Thirty-Eight Days

by Len Webster

  “I promise,” Noel said, closing the distance and placing his hands on her cheeks. “Do you trust me, Clara?” he asked again. Her breathing became shallow gasps as his touch brought with it the fire she craved.

  “Yes,” she whispered him the truth.

  “Good,” Noel replied as he let go of her face. He took a step back and lifted his shirt over his head. Clara eyed his chest and her blush came back, but this time she didn’t turn away. Noel dropped his shirt on the floor and walked next to her.

  “I’m scared to death to do this,” she said as she looked up at him, her heart threatening to push out of her rib cage.

  “I’ll be right here, Clara. I promise I won’t leave you. Trust me,” he said as he held out his hand. She hesitated for a second, but she knew she needed his support. She reached over and put her hand in his. The moment they touched, she felt a feeling in her that she couldn’t explain. It was like a current of electricity travelling through her body, giving her the courage to jump.

  It’s him.

  “Clara, don’t forget to straighten your body when you enter the water, okay?”

  Clara removed her stare from their hands and looked up to nod at him. She couldn’t forget the thought of how perfect their hands belonged together. She pushed the thought away and concentrated on the task at hand. She took a deep breath and tightened her grasp on Noel’s hand.

  “Ready?” he asked. Her breathing was still gasps as she envisioned the jump before her.

  “No,” she confessed as she flashed him a hesitant look.

  “One…” Noel said. Clara took in another strangled, deep breath.

  “Two…” he continued to count. She glanced over at Noel. He was looking directly at her. Just her. With eyes that told her everything would be okay.

  “Three…” Noel finished counting. She forgot about the water; she could only think about how she was starting to fall for him.

  “Jump!” he yelled. She felt the platform fall away from her feet and her stomach drop. A squeal escaped her lips, but she didn’t care; she could see the images in front of her blur as she fell down. She could see the water quickly meeting her, and she straightened her legs and broke the surface, hard.

  She didn’t even know she took a breath of air in before the entrance until she was under. Opening her eyes to see the darkness around her, she started to freak, and she started to struggle for air. Her hand was tugged and she kicked off in the water. Noel pulled her out from the darkness of the sea. He never let her hand go even when they entered the water. The moment she came to the surface, she gasped for air.

  Noel tugged her hand one more time and brought her close to his chest. He wiped Clara’s hair away from her face and looked at her to make sure she was okay.

  “Clara, are you all right?” He sounded frantic. Clara nodded and coughed at the same time.

  “I’m fine.” She managed a smile.

  “Thank God,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to his body. Clara rested her hands on his chest; he tensed under her touch and his breathing went rigid.

  “You did it,” he said as he wiped the rest of her hair away. Noel looked into Clara’s eyes and she didn’t want to turn away; she couldn’t. She watched as he smiled proudly at her. She removed her right hand from his chest and placed it on his cheek, caressing him lightly.

  “Thank you,” she whispered to him.

  “I’m in awe of you, Clara,” he softly said as he placed a kiss on her forehead. Clara closed her eyes at the touch of his lips and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  This is truly something else. I’m falling for Noel, and fast!

  “Clara, are you okay?” Jarred shouted in fear from the boardwalk. She still had her arms around Noel’s neck and he held her tightly against his body.

  “I’m fine,” she replied and made eye contact with Stevie. Clara didn’t wipe the smile off Stevie’s face.

  “Okay, good. I’ll go to the kiosk and get you some water. I’ll be right back!” Jarred said as he turned and ran towards the kiosk on the beach.

  There is something about being in Noel’s arms that makes me never want to be away, to never let him go.

  Noel looked down at her, smiling. His smile was disarmingly beautiful. Clara turned to see Stevie on the edge of the boardwalk, staring at her. Noel let go of Clara’s waist, surprising her. She felt the emptiness of his actions.

  “Come on, let’s get you out of the water and get you warm,” he said as she removed her arms from his neck. She watched as Noel swam to the rusted ladder and climbed it. But as she was about to follow his direction she looked back to Stevie, still smirking.

  Clara’s smile faded as Stevie winked at her and said, “You’re welcome!”

  Yesterday was unexpected, and Noel knew that it was pushing the boundary. The urge to kiss her was so strong that he made up the excuse that he had to go meet up with Rob instead of staying with her longer. Noel couldn’t be around Clara. Her body just touching his wasn't enough.

  Not to mention the look of her in that red bikini, her toned stomach, and those goddamn legs of hers. He was being tortured, and when she shimmied out of those shorts, he swore he was going to lose it. Noel was relieved to hear that Clara would be out that night with Stevie and Jarred for a barbecue. Jarred had surprised him; he was nothing but chummy, accepting Noel’s friendship. But he watched the fondness he shared with Clara, and Noel didn’t enjoy that. He wasn’t willing to share.

  The idea of claiming her for himself was starting to eat at him. He wanted her to be his. He couldn't deny it any longer. Clara so emotionally vulnerable caused strong feelings to billow inside of him. When she trusted him enough to jump, his heart leaped from his chest.

  He let out a heavy groan. Noel had no idea what to do next. Clara's nearly naked body close to his made him want more. And she wasn't ready for that. He wasn’t even sure if he was ready for more with her. He needed to play it safe, not let his emotions or his desires get the better of him. He registered that the friendship card had to be played between them.

  The sound of his phone woke him from his self-rambling.

  “Hey, Noel.”

  "Hey, Alex. How's the case going?" His mind had been so focused on Clara, he hadn’t made an effort to call Alex. He lifted his legs and rested them on the living room coffee table.

  "It's getting a little tough now. We found out he's got some offshore accounts that just make the whole thing more complicated. I don't go on trial till next week, but I'm being reprimanded as a key witness for the prosecution. So that means until the case has finished in court, I have to stay in the States. If I don't comply, I’ll have to surrender my passport. I swear, Noel, this is a bigger pain in the ass than when I dated Sarah in high school. Reckon you could hold the fort a little longer?" Alex sounded tired, and Noel knew he was spending long nights on the account.

  “We talking days, or?" he questioned as he looked at Clara’s bedroom door.

  "Weeks, Noel," Alex stated firmly, but the guilt was clear in his deep voice.

  I have more time with Clara. I have more time to figure this all out.

  "I don’t know, Alex," Noel replied, exaggerating the bothered tone in his voice.

  "Look, you don't have to stay. I'd rather you did until I get in touch with my dad and—"

  Dad? There is no way James Lawrence is going to come swooping in.

  "You know your dad wouldn't leave your mum," Noel stated.

  Alex sighed. "I know, especially for Clara."

  A sense of sadness engulfed his body, and then anger started to rise. Clara never had a proper loving relationship with her parents. Something he never understood, but accepted. As they grew up, Alex never spoke about the details, and Noel never actually cared. But now, five years later, all he wanted to do was know.

  “Look, I’ll stay. Beats getting a hotel." Noel shrugged to himself.

  "Don't be a squatter, Parker! Do something useful with your time."


  Like your sister.

  His thought startled him. He enjoyed Clara’s body, but after knowing so much about her, was “doing” Clara what he was capable of? He would ruin her; they’d regret it if that thin line was ever crossed.

  “I'm rowing with Rob. Besides that, I've had a few emails from the office. Looks like they’re managing just fine without me," he was able to say after composing himself from his inappropriate thoughts.

  “How's Clara?" Alex asked worriedly.

  Besides driving me physically insane?

  "She's all right. Want to talk to her?"

  "Nah. It's too early in the morning. Plus she'd hate me to ruin today of all days. But you mind doing me a favour? I have a reservation for Pa La Blue on Lygon Street. You mind taking Clara? She loves that place, and the booking’s for seven p.m. tonight. If I cancel today I get charged a hundred and fifty dollar cancellation fee."

  Noel wasn’t sure what came over him, but the thought that they would be alone together in a restaurant over dinner consumed him.

  "Fuck that! I’ll take her," he said a little too eagerly. He felt his palms sweat, and he wiped them on his pants.

  “Great! I have a tab there, so just charge the dinner on me. I better go; these accounts aren’t going to be looked at themselves. I’ll probably call Clara later in the day. Thanks again, Noel!” Alex sounded relieved.

  “Anytime,” Noel responded as he hung up his phone. He placed it on the couch and let out a heavy sigh.

  Clara came out of her room, stifling a yawn with her right hand, and her phone in her left. She stopped and gazed at him with squinted eyes. Noel took in her appearance; she wore short flowered pyjama bottoms and a tight purple tank top.

  Though he missed the sight of her blue nightdress, Clara in shorts was a sight on their own. Her long legs were toned and ran a mile long. His eyes travelled down her body. Turning his gaze back on Clara’s face, her focus was on her phone, too distracted to see his eyes roam her body.

  He relaxed into the couch, not realising he had been still at the sight of her. When her frown faded away, she looked up and smiled at him.

  “Hey.” Noel shot up a hand to greet her.

  “Well, hey yourself! You’re up early,” she pointed out as she walked past him and into the kitchen.

  “Yeah, Alex called,” he said behind his shoulder, his focus on the TV and not on Clara.

  “Oh really, what did he say?” she questioned.

  “He had a favour to ask of me,” he answered as he turned to see her on her tippy toes reaching for a glass. Noel watched as her tank top hiked up a fraction giving him a glimpse of the small of her back. Letting his eyes travel down, he took in her toned legs, and clenched his jaw. He quickly removed his eyes and cursed under his breath.

  “He asked if I would take you to that La-Pooh-Bleu or something tonight,” he said, only for Clara to let out a laugh.

  “You mean Pa La Blue,” she corrected him with another laugh.

  “He said he had reservations for the both of you, but since he’s away…” Noel began to explain the cancellation fee, but he didn’t want it sounding like it was a charity gig.

  “The cancellation fee?” she asked as she poured the apple and guava juice into her glass.

  “Yeah, that fee is ridiculous!” Even in Boston he never paid that kind of money to not show up at a restaurant.

  “It’s tipped to be a Michelin star restaurant soon. When you have that kind of expectation, you can charge outrageous fees.”

  Clara shrugged as she took her glass of juice to the balcony doors. She opened the double French doors to his left and the somewhat cool air hit his skin. She shifted in the chair so she could face him, but still see the skyline.

  “You know, you should start billing Alex for all these favours you do for him. I appreciate your kindness for helping him,” she stated as she sipped her juice.

  “It’s okay, not like I’m doing anything. So tonight, seven p.m.?” he asked, more hopeful than he should have. He wanted Clara to say yes, even though he knew it could be over stepping that line he had once set, but he didn’t care. He’d care about the repercussions tomorrow.

  “Do you know what day it is, Noel?” she asked as she looked at him questionably.

  “Friday.” He stated the day and watched as contentment overtook Clara’s face and body.

  “Right. Friday,” Clara said as she walked back into the apartment, cup in hand, leaving the balcony doors open.

  “All right,” he said to her as he checked his messages.

  After having done his hair as decently as possible, he put on his dress shoes as Clara said, “Ready? Let’s hit the road.”

  “Yeah, let’s go.” Noel stood up from the couch and turned to see Clara. He froze at the sight of her.

  “You don’t mind driving my car do you? I kinda can’t drive in these.” Clara wiggled her red high heel in front of him. His eyes made their way from her feet up to her face. She wore a white dress that fitted her body perfectly. He eyed the daisy detailing at the top that sat above the red belt she wore. She had always loved daisies, but tulips were her favourite.

  How do I know Clara’s favourite flowers?

  “Yeah, no problem. I’ll drive,” he said after clearing his throat. They both walked out of the apartment, grabbing their keys, and made their way for the elevator. When the doors dinged closed, he felt trapped; he couldn’t escape. Unlike the night she wore that black-and-gold dress. She looked hot that night, hell bent on seduction, but now with her curls in a messy bun and her makeup minimal, she looked heavenly.

  When the doors opened, he breathed out in relief; he could take in fresh air and not get intoxicated by her perfume. Once they arrived at the parking garage, he unlocked the car and walked ahead of Clara to the passenger door, opening it for her.

  “Thank you,” she said as her brows lifted up, surprise gracing her face as she got into the car. He refrained himself from stealing a glance at her legs. He closed the door behind her and balled his fists to control himself. Shaking his head, Noel opened the door for the driver’s seat and put the keys in the ignition.

  Why am I acting as if this is a date?

  There wasn’t a moment of awkward silence. All they did was talk and laugh. If this had been a date, it would have been the best goddamn date he had ever been on. There was no pretending coming off of her. She wasn’t seducing him for a night in bed, and she wasn’t coaxing a deal out of him; Clara was just there to enjoy dinner with him. She didn’t want anything but his company, and that made him smile.

  Why is this so easy with her?

  Pa La Blue was formal, but it had a homey sense to it. He could see why she loved the place. Each table was draped with a dark red tablecloth, fresh bouquet of flowers in the vase, and two candles on their table. When the main course was placed in front of them, he watched as Clara closed her eyes and smiled, no doubt taking in the essence of her meal. There was no denying the fact that the restaurant deserved a Michelin star. Noel’s steak was tender, and the sauce was silky smooth and rich; he had no doubts Clara’s steak was the same.

  “So how do you like Jarred?” she asked as she wiped her mouth on the napkin and took a sip of her red wine.

  How do you like him?

  “He seems nice,” he replied, not knowing what to make of his jealousy.

  “He’s lovely. He and my friend Annie used to date; they’re perfect for each other, but things haven’t gone exactly their way. I think they just need time. You’d like Annie,” she said smiling. The guilt in him overtook the jealousy; he knew Annie more than she thought.

  “The dessert menu,” their waitress said as she gave them each a menu. Clara had taken a liking to her, and even made small talk in between orders. Looking up from the menu, he noticed Craig Harrison enter the bar. He hadn’t seen him since high school.

  “Clara, do you mind giving me a second? I just saw Craig Harrison at the bar. You don’t mind if I go say hi?” he asked.
<
br />   Clara looked up from the menu and smiled at him. “No, go ahead, I’m still indecisive about the cheesecake or the chocolate mousse.” The sight of her smile unnerved him. He got up from his chair and walked over to the bar to see Craig ordering a drink. He was happy to have a little space from Clara. His thoughts were taking a direction they shouldn’t.

  “Nolan bloody Parker! Good to see you. What are you doing in my town?” Craig asked in bewilderment as they shook hands.

  “Our town,” he corrected as they finished their handshake. Craig Harrison had always been a big guy, but since high school he looked ready to take on a bull.

  “Hey, you might as well be an American, renounce your Australian citizenship,” Craig joked as he sipped his gin and tonic.

  “You’re so funny. How you been? Heard you got married,” Noel said as he sat on the stool next to him.

  “Doing the cliché; wife’s pregnant. It went from university, to house, to married, and now to a kid.” He shrugged happily at Noel. “What are you doing here?” Craig asked, signalling for another gin and tonic to the bartender.

  “Just dinner.” Noel tipped his head in Clara’s direction. “You?” he watched as Craig turned his attention from Noel to the dining room.

  “I’m here with clients to seal a merger deal. There’s something familiar about your date.” Craig’s brows bunched together; he was thinking really hard about where he had seen her before. Noel let out a heavy breath. Not like it was a secret; Alex was the one to set it all up.

  “Clara Lawrence,” Noel said simply.

  “Get the fuck out!” Craig said astonished, even doing a double take of her appearance. Noel smiled when Clara pulled a cute face as she continued to stare at her menu.

  “How the hell did you manage that? Look at her!” Craig continued to stare at her, and even shook his head.

  “Alex couldn’t make it to dinner.”

  “Cancellation fee,” Craig responded understandingly. They watched as a group of men in expensive suits walk through the doors. Craig downed his drink and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.