Page 77 of The Summer Island Swap
She took her arm away and shrugged. ‘A lie? That’s not like you. I bet there was good reason. He’s lucky to have had access to your expertise, if you ask me, all the research you’ve done these last months.’
I stared into my lap. ‘I lied to you as well – or at least, I didn’t tell you. I thought it was for the best but I realise now… you’ll always be my younger sister but it’s time I started treating you like an adult.’ I looked up. ‘Sorry if I haven’t. I’m so used to looking out for you.’
She tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. I took a deep breath.
‘Rick thought my ulterior motive was to create a job here for myself because… just before this holiday Prue sacked me because I’d made a decision without consulting her and—’
‘What?’
‘I’ve lost my job.’
She paused. I waited for the look of anguish on her face – concern for me and how we’d pay bills.
Instead, she folded her arms and smiled. ‘Good riddance, I say. It’s been a long time coming, sis. This could be a positive thing.’
‘It could?’
‘Maybe this is the push you need to take the next step with your career. So why is Rick so upset?’
‘I didn’t tell him either – pretended I was still employed, in case you got wind of it. Now he thinks that all along I’ve been planning some sort of takeover with my hotel idea – that trying to help him was more about me creating a job for myself here.’
She placed her hand on mine. ‘Rick’s a decent guy. He was just upset about Chatty. You’re no liar. He knows that deep down.’
‘The thing is… I… I do lie occasionally. To you. I did when we arrived. Because sometimes I worry that the truth might hurt. But this trip has opened my eyes. I won’t do that anymore.’
‘What was that lie about?’
‘Fancying Rick.’
A puzzled look crossed her face. ‘But you do?’
I sighed. ‘Yes. That pretence came true. But it wasn’t the case at the start. I told you he was the reason I was staying on this island because otherwise I knew you’d work out I was only doing it to keep you happy – and you wouldn’t have allowed that. But Amy… I am going home now – it’s time I sorted out my future. Sent off applications. Also, the way things are, I can’t stay here near Rick. Tomorrow I’ll head over to the airport and see if I can change my flight. You finish the month here.’
‘But that’s only seven days away! Don’t go. Just avoid him. Move back to the camp.’
I shook my head vigorously.
Amy stared. ‘Perhaps this growing up malarkey is about respecting each other’s decisions,’ she said, softly. ‘It doesn’t mean we don’t care.’
She really had grown up. How had I not seen this before?
‘How about making the most of our last day here? Have you got anything planned?’
‘I was going to hang around with Jackie. I’ve learnt so much, these last three weeks. I assumed you’d be busy helping Rick with the stag party. But Jackie must be sick of my company, to be honest, and all my questions about bird species, reptiles and insects. Did you know that spiders eat tons of mosquitoes? Respect.’
‘I still don’t much like them,’ I said and managed a smile. ‘How about… I know! How about a picnic? Just you and me. Somewhere quiet. I’d love to visit the turtle beach, again. It was so secluded, so beautiful… We’d keep our distance of course – avoid the stretch of sand where they are nesting. It’s going to be hectic once I get back to England. I’d love one last tranquil afternoon.’
Amy jumped at the chance. She disappeared to let Jackie know. I went to the canteen to ask Malik if there was any chance of a packed tea. He was more than happy to provide cheese sandwiches, mangoes and slices of his famous coconut tart that he made every weekend.
I caught Jonas’s eye. He and Benedikt were having lunch with their shack mates who’d be heading back to Scotland later this afternoon.
He stood up and wrapped his arms around me. ‘It feels as if we haven’t chatted for ages.’
‘Why, have you got something to tell me?’
Jonas smiled shyly and stepped back. ‘Let’s just say,’ he whispered, ‘the way things are going, I may not be single by the end of my stay here. Me and Benedikt… my gut feeling about him was right – we just seem to click. And before you ask for all the details, don’t – Helga worked it out and has just interrogated me. I think she’s almost as excited as me!’
‘Oh Jonas, I’m so happy for you.’
