Page 62 of Winter at Wishington Bay
‘Got a real fan there,’ Billy grinned. He was dressed in dark jeans, chunky boots, and a cosy looking royal blue padded jacket. His hair was a little shorter than before and the tips of his ears were pink with the chill, as was his nose, contrasting with the green eyes that were currently sparkling with mischief.
‘Oh yes. She and I are like this,’ I nodded, crossing my fingers
He laughed. ‘Hi,’ he said after a pause.
‘Hello.’
‘Nice to see you again, love,’ Eloise said, giving him a quick hug. ‘Soph was just about to take her break anyway so you’ve timed it well. See you again soon, I hope.’
‘I hope so too,’ he replied, smiling at Eloise before sliding his gaze across to mine. My friend patted my arm quickly and then headed off towards one of her tables.
‘How are you?’
I nodded. ‘Fine, thank you. You?’
‘Yep. Pretty good. I’ve just finished for the day. Half day. Thought I’d try and get some Christmas shopping done and it seemed like it might be an opportunity to see you. I missed you when I dropped the wreaths off the other day.’
‘Yes. I’m sorry about that. I have another job and was at that.’
He studied me for a moment.
‘Do you want—’
‘Billy! How lovely to see you again so soon.’ Carrie’s warm smile greeted us both as she gave him a one armed hug, the other being occupied in holding her son on her hip.
‘Hi, Carrie, and you. And who’s this fine fellow?’
‘This is Will.’
Billy grinned. ‘Now that’s a fine name if ever I heard one. Hi Will.’
The little boy studied Billy for a moment, giggled then snuggled his face into his mother’s shoulder.
‘I’ve already been warned that I might be getting Sophia into trouble by visiting but I understand she’s just about to take a break anyway.’
Carrie raised a brow. ‘I can imagine who warned you off but that’s OK. You missed her the other day and, whatever she likes to think, that particular waitress does not own the restaurant.’ Carrie glanced across the floor and then down at the ledger. ‘Actually, we’re pretty quiet today. Sophia only has a couple of hours left of her shift anyway and I think we’ve got this covered so why don’t you two go off somewhere.’
‘Oh! Carrie, I couldn’t. Really. I mean, no offence Billy, it’s just that—’
‘I insist. And, of course, you’ll get the full pay for the shift. Goodness knows you earn it. She’s one of our best, you know,’ Carrie said.
I felt a flush in my cheeks, both at the compliment and at the fact that the concern I had about short wages had apparently been so obvious.
‘I’d love that… but only if Sophia’s up to it. I have rather turned up out of the blue.’
I looked back across the restaurant. Carrie was right, it was quieter now. Even with Corinne spending most of her time at Nate’s table, the rest was easily doable by the staff without me.
‘It’s just that…’
Carrie had disappeared for a moment and had now returned with my coat and bag. A not very subtle hint.
‘Go,’ she grinned and I took the items off her, before leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek and Will a light one on the top of his fair head.
I rested my bag on the counter and went to put my coat on. Billy took it from my hands, his brushing my own lightly as he did so and held it out for me as I slipped my arms in and belted it tightly.
‘Thank you.’
‘Pleasure,’ he said, looking down at me before turning to my friend. ‘Thanks, Carrie.’ Across the room, Eloise waved, a broad grin on her face. We headed out, and I caught my breath at the crisp cold air after being cocooned in the warm fug of the restaurant. It was a beautiful winter’s day with a deep blue sky. The wind was light and the sea shimmered in the cold sun.
