Page 17 of One Golden Summer
“You don’t want a glass of wine before you go? I mean, it’s only fair after you lugged it here.” Saffron’s mind wandered back to the glimpse of bicep.
“I can’t. But if you’re serious about getting into a normal swing of things, why don’t you take a stroll with me? I just need to return the bike to the shop, take care of some admin, and then we can walk along the seafront.”
“I’d love that.” Saffron gazed at Kirsty a tick too long, then dropped her eyes to the hardwood floor. “If I won’t be a bother.”
“I’d enjoy the company. I’ll be back in two shakes.” Kirsty ducked out, not giving Saffron time to back out.
Not that she would have. What was it about Kirsty that pulled Saffron in? Her charming smile? Kind eyes? Genuineness? Or was it the adorable way the wrong words bubbled out, taking both of them by surprise?
It was invigorating to be around someone who was so normal, not afraid to speak her mind, despite the outcome, which in Saffron’s biz meant damaging the brand. Yes, that was it. Normal was what Saffron had been craving for years but wasn’t able to identify the need for it until this moment. Granted, their first meeting had been a clusterfuck, with Kirsty fangirling, causing Saffron to raise her walls. But, the two of them had been able to set aside the hard feelings easily. That had to say something, didn’t it? But what?
Her phone buzzed, and she saw the text simply sayingoutside.
Saffron grabbed her bag, neglecting to give herself a once over in the mirror, not wanting to waste any time.
“Which way?” Kirsty asked. “Towards Branton Bay or the other side of Sandy Cove.”
“I don’t know. Which is better?” Saffron looked to her right and then left.
Kirsty smiled. “Depends on your definition, but if you fancy an oyster, which is a Sandy Cove must, I suggest going left.”
“I don’t want to break any musts of the town.” Saffron fell into step with Kirsty. “I love the beach huts. So colourful and quaint.”
“My parents own one close to your place.”
A family passed them on their right, the adults gaping at Saffron.
She retrieved a baseball cap out of her bag, pulling it down low over her eyes.
“It must be weird to have people recognise you wherever you go?”
“I’ve become used to it, but it can be annoying.” Saffron’s words came out more bitter than she intended and they continued walking in uncomfortable silence. So much for setting aside the movie-star discomfort.
Another group of people ambled by, but Saffron turned her head away from their gaze, pretending to be taken in by the brilliant bluish-green colour of the water in the hazy afternoon light.
“Oh, look!” Saffron pointed to a bright pink hut. “They offer water sports. I’ve always wanted to try some.”
“I kayak.”
“You do?”
“Cross my heart.” Kirsty acted this out, drawing Saffron’s gaze to the V of the T-shirt. “I can teach you.”
Saffron had to rip her eyes upwards. “I’d like that very much.”
The amount of people increased as they neared the bustling harbour, a mix of families out for a stroll, their cheeks red from being out in the sun, and workers in overalls hauling in the day’s catch. A man in a red forklift eased the forks into the slats of a wooden pallet where sacks filled with mussels had been placed. He steered through the crowd with expertise to a waiting truck.
“You ready for that oyster?” Kirsty gave Saffron a heart-stoppingnow or neversmile.
Saffron’s eyes zeroed in on the cash only sign over the takeout window. “Uh—”
“Remember, it’s a Sandy Cove rule.” Kirsty extended an admonishing finger in the air.
“The thing is, I don’t ever carry money.”
“Just like the Queen. No worries. I can spot you a fiver.” Kirsty reached into her bag and pulled one out. “Stay here.”
She left Saffron standing away from the crowd, which was sweet, because even with the hat, a few people did a double take, looking as if they thought they knew who Saffron was but couldn’t place her.
