Page 44 of Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay
‘Ah,’ Tom says, looking ashamed. ‘That.’
‘Yes that. What on earth got into you, Tom? You can’t just burst in and start having a go at people. We’re lucky Mrs Lewis didn’t walk out.’
‘I know and I’m sorry – I said that, didn’t I? It’s just I feel very protective of everything here. I want the chance to restore it all to its former glory – or as close as I can get to that.’
I smile at Tom. It’s amazing how quickly this place gets under your skin. We’ve only been here a few weeks, yet I can’t imagine life anywhere else. Living here is a huge challenge on a daily basis, but it’s an enjoyable one, and most importantly this old castle with its dusty rooms and crumbling walls already feels more like home than anywhere I’ve lived in a very long time.
‘I completely understand, Tom – really I do. But can you at least try to curb your natural enthusiasm – just a tad? Otherwise it will get you into trouble – especially with Dorothy if you behave like that with one of her staff again.’
Tom nods. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to Dorothy. Areweokay, though?’ He sounds quite concerned. ‘I haven’t upset you, have I?’
‘No, of course not. You threw me in at the deep end, though – making me deal with my first staff crisis like that.’
‘I think you dealt with it admirably.’
‘Hardly, but thanks.’
‘You don’t give yourself enough credit, Amelia. I think you’re doing a wonderful job here, and so does everyone else.’
‘Do they?’ I ask in disbelief. ‘What about Arthur?’
‘Arthur is Arthur. You know as well as I do that under that hard shell of his is a heart softer than anyone’s.’
‘You’re probably right.’
‘You know I am.’ He pauses for a second. ‘I’ll always be grateful to you for givingmea chance, Amelia. You didn’t have to, and yet you did. What made you take that chance? I was a stranger to you, I could have been anyone.’
I consider this. ‘Gut instinct, I suppose, and you seemed quite trustworthy.’
‘Trustworthy,’ Tom repeats. ‘I guess I’ll take that. Anything else?’
‘Are you fishing for compliments?’ I ask, smiling at him.
‘Maybe . . . ’ Tom casts out an imaginary fishing line.
I roll my eyes. ‘Er . . . Charlie seemed to like you, and he’s always a good judge of character. So that went in your favour, too.’
Tom nods. ‘He’s a good kid, your boy.’
‘Yes, he is. I bet you didn’t know he wants to be like you when he grows up, did you?’
Tom stops walking so abruptly I have to stop and turn around to see him.
‘What’s up?’ I ask.
‘He wants to be likeme?’ he asks, looking quite stunned. ‘But why?’
‘He thinks you’re a hero – for saving him in the tower, and also how you look, I guess – sort of . . . ’ I search for the right word. ‘Well, macho,’ I say, berating myself for not coming up with anything better. ‘All boys want to be heroes when they’re young, don’t they? All brave and bold and . . . ’
‘Macho?’ Tom finishes for me, grinning.
‘All right,’ I say, still annoyed with myself. Of all the ways I could have described Tom – intelligent, smart, funny, handsome – I had to say that! ‘I couldn’t think of a better word to describe you, could I?’
Tom pulls a serious expression. ‘So then I have a very important question for you.’
‘Go on.’
‘Ismachoa good thing?’ His eyes glint mischievously.
