Page 31 of Between Two Shores

“You look hungry, Beth.” He squeezed her hand. “Go for it. Dig in.”

Beth tore a piece of crispy bread and let the flavors ignite her taste buds. “Mmm.”

“I’ll go to the counter and order our mains.”

She covered her mouth and nodded.

When he returned, she offered him the remaining garlic bread.

“No, I’m good. The ground meat pizza will fill me up to overflowing.”

“Ground meat? Oh, you mean the beef mince?”

“I guess that’s what you call it here.” He shrugged and brushed some crumbs from the corner of her mouth.

Her cheeks heated.

Nick placed his hands under the table and leaned his chest against the edge. “I’ve made some contacts in Israel. I’ve booked a video conference call for next week.”

“That’s wonderful, Nick. It’s all starting to unfold for you.”

He returned his hands to the table and held hers. “What about you? Do you want to come to Jerusalem with me one day?”

Beth tried to suppress the shock. Nick had missed a couple of steps that needed to happen before they go on overseas trips together. Like discussing their relationship status first. Dating, getting to know each other. An engagement and marriage. She would want a firm commitment before traveling overseas.

“What do you mean by ‘one day,’ exactly?” Her voice remained soft.

“I’ve got four weeks in Exmouth, and then I’m free.”

The waitress approached with their meals, and for the next ten minutes, they ate in near silence. But Beth’s mind wasn’t quiet—it whirled with questions. Unanswered ones.

Nick touched her hand. “Are you feeling okay?”

She blinked. “Oh. Sure. I’m fine.”

“Good.” He grinned and patted her hand. “Beth, I’ve had an amazing two weeks here. Every minute has been fun, and I love spending time with you. Are you able to visit me in Exmouth? I know it’s a long drive, so I’m happy to pay for your flights.” He held both of her hands and gave his puppy-eyed plea that he was so good at. “Can you get time off work or come for a weekend?” He tilted his head. “I’ll pay for your accommodation and visit you between training schedules. We’ll do touristy things. Have a blast.”

A slow grin tickled her cheeks. “I thought you’d never ask. I hoped you would.”

He kissed her hand. “You’ve made me a happy man.”

“You’re always happy.”

“That’s because I now have you in my life.” Nick leaned back and circled his belly with his palm. “Shall we go for a walk around town? I need to walk this off.” He patted his stomach. “Full as a bull.”

“Sure.” She smiled, tidied up her side of the table, and dropped a crumpled napkin on her plate.

Outside, the warm breeze fingered her long hair. Nick wrapped his arm around Beth’s waist as they walked through the Esplanade park. The tips of the pine trees swayed side to side, and beyond the full moon, the stars shaped into the Southern Cross.

They passed a colorful playground, and to the left, there was a well-lit skatepark, empty of people. To the back of the oval, a massive Ferris wheel towered with blinking lights.

Nick pointed. “Hon, let’s go on the Ferris wheel.”

The ticket lady offered to take photos first. Beth wasn’t keen, but Nick insisted. He kissed her cheek as the camera flashed.

He helped her into the steel carriage. Nick hopped in and sat opposite her, then the ride operator shut their gate, and secured the bolts. The man pulled down a lever, and their carriage swung to the next level so that another couple could join the ride. Five minutes later, they were two-thirds to the top.

Nick gave a cheeky grin and used his weight to rock the carriage.

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