‘You need to get back into practice then. We keep our boards at Sam Dixon’s. Maybe you should join us.’
She watched Luke as he played with the stem of his wine glass. ‘Do you know what?’ he said, raising his eyes to hers and giving her a lazy smile. ‘When I have a spare moment I just might do that.’
Cat poured more wine. The room became quiet and she noticed Luke seemed to be taking an interest in the arched door set in the wall to the far right of the fireplace.
‘Where does that lead to?’ he asked. ‘Is there another room beyond this one?’
‘No, it’s the staircase to the tower balcony.’
‘The tower balcony?’ She could see this had immediately sparked his interest. ‘Ah, I don’t suppose I…’
‘You’d like to take a look?’
‘Yes, if I could.’ He was already getting to his feet.
‘Sure.’ She followed him over to the door, unhooking a key hanging on the adjacent wall and unlocking it. Replacing the key she grabbed the handle and pulled the door open, revealing a flight of stone steps with a solid wood and brass handrail. Luke stood back to allow her through first. She climbed the stairs quickly, reaching a small flagstone landing, beyond which was another door. Opening this she stepped out onto a smooth orange tiled walkway bordered by ornate wrought iron railings. Above her the slate roof of the tower pointed skywards, topped by its maritime weather vane. Cool night air touched her face and then she felt the warmth of Luke’s hand as it brushed against hers, signalling his arrival beside her.
‘This is amazing,’ she heard him say as he gazed out at the dark outline of the coast peppered with shimmering pockets of brightness. He pointed towards one or two clusters of lights, identifying them as towns along the coast. There was no wind tonight, the only sound the wash of the waves against the base of the cliff. Below them taxis were collecting the final trickle of partygoers, their tail lights disappearing up the drivewaytowards the road. They stood for a while, side by side, as everything suddenly stilled, needing no words, both captivated by the view. One which Cat knew she would never get tired of.
‘Has this ever been struck by lightning?’ he asked, turning his attention to the tower. ‘I mean we have had several big storms in recent years and sitting on the headland this place is pretty exposed.’
‘Once, I think, but we’re well protected. The lightning rod is built into the weather vane.’
Luke nodded and turned back to his survey of the lights. ‘I could stay here all night,’ he said.
‘You wouldn’t be saying that if there was a force ten gale blowing.’ She laughed.
‘No, I guess not.’ He stifled a yawn. ‘Actually, I think it’s time I turned in. It’s been a long day.’
‘Would you like me to organise you a coffee first?’ she asked as they made their way back down the stairs.’
‘Thank you, but no, I really need my bed.’
‘See you in the morning then,’ she said as she relocked the door and hung the key back in its place. ‘Breakfast is around eight thirty.’
‘Great, look forward to it. And Cat,’ he paused, giving her a tired smile, ‘thank you for what you did tonight.’
‘That’s okay, happy to help.’ She smiled back and watching him leave the room realised she actually meant it.
Chapter Seven
The next morning Nathan was the first up, organising breakfast to be sent up for all of them. Sitting around the table, the men tucked into bacon and eggs, while Cat opted for croissant, fresh fruit and yoghurt.
Leaving the two men to chat, Cat used the lounge phone to check on Debbie, only to be told she’d already left. ‘I think she was feeling rather embarrassed after what happened last night,’ Maxine, the senior receptionist confided, ‘but she asked me to thank you for everything; said you were marvellous.’
Cat smiled, wondering if Debbie’s love affair with Prosecco might see a cooling off period for a while. Certainly her discomfort over last night meant she cared what people thought. She only hoped Kieran wouldn’t make her life a misery when they returned to work tomorrow.
Later, while Nathan stopped to speak to one of the reception staff, Cat walked with Luke to his car.
‘I can’t thank you enough,’ he said as he climbed behind the wheel. ‘You’ve been an absolute lifesaver, Cat.’
‘All part of the service.’ She paused thoughtfully. ‘I wonder, could you do something for me? For Debbie, actually,’ she corrected. ‘I don’t want Kieran or any of the techs making her life a misery over last night’s events. Could you have a quiet word, to make sure?’
‘Of course, I’ll speak to them first thing on Monday morning.’
‘Thank you, oh and your laundered clothes. Where would you like them sent?’
‘Leave them with Nessa at The Copper Kettle. I’ll let her know to expect them.’
