Page 30 of An Ill Wind in Seabury
Claudia looked deliciously pink and windswept. Gone was the rigid helmet of hair from yesterday, the expensive get-up and painful-looking heels. Instead, her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, apart from the strands she was busy trying topush off her face from where the wind had swept them. She was wearing a loose pair of jeans, simple trainers and a soft cream jumper that showed her curves to perfection.
‘Well… thanks,’ said Claudia, a faint blush colouring her cheeks.
‘Smooth!’ chuckled Lionel in a low voice, earning himself a glare from George. ‘So,’ he added at normal volume. ‘What’s the plan—are you still checking out this morning, Claudia?’
‘Sadly, yes. I’ve loved staying, though. Thank you. For everything.’
‘You’re always welcome,’ said Lionel.
‘And… is it still okay to leave my case with you until later? George is going to show me around Seabury a bit more, and my train’s not until later this afternoon.’
George’s heart plummeted into his shoes.So she was still planning to leave?
‘Of course, it’s my pleasure,’ said Lionel. ‘It’ll be safe and sound here with me until you need it. Now, where are you two planning to visit first?’
George shrugged. The mention of the train had put a dent in his excitement. He quickly straightened his shoulders. There was no way he was going to sulk and miss out on enjoying Claudia’s company while she was here—even if it was only going to be for a few hours.
‘I reckon that’s up to the guest of honour!’ he said, smiling at her.
‘In that case, I’d really like to head to The Sardine first, if that’s okay?’ she said. ‘I kind of want to do a bit of an apology tour.’
‘We can definitely do that,’ laughed George.
‘You’re not going to break your saintly-racing-snake behaviour and actually eat cake, are you?!’ said Lionel with a fake gasp.
‘I’m having a day off,’ said George with a shrug. He wasn’t about to admit it, but he’d skipped his run that morning too. Instead, he’d dashed around the house, cleaning and tidying like a man possessed… just in case Claudia decided to take him up on his offer.
‘Well, well, well!’ said Lionel, giving him a knowing look.
‘Every runner has to have rest days,’ said George, not meeting his eye.
‘And every human being should have cake days!’ chuckled Claudia. ‘Preferably as often as possible.’
‘You know,’ said Lionel with a grin, ‘something tells me you could fit in very well around here.’
‘I’ll take that as a compliment,’ laughed Claudia. ‘Ready?’
George stared at the hand she was holding out towards him, his heart doing a little jig in his chest. He knew it was just a sweet gesture from one old friend to another, but as he threaded his fingers through hers, it felt weirdly… right.
‘Morning, guys!’ chirped Kate, as George held the door open for Claudia. She’d dropped his hand to step inside the little café, and he was already missing the connection.
Judging by Kate’s narrowed eyes, she’d spotted their joined hands and was looking decidedly excited by the development. ‘Well, this is a lovely surprise!’ she said, wiggling her eyebrows at George.
George rolled his eyes at her over Claudia’s head, though he was thoroughly tempted to stick out his tongue too – just for good measure.
‘Morning,’ said Claudia, clearly oblivious to the silent banter going on between them.
‘I have to say, you’re looking more relaxed today,’ said Kate, smiling at her. ‘Sleep well?’
‘Like a log,’ laughed Claudia, the surprise of the friendly greeting clearly taking her by surprise. ‘Anyway, I owe you an apology for yesterday. I was?—’
‘Having a bad day,’ said Kate, her voice unusually gentle. ‘We all get them.’
‘Well, yeah… I was,’ said Claudia. ‘Even so, I was really rude, and you were only trying to help. I’m sorry.’
Kate smiled and shook her head. ‘No harm done. And I hope you’re staying for a drink and something to eat?’
‘Try to stop us!’ said George.
