“I thought parliament had broken up for summer.” I also know that in reality it never breaks up. The summertime is when the informal deals are cut and politicians schmooze for what they need. It’s when scandals reign and summer madness needs to be cloaked in sensibility.
“It has.” He doesn’t say any more, his eyes land on Ben who looks up from his paper and the two make eye contact.
I’m spellbound and I don’t know why.
“Everleigh.” Ben stands up, offers his hand.
Isaac takes it. “Smith.”
“Good to see you.”
There’s that back clap than men do. And then that look again that speaks volumes in a language I don’t understand.
“Blair, why don’t you show Isaac to his room and give him a tour of the estate?” Mum mother speaks as a clock chimes the hour. Time for my father’s medication that is given in a darkened room. We’re coping by pretending it isn’t happening, burying our heads in the sand because if we talk about it, or cry together, it becomes real. We don’t want it to be real yet. He needs us strong, not broken fragments crying for our own pain.
“Of course.” I stand up, reaching for the kaftan to cover my bikini. The one Elise left for me.
I don’t feel just Ben’s eyes on my body. This time there are Isaac’s too, and I remember how we danced in the rain before breakfast. My nipples harden and the bikini I’m wearing is too thin and metallic to hide anything.
The kaftan hides little. Isaac follows me from the patio across the lawns to the guest suite, a detached two-bedroomed property that’s far enough away to give both us and our guests a sense of privacy.
“I’m sorry you weren’t told I was coming.”
We haven’t said anything since I stood up.
“It’s fine. I don’t mind.”
“Thank you. I need the rest. I’ll probably sleep for the next two days.”
“It’s been a busy time?” I hope his busyness hasn’t had anything to do with my brother.
“Very. You’d think the people chosen to run the country can manage to run their own lives, but that’s rarely the case. I think I’ve had about six hours sleep in the last week.” He gives me a watery smile.
“My advice - change, lotion up and find a sun lounger. Make the most of the weather and the lack of noise.”
He laughs. “Sounds like a plan. I know your mother suggested giving me a tour, but can we postpone? I need to shower and feel human again before I can compose a sentence that isn’t a complaint.” He stops outside the guest villa and faces me, his eyes are brown and full of magic.
I’m fucking another man. I shouldn’t be looking at Isaac this way.
“No problem. This evening would be a good time. I recommend sunset on the beach with a cocktail. Or beer.”
His laugh is happier now, not sarcastic. “You look amazing, by the way. The climate here suits you.”
“Thank you. I’m lucky.”
He gives a nod and I pause before turning, not able to look away.
He walks away first. Whistling.
* * *
The sunset is everything the day promised. The sky’s filled with oranges and reds, a smattering of black cloud as the evening enters.
There are only the three of us on this stretch of the beach, a private section belonging to the estate. Me, Ben and Isaac. We each have a drink, even Ben, who’s usually just on water, but none of us have words. An early dinner, because my parents prefer to eat early and Isaac’s planning an early night after travelling, and a quick plan to watch the sun fall below the horizon have brought us here.
The sand is soft between my toes and I’m debating a quick swim in the sea, given I have a bikini on underneath my sundress. No one’s expecting formal. No one’s been trying to impress Isaac. He’s here for a break, not to be impressed, although I’m still unsure how he was invited.
And I’m still unsure whether I can trust him.
