Sea Glass (WAYHAUGHT)

Scarf

Moments like these were what she missed most when not in Cornwall. Moments to sit and reflect, or just sit, without the need to have all the answers. It was where she most longed to be when sat in a dreary London flat, smelling of oriental spices and cooking oil. She had wanted that lifestyle, the whole package, chasing after what everyone else chased after, completely convinced she needed it. Of course she did. She still wanted it, even after smelly Shepherds Bush. She wanted this too.

Since the accident, Waverly had spent a good deal of time talking to Willa. She sometimes thought she could hear her sister reply, the way certain waves crashed onto the shore, the roll of pebbles one against another, a sound she could listen to forever.

"So, here's the thing Will," she began. "I like her, only she's with someone else."

Water rushed towards her toes before retreating.

"I don't know how to let her know. I mean, I could just come straight out with it. Hey, you know, this might sound weird, but I fancy you."

She threw one of the flat pebbles in her hand towards the next approaching wave.

"Wyn's right. If Shae doesn't come back, she won't stay. There's no reason to."

She waited for Willa's reply.

"On the other hand, if Shae returns, there's no way I could ever tell her. How could I? She'd have to sack me on the spot. Then everyone will be putting two and two together, and the rumours will start again."

She threw a second pebble into the water, which made a satisfying plopping sound.

"You're right, keep this to myself. She'd never look at someone like me anyway. Not when she has Shae. How the hell do I even get someone like Nic?"

The remaining stone in her hand was returned to the beach. A promise made she too would return soon.

Nearing Penwarne Manor her phone rang. "Hi, what's up?"

"Table of four tonight just cancelled," Nicole replied.

"Did they say why?"

"One of their party has Covid."

"Do you still need me?"

"Always."

Waverly choked, unable to reply.

"Look, I was wonder-"

Waverly's phone reception cut out. No longer able to hear Nicole, she began shouting. "You're breaking up. Nicole...Nicole, I can't...what did you say?"

Silence.

"Fuckety fudge nuggets," Waverly yelled at her phone. "Fudging rural living. So moving back to London."

Her phone rang. "Can you hear me?"

"Yes, I can hear you. What were you wondering?"

"I was wondering. Would you like-"

Silence.

Waverly let out an exasperated howl. "Just once, fudging work okay."

Her phone rang. "Where are you?"

"Yes."

"Yes what?"

"Whatever you're asking, it's a yes."

Nicole chuckled. "Thing is, I have a fresh body in the freezer."

"What?"

"I was wondering if you'd help me get rid of it."