Page 24 of Between Two Shores

“All right. I’ll get the food and see you soon.”

Beth stood behind the black granite counter and plated the chicken pieces onto five plates. The crispy skin smelled delicious. Still, she peeled it back from her drumstick. Extra fat she didn’t need. But she couldn’t resist the chips and popped one into her mouth. Nick flashed a grin her way. Caught.

In the dining room, Dad, Nick, and two younger sailors chatted with enthusiasm around the table. Nick seemed to dominate the conversation with his animated stories of what they had achieved in the last few months. Helping in crisis and whatnot. Then something Nick spoke about grabbed her attention. The conversation went in a whole other direction.

“I woke up from a dream, dripping with sweat. I wrote all the vivid details.” He opened his palms. “A map of the world rolled out before me. Next, a golden jug appeared, and a transparent liquid poured over the Middle East, then spread to cover the whole surface of the map. Then, the scroll rolled onto itself until it disappeared, and I woke.”

“Wow,” Dad said. “That’s a fascinating dream. Have you had it interpreted?”

Oh, boy. Dad would love this stuff.

“Not yet.” Nick clapped his hands. “But I googled dream interpretations and I believe it’s something to do with investments. That I need to visit the Middle East and make my fortune. I could give so much more to organizations like yours. I wouldn’t keep it all for myself.”

Beth rolled her eyes as she spooned portions of coleslaw and chips as she listened to the men discussing dreams. Dad was in his element, and it seemed he’d found a kindred spirit in Nick.

She moved around the counter and placed two plates at a time on the Tasmanian Oak table. Each person acknowledged her with thanks, but when she gave one to Nick, he paused and met her eyes. “Thank you, Beth. Thanks for hosting us today.”

“You’re welcome.” Her earlobes heated from the attention he gave her.

She sat in the empty chair opposite Nick and next to Dad.

“Beth.” Nick smiled in her direction. “Have you ever wanted to go to places like Turkey, Israel, or Palestine? Amazing history there.”

Shredded carrot lodged in her throat. She took a sip of water as all eyes directed to her. “I haven’t traveled out of Australia yet. It would be amazing to visit another culture.”

Dad lifted his brow. “I didn’t know you had the desire to visit the Middle East, Beth.”

“I haven’t given it much thought. Our lifestyle hasn’t allowed for any such plans.”

Dad placed his hands in his lap. “But now all your siblings have grown, and the centre has a stable volunteer team, you’d be free to travel.”

Wow, this was the first time she’d heard Dad say anything of the sort. To have his encouragement to leave the nest entirely? Her belly fluttered. The possibilities.

Nick swallowed his food and patted the corners of his mouth with a serviette. “I’ve decided to leave the Navy and pursue investments overseas. This will be my last voyage. After a total of six weeks in Australia, we head home. I’ll settle my things in Los Angeles, and visit some potential investors before traveling.”

Nick turned to Dad. “I would appreciate it, if you would keep me in your thoughts and stay in contact. I’d like to donate to your organization regularly once the profits roll in.”

“Gladly.” Dad nodded.

After lunch, they moved to the family room. Dad turned on his old stereo and all five of them found a seat on the couches.

Nick positioned himself next to Beth, which didn’t surprise her at all. He’d seemed drawn to her and often directed questions her way during lunch.

Nick seemed to lead the conversation again. Mostly about commodities but he seemed to have a deeply spiritual side to him also. She didn’t feel any attraction to him, but he did give out a peaceful vibe. He was super confident, anyway.

When it was time to go, Nick shook her dad’s hand first then he held onto her hand a little longer than necessary. She bit back a smile. Beth couldn’t deny the ego boost of having a man appreciate her.

They all meandered to the door, and just before they left, Nick turned to Beth “Would you do us the pleasure of showing us around town tomorrow? It would be nice to have a local take us to the popular spots. Are you free at noon or after work tomorrow?”

She gave a shy smile. “I can take the morning off. My work’s flexible, and I have some hours owed to me.”

Dad looked at her with an inquisitive eye and grinned. Usually, he became overprotective of her when it came to men. But obviously, Nick had gained his favor.

“Even better. Can you meet me at the coffee stand opposite the port? It’s in the parking lot there.”

Had he said, “me”? Weren’t the others coming?

Beth fiddled with her necklace. “Sure. Nine o’clock.”

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