Page 38 of The Girls in the Lake
‘Hi, I’m a bit early; is anyone else here yet?’
He jumped, so lost in his own thoughts he hadn’t noticed the girl standing around on the side of the marina.
‘I didn’t see you there.’
‘Sorry, my mum dropped me off and I couldn’t stand her moaning at me in the car. I thought I’d rather hang around down here.’
She smiled at him, and he felt his frozen insides begin to thaw. She was pretty; her shoulder-length dark blonde hair was a lovely colour. It looked natural, not bleached within an inch of its life like most of the girls who James associated with. Her nose had a tiny bump on it, and she definitely hadn’t had her lips done. She was naturally beautiful, which in James’s circle of friends was a rarity.
‘You’re the first but come on board. It’s too cold to be waiting around on the side of the marina.’
The desire to leave had been replaced by the desire to get to know her better, although he didn’t doubt for one moment that the minute she laid her eyes on James or Marcus he would be instantly forgotten.
‘I’d better not. I don’t want to go on before the birthday girl arrives.’ The echo of slamming doors and loud, screeching laughter filled the still autumn air. Ethan laughed.
‘I think you might be safe; it sounds as if the circus has arrived.’ He held his hand out. ‘Ethan Scales, at your service.’
She grinned and held hers out and, instead of shaking it, he lifted it to his lips and softly brushed them against the skin of her hand. She giggled, and he was pretty sure her cheeks had turned pink although it was difficult to see in the rapidly fading light.
‘Grace Thomas; it’s lovely to meet you, Ethan.’
‘Likewise; come on, let’s get you on the boat. You can tell them I dragged you on if they ask why you’re here before them.’
Taking her elbow, he led her onto the deck.
She whispered, ‘It’s so pretty. I love fairy lights.’
‘I’m glad you like it; this took all afternoon.’
He led her to the bar area, popped the cork on a bottle of champagne, filled a glass and handed it to her. He then began to fill the glasses on a tray ready to offer the noisy party that were making their way down to the marina. His anger at James and Marcus had subsided as fast as it had arrived. He liked Grace. She seemed very down-to-earth, on his level, and he was hoping he could spend a bit of time with her between hovering around with a tray passing out glasses of champagne.
Forty-Three
Cal handed out waterproof jackets, trousers and life vests to Josh and Karen. Then he disappeared into the staff room and came back with three woollen hats. ‘It gets cold on the lake this time of evening, better to be warm.’
He handed one to Josh, who tugged it on his head; Karen took one look at hers and grimaced.
‘I’m not wearing that. I don’t know whose sweaty head it’s been on. I’ve got my own in the car.’ She left them to go and get it.
Josh smiled at Cal. ‘Thanks, I really appreciate this.’
‘No problem, fingers crossed we aren’t actually needed.’
Josh hoped they wouldn’t be; there would be a lot of explaining to do if they were and rocked up unannounced. James might accuse him of harassment and get him in a lot of trouble. Then again, if nothing happened, he would never know that he was being watched, would he? Josh would rather take the chance.
He wondered if Beth was okay. It was getting dark and he should have finished his shift and gone home by now. He hadn’t seen her for two days, only spoken with her on the phone and the last conversation had been strained. Jodie had said she was going to the hospital for treatment and, depending on how it went, she might be there some time. He’d had no missed calls from her, but at least he knew she was in the best place for her while there was no one at home to look after her.
‘So, anyway, what are we having for tea? I’m hungry, I thought I was going to be in my pyjamas watching television now. I reckon it’s your treat, Walker, seeing as how we’re risking life and limb on some stupid whim of yours. You can buy the pizzas or a Chinese.’
He realised she was talking to him. ‘I’m easy, pizza would be better. Chinese is too messy. We can eat slices of pizza. You order and I’ll pay.’ He dug in his trouser pocket and pulled out a bent, misshapen debit card. She rolled her eyes.
‘Does that actually work?’
‘Yes, well the contactless does. It won’t go into the card machines, it gets stuck.’
She went into the office to use the phone.
‘What time is the party?’
