Page 26 of Between Two Shores

On the corner stood the Markets’ historic red-bricked building. Emerald lamp posts graced the entrance on either side. Inside, the scent of incense mixed with musk wafted in the air as they passed the first stall.

Compact mini shops crowded the lane. In the middle, the gray painted concrete floor had red footprints showing the way to go. Industrial fans whirled above on posts, with fluorescent beams hanging from the raked ceilings lined with aluminum insulation.

An acoustic guitar played in the distance along with a Gaelic melody—buskers, no doubt. Sale signs boasted of bargains on natural products, souvenirs, jewelry, bakery goods, and down the other end, fruit and vegetables.

Nick approached the tarot card reader and stood before him. “I can tell the future too, and I won’t charge you any money.”

The stallholder scrunched his brows.

Nick sat on the chair opposite him. “In eight months from now, you will become very unwell for a time. Close to death. But do not worry, it won’t be the end for you. You’ll recover.”

Nick stood abruptly.

The man stared with his mouth ajar. Nick nodded goodbye and moved on. Beth scurried after him, and when she caught up, linked her arm with his. “How did you know all that? You didn’t even blink, it just came out of you.”

“I had to say something. I was compelled to.”

She admired Nick’s expression, lined with concern. “You have a good heart.”

Their eyes met, and he smiled. “As do you. That’s why we get along so well.” He patted her arm.

He led her to a Pandora store. With his hand on her lower back, he bent over the glass cabinet before them, displaying tiny trinkets. “Do you have a Pandora bracelet?”

“No.” She studied the selection.

“They’re nice for collecting charms around the world as a memento of where you’ve been. Can I buy you one?”

Aware of the price, the reason she didn’t have Pandora in the first place, she hesitated. “That’s okay. You don’t need to do that.”

“I want to, Beth. As a thank you for taking me out today.” He collected her wrist. “Silver would suit your skin.” His thumb brushed her hand as he placed it onto the glass. “And lookie here.” He pointed. “An anchor charm. I’ll buy that as our first memory together.”

Her heart pounded in her chest. Did she hear that correctly?

A saleswoman in a blue pencil skirt approached and offered her assistance. Nick ordered the items while Beth remained erect like a stunned emu. Then her knees became weak, unable to believe this confident man beside her liked her so much.

“No need for the packaging.” Nick tucked the receipt into his back pocket, then took the bracelet from the woman. He turned to Beth with a satisfied grin, holding the unclasped bangle for her to thread her hand through.

“Thank you, Nick. You’re so thoughtful.” She inserted her hand, and he fixed the clamp into place around her wrist.

He collected her hand and placed a kiss on top. “You’re welcome.”

Nick placed his warm palm on her lower back and kept it there as they continued to walk around the markets. What was happening? They were acting like a couple laughing, walking hip to hip as if they were in love. Surreal.

After a long time in the markets, Beth glanced at her phone when they stepped into the sunshine outside. One o’clock.

“I need to get back to work.” She shrugged. “Sorry.”

“That’s okay. Let’s go to Kings Park on the weekend.”

“Sounds good.”

“And how about dinner tonight? Are you free?”

She blinked. “It’s my niece’s birthday. The family is getting together for cake.”

He gave a playful frown.

“Why don’t you come and meet the rest of my family?”

---