Millie watched the sunset from the large glass front as she watered the violets on the table. A small water taxi was sailing across the calm channel towardsher pier.
She knew who was on it. Ever since Joanie rang her this morning, she’d been preparing herself and watchingthe clock.
You couldn’t run a tourist attraction café without knowing transport timetables by heart. Flights from London to the Channel Islands came in the morning; he wouldn’t have time to catch a plane. So if he sailed from Poole, he’d be here on the 6:30 ferry and take a local boat to the cove. She checked her watch. It was nearly seven.
She’d had all day to think what to tell him, but as she watched the water taxi line up against the dock, Millie still had no idea.
“Suzie?”
“Yes?” Her young waitress was wiping down the kitchencounters.
“You’d better catch the boat. Go, love. I’ll finish up.”
“Are you sure?” Suzie asked, taking offher apron.
“Yes,but run.”
The girl hurried towards the end of the pier, but Millie’s eyes were on the tall, dark figure standing in the approaching boat, now shading his eyes withhis hand.
Now jumping down onto the landing steps.
Now pausing to give Suzie a hand to help her intothe boat.
Now climbing the steps and standing at the end of the jetty for a moment, looking ather café.
He was only here because Joanie told him the truth. It didn’t count. He’d failed the testof ships.
Her heart fluttered and jumped and did all kinds of things, but it didn’t send any blood to her brain. She couldn’t think. This was the man she loved more than anything in the world. How could she find the words to sendhim away?
He started walking slowly towards her.
She knew the setting sun would be in his eyes, and he wouldn’t be able to see her behindthe glass.
Be strong, Millie.Be strong.
He was coming closer; she could see details now. Navy blue trousers, belted low on his hips. Pale-grey jumper with an open collar.
I’ll know what to say by the time he gets to the Lavenderplanters.
The lavender didn’t offer a single suggestion.
By the time he gets to thegeraniums.
Nothing.
So much for all the watering and caring, you ungrateful vegetation.
He was at the rosemary now.
The peppers.
The mint.
Ohdear God.
And then he was close enough to see through the glass. To see her.
He stopped.
