim asked as he placed his empty mug on the table.

  “No, I was glad I found some candles though.”

  “The power goes off all the time, something to do with old overhead cables,” he said.

  “I’ll be prepared for that.”

  I walked them to the gate and watched them continue their stroll along the beach before they waved as they turned the corner and out of sight.

  After rinsing the mugs, I grabbed my camera. I called Dini and we set off down the steps and onto the beach. I rolled my jeans up and walked just where the water met the sand. I loved the feel of the wet sand between my toes. Dini ran in and out of the sea, jumping where the waves broke. I took endless photographs. Half way along I came to some huts; a group of guys were standing outside. One whistled and patted his leg, attracting Dini’s attention. I followed the dog as he checked out the young guys.

  “Hi. Great dog,” one said. He had an Australian accent.

  “Thank you. His name’s Dini.”

  “Are you here on holiday?” he asked. “Oh, I’m Greg, by the way, and this is Tom and Scott.”

  “I am, arrived last night. I’m Jayne.”

  With introductions made, the guys told me about the surfing. They spend all summer in Cornwall surfing, life guarding on the beach and in the evenings, working at bars and restaurants.

  “You have to come to Life’s A Beach,” Greg said. He pointed to a glass sided building just up from the beach.

  “It’s a café during the day and a great restaurant in the evenings.”

  “It sounds wonderful, although I don’t know that I’d visit on my own.”

  “Sure you will, we’ll sit with you,” Tom said.

  The boys reminded me of Ben. They were about the same age and had that wonderful carefree manner.

  “Come on, Jayne. Tomorrow night, eight o’clock. It’s not busy tomorrow. I’m the Assistant Manager, I’ll look after you,” Scott said with a laugh.

  I wasn’t entirely sure if he was the Assistant Manager or not but they made me laugh.

  “I’ll think about it,” I said.

  “The offer’s there.”

  “And if you fancy surfing, let me know,” Greg said.

  “You know what, I’ve always wanted to do that, but I think I’m a little too old now.”

  “No way! Got a wet suit?” I shook my head. “No problem, we have some here, I’m sure I can find one to fit.”

  “I’m only here for a week.”

  “Well, you can’t spend a week walking up and down the beach, as beautiful as is it. Tomorrow morning, I’ll give you a lesson, on the house.”

  Greg was probably the world’s best salesman. I found myself nodding enthusiastically. Why not? It was on my list of things to do.

  “Yes, definitely. I’ve always wanted to, so why not. What do I need to bring?”

  “Be in your swimwear, and bring a towel.”

  I’d spent nearly an hour chatting to the guys. I enjoyed their company and it felt good to laugh with them. I’d have pangs of guilt that I wasn’t crying. It had only been a short while since my dad had died but being on that beach, in Cornwall, it didn’t feel wrong to laugh. Inside I’d grieve for years, no doubt, but with the sun shining I felt more alive than I had in years.

  To: Stefan

  From: Jayne

  Date: 6 September 2014

  Subject: Surfing!

  Guess what? I’m going surfing tomorrow. I met three Aussie guys. They surf, work the bars and restaurants here all summer (their winter) then go home when the season is finished. I’ve always wanted to have a go. No idea whether I’ll manage to actually stand up on the board, but I’ll let you know. I met an elderly couple. They look after the cottage and are so lovely. I’ve attached some pics. :) I’m going to have dinner with the Aussies tomorrow night, if I survive the surfing, of course.

  J xx

  I sat in the garden with my laptop and rang my mum; I detailed the cottage, the beach and what my plans were. She remembered that her and dad had sat on that very same beach when I was a baby. Maybe that’s why I felt so comfortable, perhaps there was a connection.

  To: Jayne

  Frome: Stefan

  Date: 6 September 2014

  Subject: Be careful!

  Surfing! I used to do that when I was younger. I’m jealous, although the Danes are way better than the Aussies. ;)

  Love the pics. I can see myself sitting on that beach, beats being in the office.

  S xx

  Jealous of what, I wondered, jealous that I was surfing? Or was he jealous that I was having dinner with the Aussies? And what were the Danes better at? I didn’t reply for fear of misunderstanding what he’d meant.

  I was down at the beach early the following morning. I’d taken Dini with me, as he would have jumped the garden gate if I’d left him.

  “Hey, Jayne. Great to see you. Come on in,” Greg called out as I approached the hut.

  Inside it was kitted out with surfboards, wet suits, and a curtained off area to change. I wore my swimming costume under my shorts and t-shirt.

  “Let’s get you sized up,” he said as he held wetsuits against me.

  “Okay, change into that, and me and Dini will meet you on the beach,” he added.

  I hid behind the curtain, making sure not to tangle my feet in the Neoprene and fall arse first through the makeshift changing room. Once I’d managed to slither into the tight material, I ventured out.

  Greg
and Dini were on the beach. I was disappointed to see three other students, all at least half my age. However, they greeted me with smiles. We learnt the basics, and for me, that was learning the string thing that connected me to the board attached to my ankle and not the wrist I had it wrapped around. The ‘leash’ was there so I didn’t lose the board I was told. I wasn’t sure if Greg was joking or not. By the third attempt of kneeling and then leaping to my feet, I knew my knees would give out by the end of the day and surfing was probably not for me. But I had fun. I took the board out, wading through the waves, and although I never actually got to stand more than a few seconds before falling off, it was exhilarating, and I could totally understand the attraction.

  As my fellow classmates headed up the shore and back to the hut, I sat astride my surfboard, content with just bobbing on the water and watching the guys. They sat and waited, leapt to their feet with ease and cruised all the way into the shallows. It seemed so easy. I guess it would have been had I been twenty years younger.

  “I’m not sure it’s something I’m going to master,” I said with a laugh as I walked to the hut.

  Dini had been patiently waiting beside the door. I imagined the copious amounts of burger and hot-dogs probably enticed him to stay put. He wagged his tail as I leant down to stroke his head.

  “You will get fat,” I said to him.

  I peeled off the wetsuit and wrapped myself in a towel.

  “Don’t forget tonight. See you up there,” Greg called out as I walked back to the cottage.

  “I’ll be there,” I said.

  It had been a warm morning, a day that reminded me of my childhood as I tasted the dried sea salt on my lips and felt the grittiness on my skin. My hair was a tangled mess and I couldn’t help but smile.

  I took a hot shower, pulled on some jeans and a t-shirt, and sat in the garden with my laptop, a cigarette, and cup of tea.

  To: Stefan