Page 45 of The Summer Island Swap
Nothing more.
Because I knew how that would end.
When I first arrived on Seagrass Island Rick had made me feel like Dad used to.
Useless. Laughable. As if I didn’t belong.
Oh, Rick had wrapped it up in a gentler way but his initial attitude still struck nerves I hadn’t suffered from since I’d become independent.
Plus I couldn’t let myself trust those warm sensations he aroused in me, that made me feel safe and happy in his presence. Because Mum and Anabelle would have never married Dad if they’d known what he was really like. He must have hidden it well, until it was too late. Whereas I’d already had a glimpse of the real critical, sullen Rick…
Are you sureasked a voice in my head?He seems lovely now. Dad would have never been so compassionate over a little monkey, for a start…Perhaps this more easy-going version is the real Rick.
I pursed my lips. No. I couldn’t risk it.
‘I don’t think I’ll ever get used to certain aspects like the lack of aircon at night. I’d like to say I didn’t miss junk food but right at his minute I’d do almost anything for a Big Mac or family-sized chocolate bar.’
‘Anything? Stay up all night with a newly found injured bird? Clean out the bat cage? Their droppings have a certain aroma.’
‘Funnily enough, if I had to, neither of those things would bother me. Oh, I don’t like emptying the compost toilets, but that’s simply because of the volume.’ I shrugged. ‘I’m pretty self-sufficient – and you’d be surprised at the disgusting habits of some hotel guests that I have to deal with.’
Rick stared intently at me, before nodding eventually.
‘Still,’ he continued, ‘I’ve never had an unenthusiastic volunteer stick it out before. So, if you ever feel you need a break, the beach huts up at the house are practically finished. You’re welcome to stay in one if you ever need a bit of respite.’
‘Thanks,’ I said. ‘In fact… seeing as it’s the weekend tomorrow… could I come over tonight? Not to stay,’ I added quickly. ‘But it would be great to cool off in a mosquito-free zone before heading to my sauna, I mean shack.’ I gave a broad smile.
A smile I hoped would make him say yes because I had an ulterior motive. The guitar. The grand piano. Somehow I felt they could bring Benedikt and Jonas together. I wasn’t sure how and hoped seeing them would give me inspiration.
‘No problem. I was going to ask you to come over anyway, at some point this weekend – would you very much mind looking at the website again? I’ve been working on it late into the evenings all week and Jackie has added her input.’
‘You didn’t waste any time.’
‘We can’t afford to,’ he said and for a moment the light left his eyes.
Seagrass Conservation must have needed more money to run than I’d ever imagined. The price he charged volunteers certainly wouldn’t be all used up by the cheap accommodation and basic meals –although last Sunday’s breakfast wouldn’t have looked out of place on a luxury cruise liner with an array of pastries, fried eggs and toast.
Rick stood up. ‘Shall we go there now? I’ll just put Chatty back in his enclosure and then my grandmother wants to Skype quickly.’
‘Is everything okay? It’s rather late, isn’t it, and a Friday night?’
He looked at his watch. ‘It’s just gone half past eleven in England,’ he said, ‘but Gran’s always been a light sleeper and never goes to bed before midnight. She probably just wants to check that I’m going to simply whitewash the bedrooms. I threatened to paint them bright pink, her least favourite colour.’
Rick gave a smile yet it didn’t reach his eyes. He rubbed a hand across his face, a weary expression clouding it. ‘It’ll only be a quick call – hopefully. Give me half an hour. Come straight in when you arrive, if I’m still on the computer. Right. Come on Chatty, Jackie is over at the enclosures checking on one of the lizards that has been looking off colour. It’s an early bed for you, although I’m sure Jackie will want a cuddle.’
I bent down and nuzzled Chatty’s head with my nose and lifted him over to Rick, with the lead. The two of them disappeared into the darkness.
Amy came over. ‘You two looked deep in conversation.’ I could tell she was trying not to grin. ‘Bet you’re really glad you stayed on Seagrass Island now.’
No. I’d rather be back home with Nelly and Netflix. Definitely. No doubt about it. With my duvet for one. And the task of finding a new job…
‘I don’t need to ask ifyou’reenjoying it,’ I said.
Her eyes shone. ‘Oh Sarah, it’s everything I thought it would be, and more – being up close to such exotic animals and their natural habitat… I’m so grateful for my lottery win. Handling some of these animals… it’s brill dealing with the pets at Paws & Claws but I’m out of my comfort zone here and am loving it. I’m beginning to realise that… I am good at what I do. Does that sound big-headed?’
‘No. It sounds wonderful. Some well-deserved self-belief.’
She gave an orangutan-sized yawn. ‘But now it’s time for bed. Helga wants me to get up and watch the sunrise with her. She’s can’t believe a week has passed already and it’s not enough for her, seeing it when we do bird counting. I don’t suppose you fancy join—’
