Page 53 of Hidden Gem
“When was that?”
“About four years ago.” She picked up her spoon and stirred her tea, which was barely steaming. “But I can see Mum in myself. It’s terrifying.”
“You mean the way you look after me? Yeah, that’s terrifying.” Jason tried to keep his tone light.
She smiled through a film of tears. “Yeah, I guess that’s not the worst part. I love helping you. But I don’t want to lose sight of myself completely. Remember that stylist we bumped into, Luna Bella?”
Jason nodded, trying to hide his reaction. Marnie didn’t seem to notice, deep in thought.
“She had an impeccable style. You know those people who have firm opinions about everything – what’s in, what’s out, what you should be doing and eating and drinking...”
Jason raised an eyebrow. “Influencers?”
“Yeah, those people. Well, I’m like an anti-influencer. I’m an absorber, this nebulous blob that will fit themselves around any object to make it comfortable.”
Jason couldn’t help a cheeky smile spreading across his face. “That’s poetic, but maybe you just haven’t had anyone around who truly appreciates who you are? I’m not saying me, but... me? I swear I can see a distinct shape in you. I’m not just talking about curves, either. You have character.”
Marnie smiled her sad smile. “I wasn’t fishing for a compliment but thank you. I should have figured all this out earlier before I... expired.” Her voice sounded a little strangled.
“Expired? You mean, like milk or yogurt?”
Marnie gave him a sheepish smile. “Uh, yeah. I mean it’s not the best word—”
“No kidding! Didn’t know humans had expiry dates. I mean, you’re still alive, right? You’re not a ghost?” He raised his eyebrows and rounded his eyes in mock horror.
She twisted her mouth. “I know it sounds nuts. I’m just saying it’s different for a woman. There’s this ticking clock...”
Jason blew out a deep sigh. “Yeah? Let’s not waste any time then. Walk?”
She blew a breath, as if to release the dark thoughts. “Okay.”
He fetched their luggage from the car. Following his lead, she wrapped up in a hoodie. Jason locked the red door and let her lead the way down the stairs, across the empty road and onto the sand. The wind had picked up, making it feel more like Wellington. Marnie pulled her sleeves down over her knuckles and shivered.
Jason put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. “You know, some of that stuff they put expiry dates on doesn’t actually expire? It’s just a marketing ploy, to encourage turnover.”
“Really? Like what products?”
“Like salt and some oils. My mum used to work at a transfer station and her pet peeve was people doing pantry clear-outs and throwing out perfectly useable stuff.”
Marnie chuckled and relaxed against him. Maybe he could get through to her, to show her what she was worth. A gemstone. Priceless. His.
They walked for a moment with the wind on their backs, peering out to the sea. A lonely seagull flew overhead, shrieking into the wind.
“What time are penguins around?” Jason asked. “Or penglings, for that matter?”
Marnie laughed. “I don’t really know. Doesn’t matter. I love the beach. Especially in the winter when it’s empty.”
They followed the shoreline around a tight bend. The sand turned into rocks, and they had to lift their feet higher, hopping over puddles left by the retreating tide. Jason felt like a kid with boundless energy, his legs carrying him to new adventures. He hadn’t sensed this kind of freedom and ease in months, maybe years. He’d left his phone at the lighthouse. Nobody could reach him here.
He glanced at Marnie. Her hair glowed with an orange halo in the evening light. He wanted to grab a handful of it in his fist and devour her. Could she handle the intensity of his feelings for her? They didn’t know each other that well, not yet. But he already knew he wanted this woman, no one else, for the rest of his life. At times, it felt like maybe she wanted it, too. But he didn’t want her to go along to please him, to make him comfortable. He wanted her to choose him. Would she? He was a stressed-out mess carrying more baggage than a long-haul plane. How could he ask anyone to get onboard that? He might be her doom, something she regretted for the rest of her life.
“Ouch!”
Deep in his thoughts, Jason didn’t see what Marnie stumbled on. He launched forward to catch her in mid-fall, unsuccessfully, and they both landed on the wet, pebble-studded sand. Jason stuck out his arms at the last minute to avoid crushing Marnie with his weight, but still made contact.
Marnie sat up, panting. “Oh, my God.”
“Did you break anything?”
