4
Gianna aka Ria (17years)
“We’re here.”
I woke to Harsh’s soft shake to my shoulder. Rubbing the sleep that had evaded me last night, out of my eyes, I pulled out my earbuds and glanced around. Madison Wharf belonged to a little tourist town. I could see why it would be ideal for a secret meeting. There were too many people to spot someone easily.
Unclipping the seatbelt, I looked at my father. “Are you heading back now?”
“Fishing.” He winked with a small chuckle and at my frown, added, “there’s a pier at the south end of the wharf. I’ll be there until I get your text...” he trailed off as we both climbed out the car.
Stretching, I inhaled the salty breeze swirling through the air and met him at the rear. After he popped the trunk, I reached for my duffel bag, pulled out the box, and ripped the seal. I stared at the small black phone for a second then switched it on. When life glowed on the green screen, I willed it to ring then watched Harsh reach for his fishing tackle and a small picnic basket. Worrying my bottom lip with my teeth, I looked around.
“You okay, poppit?” he asked, his brow ridged in concern. “I know it’s an early package but the procedure was still the same. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.” He tweaked my nose making me smile.
“I’m sure.” Even though I agreed, my insides mimicked the opposite of the gentle waves lapping at the shore to our right. I glanced at my watch. 9.59. A minute to go.
“Here.” Harsh held out some money. “In case you see something you like.”
Shaking my head, I smiled. “I still have the money you gave me last month.”
Laughing, he stuffed the notes back into his jeans pocket. “It’s your money, you’re supposed to be spending it.”
Although he received money every month on my behalf, I was short of nothing and apart from the occasional jeans or shoes I liked, my spending was relatively low. My simplistic tastes were unbecoming of my status apparently, but I didn’t care. “I have everything I need and I love who I am without having to try being who I’m supposed to be.” That made so much sense in my head.
Harsh seemed to understand though. “And I love you just the way you are too.” He punched my chin playfully just as the phone rang.
With a quick smile at him, I answered on a breathless, “hello.”
“Beluga café in five minutes. The corner table near the deck. Face the window.” The call ended.
I relayed the message to Harsh before he scooped me into a big bear hug. Laughing, I leaned back. “It’s just two days.”
“Yeah, and I miss you already.” He grinned. “Don’t forget the text or I’m coming after you, fishy smell and all.”
Wrinkling my nose, I nodded, waved goodbye and headed for the place which was on the other side of the road. I could just make out the end of the sign around the corner of the beige building. Three minutes later, I was sitting at the chair as directed, waiting. My eyes fell to the phone once more. It was always the same. The name of the place we’d meet. No hello and no goodbye either. But that didn’t bother me much because that text meant we’d spend the day together which was way more special than a greeting. Still, I was curious why it had come early this year.
