‘We all cope differently. And you were in charge, I know it was harder for you. Nobody could’ve predicted the weather changing so suddenly that night. You know Maeve has been trying to spend more time near the beach since she came down here that day when you helped Jonah?’
‘Maeve?’
‘Yeah, you know, dark-haired girl, kind, nice, pretty—’
‘I know who Maeve is.’
‘Oh I’m sure you do.’ Leo was smiling.
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Oh come on. The sparks flying between you two are something I’ve not seen since … well I don’t know when. And I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.’
That had his attention. ‘We’ve both talked because we’re in the same situation, avoiding this place, coming back, making an effort. And besides, I could say the same about you and Nina. What about the sparks flying off the pair of you?’
‘Me and Nina? We’re friends again.’
Adrian began to laugh. ‘Right, you keep telling yourself that.’ But he let Leo off the hook. ‘Has she told Walt about the cabin purchase yet?’
‘She’s having lunch with him today to tell him – she wanted to rush to tell him at first, but decided she’d make it extra special.’
‘Thoughtful girl,’ his brother grinned.
‘Friends, that’s all,’ Leo reiterated.
‘I’ve been thinking,’ said Adrian. ‘Don’t worry, not about you and Nina. More about her cabin or rather Walt’s. She’s done a good job with it, it feels homely.’
Leo wasn’t sure what his brother was getting at but he asked, ‘Are you saying you want to live there?’
‘Maybe. It’s an idea, something to think about.’
‘Sure is.’ And already he had a good feeling.
When a customer came in Leo had to turn his attentions to business, and advised about wetsuit types, brands and sizing, the customer made their selection. When he left, Leo’s gaze moved over towards the window, the panorama of the sea and the ominous clouds which had now begun to release droplets that pelted the glass. One of the panes of glass rattled as Adrian brought them both a mug of coffee.
‘Wouldn’t want to be out in that today,’ his brother said simply.
‘Me neither. Don’t mind the rain, but the wind and the darkness is another matter. It’s still daytime.’ Leo put on the lights in the shop and glanced over at his brother who had moved aross to check out the new touring kayak that had been delivered today and was waiting to be put up on a rack. Leo would have to move a few things around to be able to do so.
Leo went over to Adrian. ‘See something you like?’
‘This one’s a beauty.’ Adrian ran a hand along the vessel in lime green and black, still shiny, having never been used.
‘You’ll be out on the water in no time at all.’
‘Hope so.’
‘Don’t forgetTheWildflower. Still waiting for you.’
With a deep sigh Adrian nodded. ‘Yeah, I know.’
What he didn’t know was that he’d be going out on the water sooner rather than later. And that this time it would be in search of something more precious than any of them had ever realised.
Chapter Twenty
Leo
Adrian seemed to be getting into the swing of things at the boathouse and commandeered most of the sales talk to customers which had Leo not only amused, but pretty happy. If anyone had told him last week or last month that this might happen he’d have said they were dreaming. But here they both were, the Magowan brothers, running the much-loved boathouse in Stepping Stone Bay.
