Paul put his hand to his chest and gave her a slow, reassuring smile.
Rita sighed. ‘I’m so naïve with relationships. All I’ve known is Archie for the past twenty-five years.’
‘And how lovely is that?’ Paul added, squeezing her hand tightly. ‘Rita, the other night, it was a beautiful moment in time. No expectations, no strings attached. Like I said on the beach. Just that moment. Pure and simple.’
He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ‘You’re a gorgeous person, Rita. But that doesn’t mean I want a relationship with you either. That night, I’ll never forget it. And I hope you don’t either. I’d like it to be the start of many happy moments for you. And I’m pretty stoked to be able to say I was your first.’ He smirked.
Rita laughed. Paul sighed deeply. ‘You… this place… have helped me so much, you know. It’s released something in me, too. Encouraged me to start writing a song. Even got the guitar out the other night; we all had a sing-along.’
‘No way!’ Rita sniffed, her eyes still glistening from the tears.
‘Yes, way. And I intend to finish it. And I’m not saying any more, but I think you’ll like it.’
Rita exhaled, a fragile smile breaking through. She looked out to the timeless expanse of ocean, then back at Paul, feeling a warmth she hadn’t expected.
‘I love that fact! And as for that night, it will be a moment to hold on to whenever I feel like I’m falling.’
‘Exactly that.’ Paul nodded, squeezing her hand gently. ‘But let’s hope there won’t be too much more of that, eh?’ He lifted her hand and kissed it. ‘It’s just so peaceful here, isn’t it.’
Then,ATCHOO!
They both jumped. Paul glanced toward the sound and grinned. ‘Well, it was. Before Michael’s sneeze just declared war on tranquillity.’
Rita laughed out loud.
‘That’s better, sweet cheeks.’ Paul grinned.
Rita yawned loudly. ‘Right, I’d better see what Annie’s doing. I’m taking her down to the harbour to show her the delights of Reformer Pilates.’
‘Good luck with that.’ Paul chuckled. ‘I’m sticking to a deckchair and Thomas Hardy today, I think.’
A smiling Rita stood up. ‘You’re the best, Paul Best.’
Paul gave a mock bow. ‘Quite simply.’
THIRTY-FOUR
The Seahaven Bay Reformer Pilates studio smelled deliciously of Jilly’s grapefruit perfume when Rita pushed open its door, swiftly followed by Annie, wearing tight yoga pants and a huge baggy T-shirt with Minnie Mouse on it.
Jilly had the back doors wide open, letting in the sea breeze and the occasional squawk of a furious gull who’d been denied someone’s half-eaten pasty.
‘Right, ladies!’ Jilly clapped her hands. ‘Shoes off, dignity optional. Let’s stretch our souls and our hamstrings, shall we?’
Rita nudged a nervous Annie forward. ‘Come on, it’ll be good for your back. And our moods.’
‘I don’t trust a woman in full make-up who can touch her toes,’ Annie muttered, pulling her T-shirt down over her wobbly bits.
‘Oi.’ Jilly overheard, as always. ‘This woman in full make-up can not only touch her toes, love, but once got cramp whilst doing a reverse cowgirl and still managed to fake an orgasm. So, less lip, more lunge.’
‘I’m loving that studio rule.’ Annie laughed.
Rita shook her head. ‘Not sure I am.’
The pair mounted the Reformer machines awkwardly. Jillyexpertly adjusted springs and straps, while Rita attempted to look graceful and Annie looked like she was preparing for childbirth.
After forty-five minutes, Annie’s hair had burst free from its scrunchie, and she was sweating in places she’d forgotten existed. ‘Why do people pay good money to feel like a hog trussed up for roasting?’ She panted and strained against the foot bar.
Jilly lay back on her machine and opened her legs in a V, so wide she could’ve done semaphore.
