Page 13 of Riding the Waves

“I will,” Amy said, standing when Lizzie did. “Judging by my emotional breakdown today, I guess I need it.”

They walked back through the house, making small talk about the furnishings and decor.

“Thank you for coming over,” Amy said, then surprised herself by opening her arms to hug Lizzie.

“I’ll see you soon,” Lizzie said. “Give me a message whenever you want to come to the office again. Or if you just feel like company. I’m always up for a drink and a natter.”

Closing the door on Lizzie, Amy felt much more positive about her decision to spend the summer in Hope Cove.

CHAPTER 7

Despite it being a while since Amy had spent any time in the area, it all felt very familiar as she wandered the tight roads and rugged paths on Tuesday. A day of aimless wandering and a stint of sunbathing on a quiet little cove left her feeling much more level-headed and ready to face Damian again on Wednesday morning.

A smattering of clouds gave respite from the intensity of the sun as she walked the coastal path from Hope Cove to Thurley beach.

The picnic tables outside the rustic cafe near the beach were all occupied when Amy passed, and the queue for ice creams was long. Beside the path, bees hovered around pink and yellow wildflowers, the scent of which permeated the air.

Distracted by all the sights and smells, Amy only noticed Damian when she was almost at the shack. He stood off to the side, looking out into the bay where a few surfers sat on their boards, bobbing with the waves. At his side was the woman from the other day, again dressed in hot pants, with the neckline of her loose T-shirt hanging off her shoulder to reveal the string of her bikini. A smile lit up her face as she chatted to Damian. When she rested her head on his shoulder, Amy felt as though all the breath had been sucked out of her.

Of course he’d be seeing someone. Why wouldn’t he be? But they were supposed to tell each other stuff like that. It had been their rule: to tell each other anything that was likely to impact the kids, such as a significant other.

Damian was completely oblivious to Amy’s presence, and she was almost tempted to retreat. Not that there was any reason to slink away. Except that her jealousy was probably written all over her face and she’d rather Damian didn’t see it.

The decision was taken from her when Damian shifted to look in her direction. Her feet moved automatically, and she hoped it wasn’t obvious she’d been standing gawping at them.

“Hey,” Damian said. “The kids aren’t back from the holiday programme yet, but they should be back any time now.”

“Great. I only wanted to say a quick hello. I won’t hang around long.”

Damian subtly stepped away from the girl, who seemed to think she might be some sort of human shawl. “This is Callie,” he said.

“You’re the twins’ mum? Amy, right?” She beamed – her big blue eyes all wide and fresh. “You have the cutest kids.” She clasped her hands to her heart, the action pulling on her T-shirt to reveal more flawless skin. “They’re so adorable.”

“Thanks,” Amy mumbled.

“Go on then.” Damian gave a flick of his head. “Get back to work.”

“But it’s definitely cool about the weekend?” She fluttered her eyelashes in a way that made Amy want to step between her and Damian and shout at her to back the heck off. There was a small chance that would draw more attention to her jealousy than she’d like.

“It’s fine,” Damian said. “You owe me, though.”

“You’re the best!” It was a little embarrassing the way Callie squealed as she ambushed Damian with a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“Just get back to work.” Damian folded his arms across his chest as his eyes followed Callie, who skipped away to the customers who’d just approached.

“She seems nice,” Amy said politely.

“Yeah. She’s kind of high-pitched, but she’s a good worker.”

“Are you and she together?”

He coughed and his cheeks pinked. “No. She works for me.”

“Yeah, I know, but I thought maybe … I mean you looked pretty close, so I just wondered.”

“I don’t date women who work for me.” He glanced back at Callie. “Also, she’s practically a kid.”

Amy swallowed hard. “Are you seeing anyone at the moment?”

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