Page 50 of Summer, in Between
Everyone’s out on the balcony and chatter flutters on the air.Mum sees me in the doorway and asks me to grab the steaks Dad has marinating in the fridge.Paul, talking to Nonna, looks up at me and winks.
‘Let’s eat outside tonight,’ says Mum as I carry out the steaks.‘It’s such a beautiful night.Paul, you’re staying for dinner, aren’t you?’
‘I’d love to.That’s if suicidal fuckwits are welcome?’He flashes me a cheeky grin and I shake my head, trying not to smile as I wait for the blush to recede from my cheeks.
‘What?’Dad jerks his head to Paul as he takes the steaks from me.
‘Long story for which our charming daughter is going to apologise,’ Mum says.‘Oh, you didn’t have to do that!’she adds as Paul hands her a bottle of wine.
‘I came prepared,’ he says, ‘but do you mind if I impose just a little bit more and use your shower?I haven’t had a chance to go home and change.’
‘Of course,’ says Mum, ‘no imposition at all.Use the kids’ shower.Mick’s just going to run Mum home, and then we’ll eat.’
As Nonna does her farewell tour, kissing us all goodbye, I remember my bathers are in a sandy pile on the floor.God knows what else I’ve left in there.
‘Hang on a minute.’I push past Paul.‘I’ll just make sure Tommy hasn’t left it too feral.’
‘Me?I haven’t even been in there,’ says Tommy.‘It’s school holidays.I’m stinkin’ it up.I haven’t brushed my teeth for days.’He puffs his chest out as if permanent morning breath is an achievement to be proud of.
In the bathroom, I scoop my bathers into one of the wet towels I left on the floor earlier and toss the bundle into the laundry basket.I slide my toiletries into the top drawer.How much does this guy need to know about me?
‘Is it presentable?’Paul stands in the doorway, his face bemused.‘You remember that I live in a mansion, don’t you, with servants and shit?’
‘It’s all yours.’
I go to move past him but he puts his hand on my shoulder.I can’t tell if the heat is from him or from me, but it feels like we could send smoke signals.
‘We good?’
‘You’re good, I’m the absolute opposite.’I shrug, disappointed when his hand leaves my skin.‘I’m sorry I yelled at you.You’re not a fuckwit.’
‘Well, that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.’
‘I’m trying to apologise.’
‘Cat, it’s fine.I’m sorry it scared you, but honestly, Matty had a ball out there.’
‘I know, I just get a bit overprotective sometimes.Curse of being a big sister.’
‘He’s lucky he has you looking out for him,’ says Paul.‘But he’s got me too.He had the full lineup looking out for him.Tommy’s got me too.And so do you, Cat.’
‘I’ve got you?’
‘You’ve got me.Have I got you?’
The doorway feels too small for this conversation.Paul’s eyes never leave mine and the openness in them makes my heart ache.
‘You’re going to have to define ‘got’ for me,’ I say.
‘Got is a little something like not yelling at me.’
‘I make no promises.’
‘I’ll take it.’He leans down and softly kisses me on the cheek, his lips right near the corner of my mouth.I could turn my head, just an inch, and they’d be on mine and I flush a red deeper than any sunburn.I feel his breath hot against me and as he straightens, we lock eyes and it’s like I can’t look away.
‘Now where are the salad servers?’Mum screeches from the kitchen and Paul almost hits the roof in his rush to move away from me.Smooth, Mum, and immaculate timing as always.
‘I’ll get you a towel,’ I say, opening the linen cupboard beside the bathroom.‘Do you use two?I use two, one for my hair, but do you need two?’
