Page 47 of Learning to Love

While we’ve straightened up our clothes, I’m missing a button off my now VERY rumpled shirt, and Ellie looks deliciously tousled, like she was thoroughly kissed or maybe more. At least we haven’t tumbled around and got grass stains.

This is one I’m going to have to take on the chin. But it may give that other dude some pause. We get back before I get a chance to ask Ellie who he is and how he came to be at the dinner.

We go through the gate, and when they see the state of us, Paddy and Gracie burst out laughing. Tayla, Corinne, and the other guy raise their eyebrows.

I quickly sit at the table. “I’m starving. Do you guys have any food left?”

Paddy wheezes from so much glee. “He’s starving! Love it.”

Ellie looks puzzled. I guess she hasn’t noticed my shirt or hadn’t thought it was a big deal. She sits next to me, and I immediately place a hand on her leg.

Gracie adds fuel to the fire. “We’ve never seen him like this. It’s cute. We’re enjoying it.”

The new guy stands up to make a hasty retreat. “Guys, I have to be up early tomorrow morning to open up the clinic. It was fun, let’s do it again sometime soon.”

“Don’t go, Alex! We haven’t even introduced you to Sam, though I think you’ve probably met before.” Ellie’s words make me do a double take. How could I have met him, where? Clinic? What clinic?

“Sam, this is Alex, Sophie’s brother. He’s a veterinarian up here on The Shore.” The penny drops loud and clear. I stand up and shake his hand.

“Sorry man, I didn’t recognize you. You were at my brother’s wedding three years ago. Let’s catch up over a drink sometime.”

He shakes my hand, nods, and waves. Well, there’s nothing to say he wasn’t interested in Ellie. I reserve judgement.

Gracie winks at us. “We’re heading off as well, leaving you lovebirds behind. Come to dinner sometime soon.”

Gracie hugs each and every one of us, and I whisper in her ear. “Thanks Gracie, appreciate it. I mean it.”

Paddy winks at me and flicks my missing shirt buttonhole. “Until next time, champ.” He’s not going to let me live this one down.

They leave, and I find myself stared down by Tayla and Corinne.

Tayla doesn’t mince words. “‘Spose you’re going to stay the night.”

“Yes, I am, if Ellie will have me.”

Ellie covers my hand with her hand and smiles.

Corinne pokes my chest. “Pull a nasty trick like that again, and we’ll cut your ball sack and serve it back to you on a silver plate. Understood?”

I laugh, but I’m definitely a little bit nervous. “Understood.”

Tayla turns back before leaving the room. “How was Corey?” She tries to be nonchalant about it.

Ellie and Corinne look at her with their eyebrows raised.

I’ve got interesting information for her. “He was well. Will be back next year. Last time I saw him he was checking out your Instagram.” Not exactly true, but I did catch him once checking her profile out. Maybe he did it more often than I thought.

Tayla laughs. “That ratbag. Ok folks, I’m going to bed. Sam and Ellie can do the washing up since they fucked off for most of the dinner.” Corinne joins her and they head into the house.

Ellie and I are left behind in the garden with twinkling lights. Daisy is asleep, tired after her long evening walk.

Ellie’s looking down, long eyelashes casting shadows on her face in the fading sunlight. “Are you going to regret staying behind?” Her voice comes from far away, though she’s sitting right next to me.

“Regret? No way. For once, staying out of a race is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Ellie turns towards me, a smile blossoming on her face, and I feel like I won the biggest prize of all.

Chapter 20

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