Page 86 of The Summer Island Swap
‘Look at Rick, leaving his oil job and starting up Seagrass Conservation – despite a geology degree not giving him exactly the right know-how. His passion has carried him through, along with Jackie’s expertise on animals. And then there’s his gran – she sounds as if she’s never stopped aiming for goals. Jackie changed direction and moved here to help Rick… I reckon age is irrelevant if you’ve got the drive.’ She sat up straighter. ‘It’s time we both stepped completely out of Dad’s shadow.’
We sat there holding hands like we used when we were little, sitting on the stairs at night, listening to our dad pick an argument with Mum or Anabelle.
‘We’ll still send him a Christmas card, and one for his birthday,’ I said.
‘But that’s all. No more visits where we do our best to ignore his insults and sit through him talking about nothing but the latest deal he’s closed.’
I nodded.
‘What about Rick?’ asked Amy. ‘How is your relationship going to work? Are you sure you won’t stay just one more week, now that you and Rick are hitting it off?’
‘No. Not unless I can’t exchange my ticket. I’m worried about the bills. You’ll need every remaining penny of your lottery win for university. The longer I’m out of the job, the bigger the threat that we’ll lose the flat we’ve both worked so hard for. I’d love to stay here for a few more days. The island has really grown on me.’
‘Say that again?’ she said and a smug look crossed her face.
I smiled. ‘I guess we could both sayI told you so, in different ways. I am glad you swapped our holidays. Apart from anything else, it’s bolstered my gut feeling that it’s time to move on and challenge myself.’
‘That’s how I feel,’ said Amy. ‘Dealing with the injured parrot and helping get the medication down the iguana and so many other things... Jackie’s trust in me has made me realise I’m more capable than I thought - and yes, just likeyoualways thought.’ She kissed my cheek and smiled. ‘Veterinary nursing is challenging and I love looking after the animals that stay overnight, but I’ve always wanted to be more hands on; to replace the reception and nursing work with diagnosing or even surgery.’
‘I’m so proud of you,’ I said quietly. ‘So impressed at the way you’ve taken on extra responsibilities here and helped tidy the enclosures and feed the animals, even though you haven’t been rostered in. I imagine Jackie’s really going to miss you.’
Amy blushed. ‘I’m already thinking that if I save really hard, I could afford to come over next summer. I told Jackie about my plans. I hope you don’t mind me discussing it with her first.’
Was this what it felt like to be a parent? Sad that you are no longer number one when it came to hearing big news and dishing out advice – yet at the same time so happy that your child is capable and independent?
‘Of course not. We’ve both made new friends – you’ve confided in Jackie. I’ve had Jonas.’
‘You get on with him so well. I thought he might be a toy boy for you at first. I sure got that wrong! Anyway, Jackie said I might be able to work as an assistant to her, next summer. Seagrass Conservation probably couldn’t pay me but might cover the cost of my flight and I’d have a shack and free meals here like the volunteers.’
‘Look at us. Moving forwards with our lives. When you won that lottery, we won much more than pounds and coins.’ With a bursting heart I hugged her tight before leaving to meet Rick up at the house. I had some really exciting news to tell him. Piano and harmonica notes drifted along the breeze. Jonas and Benedikt must have been practising. I stopped for a moment, by one of the cacao trees, and caught Rick’s eye as he stood in the lounge clapping, as they finished a jazz tune. He spoke to the pair before they came out of the house.
‘That sounded fantastic,’ I said.
Jonas kissed me on the cheek before putting his arm around Benedikt’s shoulder. Benedikt grinned at me.
‘Thanks. In fact, playing together has given Benedikt and me an idea,’ said Jonas. ‘Both of us feel we are at a crossroads in our life. We love music. On our own we’ve never found the courage to take that love further. But…’ He looked at Benedikt who nodded. ‘I’m going to move back to Hamburg where I studied. I’m familiar with the city and the music scene is great there. Benedikt needs a flat mate to help with the rent as he’s going to resign from his job at the bank. I’ll get a part-time job. We’ll work on our first set. To start with we’ll try to get gigs in small bars and to pay the bills working as waiters or shop assistants – whatever it takes.’
‘Wow. That’s really great and… what a step. I’m pleased for you… if you’re sure.’
I seemed to be wired with a maternal gene when it came to anyone younger than me.
‘I know what you are thinking,’ said Benedikt. ‘That we haven’t known each other long. What if things don’t work out – between us? But we have thought about that…’
Jonas nodded. ‘First and foremost we’re friends. That’s what the music career will be built on if it takes off – and everything signed in black and white if we ever get that far. If we don’t follow our dreams, we’ll always be wondering what if…’
‘And a life full ofwhat ifsis no life at all,’ said Benedikt. ‘Things could get complicated – we know that – but an artistic life, one way or another, was never going to be simple.’
I stared at them and darted forwards, embracing them both at the same time.
‘I hope you’ll still talk to me when you’re both famous.’
‘We are expecting you at our first gig,’ said Jonas.
‘Amy as well. We need someone to look after my dog,’ said Benedikt and we all laughed.
I hurried indoors and told Rick about their impressive plans. But he hardly listened. Instead he came over, gently took my hand and led me to the sofa. We sat down. Deep lines were etched in his brow.
‘Rick? What’s wrong? Is your gran all right?’
