Page 81 of Unfinished Summer

“Mum, I need another lesson because I couldn’t stand up, and I want to get it, Mum. Please,” Natalie yells out as she runs towards us, soaking wet and dripping.

“Well, I’m sure that can be arranged. We can talk to Jayce about your second.” Tegan shakes the towel we were sitting on before wrapping it over Natalie’s shoulders as she begins to shiver a little, despite the sun.

Jayce, holding the board under his arm, reaches us, and at just the moment I turn to watch him, brushes his hair sending water droplets scattering to the sand. He looks far too good after just coming out of the sea.

“She did great. A little more practice and she’ll have it for sure,” he speaks to Tegan. “Zennor. Nice to see you.” He nods at me.

“Jayce said he taught you to surf, Auntie Zennor.”

“Ha,” I chortle. “Well, he gave me a lesson. I don’t think I officially surfed more than a wave on my feet, though.”

“You could always have lessons with Natalie?” Jayce offers, and my eyes snap to his and narrow.

“And Mum, yes. That would be so much fun,” Natalie encourages.

“I’d just like to remind you that the water isn’t my favourite place.” I’m talking to Jayce, but I know he remembers.

“Oh, come on, Zen. It might be fun.” Tegan nudges me, and a huge smile covers her face. She winks as I look at her, and I know exactly what she’s playing at.

“Please, Auntie Zennor. Now you’re staying here, you have to learn to surf. You’ll be able to take me out in the summer when Mum and Dad are busy on the farm.”

I feel ambushed. But in the best way possible, and my smile betrays me.

“Okay. But only if we all do it. Deal?” I point at Tegan and Natalie, doing my best to ignore Jayce.

“Yes! Jayce, when can you fit us in?” Natalie asks before we have a chance to say anything further.

“Tomorrow? The weather is looking good.” He stares at me, and I let the sensation sweep over me. I nod, making him smile just as brilliantly as I remember.

“Come on. Let’s head back. You’re getting cold.” Tegan steers Nat towards the shop, and I fall into step behind her, Jayce next to me.

“Thank you. For this,” I offer.

“It’s my pleasure. Why don’t you come back with Tegan? I’ll grab you the wetsuits so you can come ready tomorrow. Save you changing in the shop.” His eyes drift down my body and back up as he says it.

“That way, you can’t chicken out,” Tegan calls back over her shoulder.

“You’re doing this, too, remember. But, yeah. Sounds like a plan.”

We go back to the shop, and Jayce shows Natalie where she can rinse off in the wet room before handing us two new-looking wet suits.

“Um, what time?” I ask.

“Same time, 11 a.m.” Jayce looks at me and Tegan.

“I’ll be there. Zen?” She raises her eyebrows as she looks at me, and I feel the silent challenge. I can’t back out now.

“Fine. See you tomorrow. I’ve got to get back, though.”

“I’ll be here.” Jayce nods, and for a moment, I stand, unable to look anywhere but into his eyes.

God, what have I got myself into?

“Mum, do you have a swimsuit or anything similar I can wear?” I march over the landing and into her bedroom. Of course, I didn’t pack one. Why would I when I was coming here? The only time I’ve worn a bathing suit in the last ten years was on holiday where I could soak up the sun, not the sea.

“Well, I’m sure I’ve got one somewhere. Might be a bit roomy for you.”

“That doesn’t matter. I’ll be in a wet suit.”

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