Page 14 of Between Two Shores

Beth wriggled into the circle of volunteers, making room for Lachlan. Dana seemed entranced by one of the sailor’s stories. Watch it, Dana. Don’t get sucked in as she had. Who would’ve thought Bethany Michaels would fall for a sailor? Huh? She wasn’t falling for anyone. Gone tomorrow. Gone.

Lachlan had asked the men what their plans were. Clive spoke on behalf of the others, “Going to Pot Black to play Snooker. You comin’?”

Lachlan shook his head. “Beth has an American friend she wants me to meet. I’ll see you guys back on the ship.”

“All right.” Clive, Ted, and two others—she’d forgotten their names, headed to the back doors. Dana and Clara followed—no surprises there.

Seated together before the floor-to-ceiling windows at Bayside Manna, Beth sat back with satisfaction, enjoying the view of the foreshore and The Fremantle Yacht Club in the distance.

Lachlan browsed the menu. “This all looks amazing. They feed us reasonably well on the ship, but this is five-star.”

“Wait ‘til you taste the food.” Beth kissed her fingers for effect. “Magnifico.”

Lachlan smiled. “Call me a traditionalist, but I’d like to pay. Plus, we don’t get to spend our money on deck, so I’m happy to splurge. Order what you’d like.”

She sat upright and collected her menu. “Okay. A lady doesn’t need asking twice.” Beth ran her fingers down the plastic-covered menu. Where was that dish she had last time? There. “I’ll have the King Ora Salmon, thank you, Lachlan.”

“A woman who knows what she wants.” He adjusted in his seat and studied the menu with further concentration.

“I’ve eaten here many a time. I have my favorites. The first time I ate free. The newspaper sent me to do a sponsored feature article for the owner. They received a lot of bookings straight away, so my boss asked me to look after Bayside as a client and run their coupon specials.”

Lachlan nodded, seemingly impressed.

“I’ve become good friends with the staff here, and the owner introduced me to his wife, who runs a mentorship program. I volunteer once a week at Youth Connect, teaching teens English and journalism. They’ve had more articles published than me. Not paid, of course.”

Lachlan placed his menu on the table. “Wow. That’s great, Beth. You’re making use of your talents, not just to make money for yourself. That’s something I don’t see much of.”

“I love helping the kids. It’s the highlight of my week.”

A waitress approached and took their order. Lachlan finalized his choice for a lamb shank.

Beth touched the young woman’s arm. “Emily, can you tell the chef that I’m here? I want to introduce him to my friend.”

“Will do.” Emily topped up their water glasses and headed to the kitchen.

A few minutes later, Chris strode over, dressed in his chef’s uniform and a matching black beret. “Beth, how are—” Chris froze and stared at Lachlan. “Lockster! Is that you? Bro!” Chris rushed forward.

Lachlan pushed his chair back with wide eyes and stood. “Chris, you old man!” They slammed into each other in a brotherly hug.

Chris stood back, holding Lachlan at arm’s length, looking him up and down. “Bro, you filled out.” He scuffed Lachlan’s bristle top hair. “Not the skinny teenager anymore. What are you doing in Australia? What’s this?” He pulled on Lachlan’s khaki shirt. “Soldier—Navy? Dude, who’d have thought, Mark’s annoying younger brother, becoming a marine.”

“Navy Counselor, actually.” He beamed a smile. “I didn’t know you moved to Australia.” He glanced at Beth. “And what’s this about a wife Beth mentioned?”

Chris smoothed his hands over his striped apron. “And a baby. I’m an Australian citizen too. Love it here.” He splayed his palm, showing the room. “Started my own restaurant. I’d traveled the globe, but this just felt like coming home. Perth is a little like San Diego, only quieter.”

“Man, I can’t believe it. You look great, despite the grays on the side.” He winked. “Have you heard from my brother?”

Beth cleared her throat, and they stepped apart to acknowledge her presence. “You two go way back, hey?”

Lachlan straightened his shirt. “Yes. We grew up together in San Diego. Chris is good friends with my older brother.” He glanced at Chris and smiled. “This guy loved to wrestle me. Hold me down. I think I could give him a run for his money now.”

Chris flexed his biceps. “I still have my guns. I admit the gut is growing. Family life does that to a man.”

Beth scoffed. “It’s always the way.”

Lachlan laughed at her. “You’ll keep.”

What was that supposed to mean?

---