Nolan walked to the back of the hut and picked up a pastel tartan picnic blanket that was placed on top of a large cool box. He handed it to her. ‘Go and choose your spot.’
Bea walked back towards the water, the fine grains of sand underfoot warm from the sun beating down. She chose a spot and laid out the blanket then stood on a nearby rock taking in the panoramic sea views and mountain terrain in the background. ‘We could actually be in Switzerland.’
‘I’m sure I’ll go there one day,’ replied Nolan, walking towards her carrying the cool box.
Sitting down on the blanket, she asked, ‘Do you think you’ll ever settle in one place?’ She was genuinely intrigued by the way Nolan was living his life.
‘I tried that,’ he replied. ‘But when there’s places like this to discover, why would anyone settle in one place?’
Bea could see his point. If it wasn’t for their chance meeting she wouldn’t be sitting here now and experiencing this spectacular scenery. She wondered what he meant by ‘I tried that’, but Nolan had already steered the conversation in a different direction.
‘Are you hungry?’ he asked.
Bea nodded but also brought the conversation back on track.
‘But what about putting down roots? Belonging to a place? Making a home?’
‘Home is where your heart is and for now that’s living onboard The Hemingway. Where is the most amazing place you’ve ever visited?’ Nolan asked, opening the lid of the cool box. He settled himself on the blanket next to Bea and stretched out, his leg brushing against hers, causing her to feel a flush of warmth in her body again.
Bea was thinking and looked towards Nolan. ‘You know what? I have no clue. That sounds so lame.’
‘Paris, Venice, Barcelona?’ Nolan began reeling off a list.
‘I’ve never been to any of those places. The furthest I’ve ever been is here, and I think this is probably the most amazing place I’ve ever seen.’ Bea could see the same amazement written all over Nolan’s face.
‘You’ve really never been abroad?’
Bea shook her head. ‘My ex didn’t like the sun.’
‘And that stopped you going on your own or with a friend because…?’
‘Good question. Because he wouldn’t let me. Every time I suggested anything he would reply, “You don’t want to do that, though, do you?” Which basically meant my idea was kiboshed.’
‘That’s sad to hear. Couples should encourage each other’s growth, not clip one another’s wings.’
‘I quite agree. I’m now beginning to realise we didn’t have much in common at all. For me, the best part of the day was early morning when I arrived home, whereas he never got out of bed before midday on a Saturday. I liked a full cooked breakfast, he didn’t even like breakfast. I liked a McDonalds, he didn’t—’
‘I’m sorry, who doesn’t like a McDonalds? That should have been your first red flag.’ Nolan was deadly serious then burst into laughter. ‘It sounds to me like you’ve had a lucky escape.’
Bea laughed too. ‘I should have known. But I’m here now.’
‘That you are.’
‘And I’m taking control of my life.’
‘There’s nothing stopping you now. This is your time. Do what’s right for Bea and what makes you happy. The world is your oyster and you’re free to do what you want.’ Nolan stood up and began to spin around with his arms open wide.
‘I’m never going to live that down, am I?’ she said, shaking her head good-humouredly.
‘You did make me smile,’ he said, sitting back down. ‘What’s next for you?’
Bea thought about it for a moment, ‘I’ve no clue. I’ve lost myself along the way and my time here is going to be spent figuring out what’s next for me. I think I’ve gone along pleasing everyone else but myself for far too long. I do know I want more than night shifts at a supermarket. I want to make a difference to people’s lives, even if it’s a small one. Look at me, I’m sounding like I’m running for prime minister.’
‘You’d do a much better job.’
‘I think I can turn my hands to most things, but my biggest skill is communication. It’s just a matter of finding the path that excites me most. I mean, you have your life sussed. Sailing the seas and painting.’ Being in Nolan’s company felt so easy and natural for Bea and she could feel herself relaxing and opening up. ‘Whatever will be will be,’ she added, bringing her knees up to her chest. ‘And what have we got in there? I’m beginning to feel a little peckish.’ She leaned over to take a peep and Nolan gently snapped the lid of the cool box down, causing Bea to bring her hands to her heart before letting out a peal of laughter.
‘Only joking! Would you fancy a glass of champagne?’
