“You’re probably right. Besides, he’s got a lot on his mind. He told me about Susan. Anything I can do, just say the word.”
“Thanks, Doc. Seriously, it means a lot that you and the guys have got Rhys’s back,” I said, meaning every word.
“Think nothing of it, Sy. Look, the reason I’m calling is I just had Dorathea Cowan on the phone asking about you.”
I let out a chuckle. Of course she’d start checking around to find out if I was a serious buyer. Part of me wondered if she really wanted to sell the place. “Uh, yeah. Look, don’t say anything to Rhys yet, but I’m thinking about making an offer on Tulip Cottage. I went round the other day and she showed me through.”
“She mentioned something about that. I gave you a glowing reference, by the way. I think she just wants to make sure the place goes to the right person, and I know you’re not looking for my opinion but I’m going to give it anyway.” I let out a loud laugh. Of course he was. “That place would be perfect for the two of you.”
“I think so too. I just hope she doesn’t ask top dollar for it.” I rubbed a hand over my face, realising too late it was covered in bike oil. Damn it, it was time to finish up with the bike anyway.
“I’ll let you go, Sy. I know you probably want to find Rhys before he eats the concession stand out of hot doughnuts.” Doc chuckled down the line. I finished the call and grabbed my leather jacket from where I’d hung it before I started pulling the mountain bike apart.
Dialling Rhys’s number, I let it ring until the message bank took over. “Hey,Rhee. Doc said you guys finished up. I’ll come find you.” I usually expected a call from Rhys if he was heading out or not coming straight home. It was a rule that Rhys and I had agreed upon—a non-negotiable one—for both my peace of mind and Rhys’s safety. I didn’t expect to know his every movement throughout the day, but if we’d agreed upon a time for him coming home or meeting up and he couldn’t make it, then I needed a call.
I pulled my jacket tighter as I left the shelter of the back shed and headed for the stairs. Ducking inside I saw no sign of Rhys, but I did notice he’d left his warmer jacket on the hook. If he was down on the foreshore, he would need it. I left the flat, locking the door behind me. It only took me a few minutes to reach The Beach Shack. There was no sign of Rhys, and Barb hadn’t seen him.
All right, baby bear, where would you go?
I tried calling his number again and it went straight to the message bank. Frowning, I looked out along the boardwalk and didn’t see him, so I headed towards the pier. I didn’t expect him to have gone far out if he had gone onto it. We’d been walking out further each trip but having the water each side of him had him trembling in fear each time.
I clenched my fist, wishing not for the first time to have had a chance to beat the living shit out of Rhys’s dad. At the time I’d been more concerned with getting Rhys safe, but it didn’t stop me hoping I had gotten at least one punch in.
Ugh. It didn’t do any good thinking about it, and I’d had my own sessions with Declan to deal with the anger I had. It helped rationalise my feelings.
“Where the fuck are you, baby bear?” I muttered.
“Afternoon, Simon.” Walt limped towards me, his gait slowed down some since his stroke last May. I was surprised to see him coming towards me laden down with his fishing gear.
“Hi ho. Surprised that the missus let you out, thought she was going to ban you from fishing after your last turn.” I reached out and shook his hand. Walt was a bit of a legend hereabouts for his knowledge of the best fishing spots and what bait to use.
“Aye, she’s keeping her eye on me. She’s over in the car with her thermos and romance books. Only out to see what’s biting. Young Rhys is out at the end of the pier, if that’s who you’re looking for.”
My eyebrows shot up and Walt gave a deep rasping laugh. “Don’t be fretting. Watched him myself. Took him a bit, but he did it. He’s still there, and I’m suspecting he might need you to walk him back.” Walt rubbed his fingers across the bridge of his nose. “Surprised he did it on his own like, but he did. You should be proud of your man.”
I smiled despite my worry. “I am, just surprised he walked himself out alone.”
“He wasn’t really alone, Simon. Had us old fellas watching out for him—subtle like, so as not to freak your man out or embarrass him.”
I’d lived in and around Tewsbury most of my life, and it still surprised me how much this little town cared about those who lived here. We had our bigots and arseholes, but for the most part the people who called Sodden Tewsbury home were a caring lot—even if it did mean everyone knew everyone else’s business.
“Thanks, Walt. I’ll head out to him.” I left, giving Walt a farewell wave, and strode along the pier. I could just make out Rhys standing at the end; his bright red hoodie stood out against the white of the railings. Looking up, I could see dark clouds coming in, and I picked up the pace. I couldn’t wait to have my arms around Rhys, though it had only been a few hours since I’d seen him. Yeah, I was becoming that sappy fuck, and I didn’t care.
Rhys was staring out at the sea. I could see his hands clutching the guardrail tightly, head tipped back as if trying to catch the fleeting sunlight. His golden curls blew about in the wind. I wanted my hands in those soft curls, tugging gently while I kissed the hell out of him. Fuck, he was gorgeous.
And he was mine.
“Rhys,” I called out. I didn’t know if he’d hear my voice above the waves and cawing seagulls, but I didn’t want to come up on him and surprise him. Moving up closer, I raised my voice above the sound of the birds. “Hmm. I see my boy is being very brave today.”
Rhys tipped his face towards me. I could see the smile on his face—a smile that could light up a room.
“I am so proud of you.” I brushed my nose against his neck. “You should have called me though, or at least answered your phone.”
“Sorry, Daddy. I kind of got distracted.” I looked down at Rhys’s hands gripping the railing of the pier tightly.
“I understand, but you also forgot to call and let me know you weren’t coming straight home.” I wrapped my arms around Rhys’s middle holding him close. “It doesn’t take away from how proud I am of you, baby.”
Rhys tipped his head back, leaning against my chest. “Thank you, Daddy. Umm, I’m probably going to need to hold your hand heading back though. I’ve kind of got a death grip on the railing.”