Page 9 of The Voice of Wild Places
Nina had been quiet since the meeting yesterday, and so had he for that matter, but for different reasons.Watt had always admired the Colonel and spoke with him during his family’s social events, but that didn’t compare to a partner’s despair, not at all.Nina was one of the strongest women Watt knew, but everyone had moments of weakness.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you were previously acquainted with Dr.Sawyer?”Nina asked, pulling him back down to earth.
Watt dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, buying himself precious seconds.Of course she had picked up on his awkward flailing, the kind that took place when meeting someone you used to know.He couldn’t tell her the truth, not all of it.Not that Watt believed she would think badly of Cornelius, but it simply wasn’t his truth to share.
“I … did not think it was relevant.”
She raised a questioning brow.
Watt swallowed.“We were friends as children, but had a small … falling out.It was so long ago, and I didn’t think he would remember me.I didn’t want to make things awkward.”
Nina hummed, because that wasexactlywhat Watt had done.“Will it pose a problem for you if he chooses to come?”
‘Most likely.’
Watt ran a hand through his hair.“No, no.It will be fine.”
“If you say so,” Nina said, appraising him.“In my experience, you want men you can trust by your side in the wilderness, but what do I know?”
“I do trust him,” Watt said, and was momentarily startled by how much he meant it.Regardless of what happened between them, Cornelius wouldn’t leave him to die in the jungle.He wasn’t that kind of person.
Nina dipped her chin.“And I trust your judgment.But I do have to pry now, dear Walter.What happened between you?”
He stared down at his lasagna, stomach churning on what he’d devoured thus far.It was excellent on the way down, but now lay bitter in his stomach.
After a long moment, Nina gently added, “Well, I won’t bother you—”
“My family vacationed near where he lived, and we were friends.Best friends.It wasn’t for long, but … well.”Watt smiled grimly and shrugged.“Childhood friendships are just different, you know?”
Nina smiled.“I do.”
Watt sighed.“We made promises to—” And here Watt realized he couldn’t say the truth, because asmenit wouldn’t be right—“We had plans for the future.But during our last summer my father forbade me from seeing Cornelius.He never said why, only that he was a disgrace to his family.And I—I believed him.I didn’t question him.I did as I was told, and we never went back."
Watt trailed off, thoughts crashing into another like tidal waves upon the rocks.Was that the summer Annie became Cornelius?
Did his father know the entire time?
Is that why they never visited Harbor Springs again?
Was Cornelius alone during all of this?
What did his parents think?
Cornelius’ mother never corrected Watt when he asked for Annie’s whereabouts, and Watt wasn’t sure whether that was for Cornelius’ safety, or a failure to recognize Cornelius as the man he was.
“How lonely.”Nina remarked quietly, breaking Watt out of his spiral.“For both of you.What a shame.”
Watt bowed his head.“What a shame, indeed.”
They ate in companionable silence after that.He paid the bill and he helped her slip into her coat before putting on his own, and they took to the street.Late winter in Philadelphia was temperamental, and the evening’s mood was cold but hopeful, with none of the bitterness that New York possessed.Watt offered his arm to Nina, and she took it.It was that weird time beyond twilight, and yet still not fully night.There was no moon, but the street lamps were lit and headlights of passing cars streaked across the buildings.
After walking for some time, Nina asked, “Do you think he’ll say yes?”
“I don’t know.”Watt answered honestly.“I hope so.”
Nina sighed, patting his arm.
“What do you think?”Watt asked, looking down at her.
