Page 1 of Velvet Varnish

1

ISLA

The early morningair is fresh and brisk, orange spreads across blue, and waves crash against the sand. I slip off my sandals and my feet sink into the cool sand. It won’t warm until the sun’s high in the sky, which allows me to walk comfortably without shoes. As soon as it hits midday, the sand will burn everyone’s feet, but that won’t stop people from bounding down the dunes, running through the water, and crowding the beach. But it brings me work, so I can’t complain that the beach I grew up on has attracted the tourists.

Walking to work via the beach means I get a little bit of quiet time and can experience the beach how I remember it. Sand kicks behind me as I stroll and attempt to avoid the water so it doesn’t stick to me.

If the sand’s dry, I can brush it off easily and get to work quicker. The air has been cooler recently, leaving the oppressive heat behind and turning the waves a dark grey. I prefer it this way. It’s quieter, more peaceful. A laugh escapes me as a woman throws a stick at the water for a Labrador who bounds after it. Tongue lolling all the way.

Once I walk the length of the beach and people begin to crowd it, I stride up the boardwalk and put my sandals on. Coffee is needed before I open the shop.

Having my nail salon on The Esplanade brings in a lot of clients. It’s the main access to the beach and tourists like to check out the shops after they get sunburnt while people who grew up here are loyal clients.

My sandals slap against the footpath, leaving sand in their wake as I head to Deja Brew, the coffee shop a few stores up from me. Lily makes the best scones and iced coffee. Nothing can tear me away from her store. The bell chimes when I open the door into the warmth of the shop, the air smelling of sugary goodness and carbs.

I smile at the girl behind the till who puts in my usual order. But I add an extra coffee today.

The girl yells, “Lily, Isla’s here.”

Lily appears with flour on her apron and her hair in two buns—she always has fun hairstyles, a different one each day. “Getting the usual?”

“Yeah.” I brush dark hair behind my ears and wince when I catch a knot. I should’ve braided it before walking along the beach.

Lily raises a brow when I’m handed my order and she sees the extra coffee. “This isn’t your usual.” She taps the second coffee. “This is only a monthly occurrence.”

My cheeks heat under her prodding gaze. I shrug.

“Is it today?”

“Yes.” A latte I never drink sits beside my iced coffee.

She leans over the counter and grins. “How are you feeling? Excited? Nervous? Full of sexual tension?”

“Shhh.” I send a paranoid glance around the store. “I’m fine. The appointment’s with him every month.”

“And every month you fall more in love with him. Why don’t you tell him?”

“Because he doesn’t see me like that and I don’t want to lose our friendship.” I rearrange the coffee, making sure I won’t drop the latte.

Dominic only drinks lattes, which I learned early on during our standing appointment when I made the mistake of switching up the orders to keep life interesting. Dom owns the bar Next Door across the street from my nail salon. We opened our businesses around the same time, and I’d gone to introduce myself the day I opened. We’d both had long days and ended up talking about books. Somehow, I’d made a joke about painting his nails and decorating him with fun designs for practice… And he’d said yes.

I couldn’t believe it. Didn’t believe he’d show. But he came to the appointment and continues to do so three years on. He’s never complained about it or asked to stop.

Some people comment in the bar about the nail polish, but strangely enough, it gets me clients when the right people see the designs. I buy him coffee every month and get to spend uninterrupted time with him.

We have the salon to ourselves. It’s quiet, and most importantly, just us. He doesn’t know that over the years I’ve started to crave seeing him, crave our early morning appointments, and I drop into the bar more often now. Just to see his face.

Unfortunately for me, Dom is handsome with his bronze hair and greyish blue eyes like the sea during autumn. He’s tall and broad with a thick chest I imagine resting on top of me. Not enough to crush me, only enough to be surrounded by him. It turns me into a puddle when I’m around him, and it’s gotten worse the longer I’ve known him. But he doesn’t seeme the same way, so I don’t bring it up. Don’t want to ruin our friendship.

I’ll take whatever he’s willing to give me.

“You have to tell him one day, Isla. What if he feels the same way?” Lily asks.

“He doesn’t.” I blow out a breath. I’m seeing him soon. Won’t dwell on what I can’t have. Not right now, at least. Though, when I’m home all bets are off.

Lily squeezes my free hand. “One day, I’ll lock you together in the same room and won’t let you out until you admit your feelings.”

“I’ll die before I say anything. I’m happy with what I have. See you next week for your appointment. I’m thinking an autumn theme.” I leave the warmth of the store, refusing to think about the strained smile Lily sent me off with.

---