Page 29 of Winter at Wishington Bay
‘Take a nap.’
‘Now? It’s the afternoon.’
‘I know. That’s generally why they’re called afternoon naps. I was reading an article just the other day – very good for helping lower blood pressure according to the latest research.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Yes. And it wouldn’t surprise me to learn yours was high.’
Nate didn’t reply which, in my head, only confirmed my diagnosis.
‘Anyway. Think about it. I can always nip back and do the vacuuming tomorrow.’
‘It’s fine. I’m going to go and write. Or at least try to.’
‘OK. Good luck.’
‘Thanks. I’m likely to need it.’
I headed back upstairs and began tackling the bathroom, then pulled the vacuum out of the cupboard. After Holly had tripped carrying the cleaner upstairs one time, Gabe had insisted on having a machine for upstairs and one for downstairs, and a mini one for the stairs themselves. Holly had objected but not for long. She knew that Gabe’s stints in A&E had brought him into contact with plenty of accident victims, including those who’d been performing apparently simple tasks. But even simple tasks could go wrong and change a person’s life forever. Or even worse. Holly stood her ground when she wanted to, but there were certain things she knew weren’t the battles to pick. This arrangement made her fiancé happier and more relaxed and that was a good enough reason for her.
Having cleaned everywhere apart from the area Nate was now working in, tucked at one end of the table, I did my best to work round him. His fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard and the screen moved gradually as more and more words filled the page in front of him. It seemed the block he’d mentioned earlier had passed. Either that or he’d just been procrastinating before. Occasionally he’d stop, one hand moving to stroke Bryan who had now migrated from the dog bed to his temporary master’s lap. I vacuumed through and packed everything away, rinsed the soup maker out and put it back in the cupboard.
‘Sorry to disturb you, Nate. I just thought I’d tell you I was off.’
‘You’re done?’
‘Yes.’
‘Oh.’
‘Is there something wrong?’
‘No… it’s just… nothing.’
I raised an eyebrow. ‘It’s what?’
‘Nice.’
‘Having someone clean round you?’
‘No. Just having someone around.’ Immediately a shy, embarrassed smile ghosted on his face. ‘That sounds so sad and dopey. Forget I said that.’
‘No, it doesn’t. And actually, I know exactly what you mean.’
He nodded.
‘How’s the book?’
‘Good, actually. Surprisingly. You’re obviously a lucky charm.’
‘Maybe it’s more to do with you allowing yourself to take a break from things from time to time. You have to give your body and mind time to recharge.’
His gaze stayed focused on me for a moment, before swinging round to the view beyond the window.
‘Maybe,’ he said.
‘Is there anything more I can do before I leave?’
