Short and Sweet Part 6

*Do call me Sara. Like you, I work from home. I'm an editor.'

She didn't take offence at him asking a few more questions. It was only natural he'd be worried about his daughter living with a stranger.

After a few minutes, however, she could see him getting drowsy, so she took Kerry away, promising to return that evening.

Sara quickly realized that Kerry was older than her years; used to being with adults; quiet in her play. They visited the hospital for the next two days and when John was ready to come home, they made him up a bed in her living room for the first few days.

*I can get up the stairs at my place if I take my time,' he protested. *You've done enough, looking after Kerry.'

*I've enjoyed her company. I've been on my own for a while now.'

But as soon as he could, he moved back, hiring a housekeeper to come in every morning.

She missed them when they moved back into their own home, but the housekeeper didn't do shopping and, once again, he was wary of asking help from any government service.

*Oh, for heaven's sake!' she said in the end. *I'll do the shopping, with Kerry's help. How hard is that? I have to go shopping for myself, you know.'

*Oh. Well. Thank you very much.' His stiffness vanished and he gave her a genuine smile. *I'm so grateful. I don't know what I'd have done without your help.'

*That's all right. People helped me a lot after the accident. It's good to pay something back to the universe.'

She enjoyed the shopping expeditions, which were punctuated by Kerry's instructions.

No, Daddy hates that cereal!

Oh, but we always have this sort.

He never eats bananas. They're too squishy.

Because John was still on crutches, Sara had to drive them to the shops to buy the school uniform and other equipment for Kerry. And since the child had clearly grown a lot recently, they had to buy some casual clothes too.

She found herself advising the little girl about clothes and hair, smiling at John about Kerry's strong views on what was cool and what wasn't.

They felt almost like a family. She'd once hoped for a family. She liked children. But it hadn't happened.

He felt more like a friend now, had relaxed enough to share a drink on the patio, or bring her a fish he'd caught.

She couldn't help wis.h.i.+ng .a.a. wis.h.i.+ng for more. But she didn't dare wish for too much because he was still holding back a little, still acting only as a friend and neighbour.

Pity.

Then one day there was a knock on the door and she found John there, leaning on his crutches. She made him a cup of coffee and carried it out for him as they went to sit by the water.

*I wonder if you'd help me and Kerry again.' He fiddled with his cup before adding, *I have no right to ask, but .a.a. I've been notified that they're sending someone to check up on me. My wife's lawyer is making another fuss about who looks after Kerry.'

*Were Kerry and her mother close?'

He shook his head. *No. Jen wasn't a very hands-on sort of parent at all. But she does like to win, and she regards not getting custody as losing.'

When he didn't continue, Sara prompted, *So .a.a. how can I help?'

He took a deep breath. *Could you pretend to be engaged to me? That'd make it look so much better a and you do get on well with Kerry. It shows when you're together.'

She was so surprised for a moment that she could only stare at him, then she smiled. *I wasn't even sure you liked me.'

He closed his eyes for a moment, then stared at her. *I like you too much. I didn't think I ought to get mixed up with anyone when I have so many ha.s.sles in my life. So I held back. But fate keeps bringing the three of us together.'

*It's nice to have good neighbours,' she said carefully.

*We're more than that, I hope. I'd really like to get to know you better.'

*I'm happy to pretend to be engaged, if that will help, John. I'm really fond of Kerry. And I'd like to get to know you better too.'

His voice grew gentler. *Why don't we give it a try, then?'

She nodded. She knew what she hoped for and she rather thought he felt the same way, but there was no need to hurry. He was still wary and she wasn't going to push him into something he wasn't sure about. Let him find his own way.

Anyway, living next door made it simple to take things easy as they got to know one another better.

Just then a dolphin swam past, swis.h.i.+ng its tail and looking as if it was smiling at them in approval. She smiled back.

Suddenly, she felt sure it would all work out as she wished.

The Pelican Affair.

Anna's Notes.

This is based on another personal experience. In my little seaside town, pelicans really do mug tourists. They're big birds.

When we first moved here, they used to try to get inside the houses. They knew where the catches were for the doors, but those huge beaks are no use for opening them. Thank goodness.

We have stood outside watching the sunset, though, and been joined by a pelican, who stood with the circle of people, quite at ease. He (or she) was as tall as my shoulder.

The West Australian sun shone down brightly and seemed to be winking at her, telling her to stick to her decision. Sarah Lawson took a deep breath and tried to recapture the tone that used to make her daughters do as they were told.

*You won't change my mind, Jan. I'm going to hire a holiday flat for a week and give you and your family a bit of a break.' She just had to get away from her kind but bossy daughter for a while, if they were to stay friends.

*But Mum, there's no need. We love having you here. I've been wanting you to visit us in Australia ever since Dad died.'

*Two months is far too long for any guest. You and Tony could drive me down to Mandurah, though. Or no a perhaps I should hire a car.'

*No need for that. It's a small seaside town. You can walk everywhere you need to if you get a place near the Foresh.o.r.e. We'll drive you down and see you safe.'

What did they think was going to happen to her in a rented holiday flat, for heaven's sake? She'd been living on her own in England ever since Bill died, and managing very well, if she said so herself.

But Jan, dear fussy Jan, was treating her like a third child, one who needed watching and guiding every moment. The trouble was, Australia was a long way to come from England for only a short stay. But a week was long enough for any guest to stay, and she should have known better, should have planned a visit to Sydney for a week or two in the middle, perhaps.

The drive to the small holiday town pa.s.sed in a tense silence. But the flat was lovely, with a balcony overlooking the water.

When Jan had stopped fussing and left, Sarah sat in the living area of the flat, relis.h.i.+ng the silence. She loved her grandsons, but they were a noisy pair.

Now to make herself more comfortable and get into a holiday mood. She'd seen a liquor store at the end of the road and decided to buy herself some wine.

She chuckled as she left the flat, feeling like a rebellious teenager. Not looking where she was going, she b.u.mped into someone and ricocheted back against the wall. *Oh, sorry. My fault. I was miles away.'

The man smiled at her. *I was too. You look happy. I hope you enjoy your holiday.'

*I intend to make the most of every blessed minute.' She continued down the stairs, humming an old Abba song that had been running through her head for two days, ever since she'd heard it on the wireless. She didn't care if she was old-fas.h.i.+oned, she'd always loved that song.

After a short walk, she found the liquor store, bought two bottles of Chardonnay and a bar of chocolate, and carried them home in triumph.

When she opened the fridge to chill the wine, she saw the ca.s.serole Jan had insisted on making for her. *It'll last two days, Mum, save you money.'

It wasn't going to last even one day. Jan's cooking hadn't improved over the years and because the children were small, she made everything very bland. Not feeling even slightly guilty, Sarah sc.r.a.ped it into the rubbish bin.

She went out again for a walk along the foresh.o.r.e, looking for somewhere to eat. This was such a lovely little town, built along the sides of an estuary.

She found a Chinese restaurant and had a delicious meal, then, since it was getting dark, strolled back to the flat. Sitting on the balcony she sipped her wine, now nicely chilled, and watched the town's lights reflected in the water. She didn't even switch on the TV.

The following day she went for a ride round the ca.n.a.ls in a large tourist boat, looking at the houses of rich people a to her anyone who owned a large house right on the water was rich. She envied them the beautiful views, but it was no use longing for what was out of reach, so she'd just borrow their scenery while she was here then go home to her small English terraced house.

When the boat returned, edging slowly into place alongside a jetty right in the town centre, she wondered what to do with herself next. She saw some people sitting by the water, eating chicken and chips out of boxes, and suddenly she was hungry. OK, it was junk food, but there was no harm in having it occasionally. She joined the queue.

She took her box further along the foresh.o.r.e and sat down to eat, opening it and sniffing in appreciation.

Suddenly something large and soft landed on the gra.s.s next to her. She let out a squeak of shock, then realized it was a pelican. It didn't seem at all aggressive, just stood watching her. She forgot her food, entranced by being so close to an exotic bird. When she was sitting down, it was the same height as her.

It edged slowly forward and she sat still, not wanting to frighten it away. Then suddenly it lunged at her and before she could move, it s.n.a.t.c.hed her box of food.

Fleeing in a clumsy run, it jumped off the walkway and lifted up into the air, crossing the water, still carrying the box.

*Are you all right? It didn't hurt you?'

It was the man she'd b.u.mped into at the flats.

She burst out laughing. *Oh, they'll never believe me when I go back to England. I've been mugged by a pelican.' The more she thought about it, the more she laughed, and he did too.

Then her stomach rumbled and reminded her of why she was sitting there. *I'd better go and get something else to eat. I'm ravenous.'

*Since you're a visitor to our town and a resident has stolen your lunch, would you allow another resident to buy you a replacement?' He swept a bow. *James Brennan at your service.'

*Oh. Well, that's very kind. But there's no need.'

His disappointment showed clearly. *I'd enjoy some company, but I'll not impose myself on you.' He turned to leave.

*No, wait! I'd enjoy some company too. But I'll buy my own meal.'

She felt a bit shy as they walked back to the cafe strip, but the sun was s.h.i.+ning and he had an infectious smile.

*Let's eat indoors,' he said. *You've caught the sun a bit today.'

*That's because I haven't got my daughter here to tell me off and nag me into the shade. I do love to feel the sun on my face.'

*Are you staying with your daughter?'

*I have been. She lives up in Perth. It's the first time I've been abroad since my husband died. Do you really live here in Mandurah all the time? How wonderful that must be.'

*I love it. Look, this is a good cafe. I'm a regular here and I promise you their chicken is much nicer than the fast food stuff.'

He took her to a table by the window, from which they could see the estuary and the boats going up and down it: big ones, little ones, and suddenly a group of fins.

*Dolphins!' she exclaimed, leaning forward. *Oh, how wonderful! Dolphins and pelicans in one day.'

They lingered over the meal, finding they had a lot in common: films, music, a love of the sea. When they eventually left the restaurant he hesitated. *I've really enjoyed your company. May I see you again?'

She felt suddenly shy. It'd been nearly forty years since a man had asked her for a date a and that man had become her husband. She was so out of practice at what to reply, she settled for the plain, unvarnished truth. *I'd like that. I've enjoyed your company too.'

*I'll walk you back to the flats. How about a trip out for lunch at a restaurant up the river tomorrow?'

She beamed at him. Even Jan couldn't say that was unsafe as a first date, if she ever told her daughter, which she probably wouldn't. *I'd love to do that.'

*I'll pick you up at ten o'clock.' He pulled a card out. *Here's my phone number and address.'

*I've got a mobile. My daughter bought it for me, just a very basic one. I'll give you my number, too, in case you change your mind.'

*I won't.'

His smile made her feel breathless.

That evening Sarah sat on the balcony again, sipping her wine, then went inside and tried to read a book of Jan's that she'd borrowed. But it was a dreary tale, even if it had won a literary prize. Thank goodness for the magazines someone else had left in the flat. She settled down to a crossword.

When her mobile phone rang, she saw it was Jan and nearly didn't answer. But if she didn't, her daughter might come rus.h.i.+ng down to check on her, so she picked it up.

She loved Jan dearly, but she and her husband were so earnest about life. They stared at her sometimes when she laughed at things.

The next day was even hotter. Sarah wore a light summer dress. She didn't even think of taking a cardigan because there wasn't a single cloud in the blue sky.

There was a knock on her door at ten o'clock and she opened it to James's smiling face.

*We can walk to the jetty if those pretty sandals are comfortable enough,' he said.

*They are and I love walking.'