Page 63 of The Story of Us
“But what about what everyone will say?”
She worried her bottom lip between her teeth, and Nate ran his thumb across her mouth. Pretending they could go back to just being friends was pointless. Not when everything in his life reminded him of her. And if they kept it between the two of them, no one could really object, not even Charlie. That thought sent a wave of uneasiness through him, but his best mate would eventually understand.
“Maybe we refuse to define it. Just with the wedding and your trip. Whatever this is or becomes—it’s just ours. People can ask all they want, but we don’t have to answer their questions.”
“So, we take it one day at a time?”
One day or five days or two months was better than Nate had ever hoped for. When it came to Eloise, he’d take what he could get.
And then he’d let her go.
20
Facing the Old Girls Gossip Brigade at today’s KP committee meeting was a lot like walking the plank. Everyone was watching; there was a fair bit of rum—disguised in coffee cups—and they could smell the blood in the water. And by blood, Eloise meant gossip.
Lulu leant forward, placing her flowery, porcelain cup down carefully and making a big show of picking up the agenda and adjusting her glasses. Joanie was next to her, bouncing in her seat.
“Ah, yes. Eloise has something to share with us all. We’re all ears, dear.”
The not-even-a-real-rhyme got more of a laugh than it deserved because …rum.
“Thank you.” Eloise’s wobbly lips undermined her attempt at a confident smile. Maybe she should’ve had a quick nip before the meeting to settle her nerves. The Band-aid method was going to be best, she decided. “I’ve been offered a scholarship to the American Art Therapy Institute.”
“The … wait, what? I thought this was going to be about the new mindfulness program. An update on how things are going for you and Nate?” Lulu downed what was left in her teacup in one go. “Does Nate know about this?”
“He does, and he’s been very supportive.” Eloise shifted her gaze to Joanie, telepathically signalling that some help would be appreciated.
“What rotten timing,” Joanie said. Okay, so they weren’t on the same page.
“I think it’s great,” Owen interjected. “Eloise will learn loads and then bring it back here. Is it the same one you briefed us about earlier in the year?”
“But what about you and Nate?” Lulu had clearly abandoned all pretence that she was talking about the sport and art program.
Eloise shifted in her seat until she was sitting on her hands. Nate’s voice whispered in her mind, reminding her that just because someone wanted to know something didn’t mean she had to answer. She made a noncommittal sound.
“If I do this, we’d be the first place in Australia accredited to offer their world-renowned program,” she said. Her confidence grew as she explained how she’d be able to extend and enhance the programs they were already offering, what it would mean to have an internationally certified program in place and how much she wanted to do it. Nate had been right. If she said no, she’d regret it forever.
Owen’s deep voice commanded the attention of everyone in the room. “It sounds like a no-brainer to me.”
“Itisa wonderful opportunity,” Joanie added. “I didn’t mean what I said before. I’m sorry, darling. It was the rum.”
“But what does it mean for …” Lulu held her hands up when Eloise frowned. Nate was right. The idea that they might finally be together was overshadowing everything else. No wonder he wanted to take it slow and keep it light and breezy. “I mean, what exactly are you asking us for?”
“Twelve months leave without pay. Then, when I come back, I’ll only have a little bit of study left to do and I could focus entirely on KPs. You all know how much I love this place.”
The motion was raised and carried before she could blink, relief washing over her. With Nate by her side, the AATI scholarship secured and her job waiting for her when she got home, Eloise was truly going to have her cake and eat it, too. She took a sip from her coffee cup, coughing when she realised the hint of caramel was clearly rum. Joanie winked at her from across the table, and Eloise laughed silently.
Now, she just had to get the courage together to keep exploring the other thing she really wanted—Nate—because time was officially counting down.
* * *
Flames swirledacross the top of the firepit, drawing Eloise closer to the kind of scene she’d always dreamt of coming home to. Nate and Echo were curled up on the outdoor couch beside the ring of fire, a tartan blanket helping to keep them warm. In his grey beanie and big, lined shearling jacket with the shadows thrown by the fire dancing across his face, Nate was her rugged fantasy come to life. Eloise’s steps faltered. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and she flushed, remembering the feel of his hands on her body, his mouth against hers.
“Hey there, Tiger,” he said. It must’ve been a trick of the light, but it sure looked like his eyes were glowing with want.
She cleared her throat. “Tiger?”
“Did you know that you get these adorable nose crinkles when you get lost in your thoughts? They’ve always reminded me of tiger stripes.”
