Sea Glass (WAYHAUGHT)

Should Have

The slosh of the sea could be heard through the partially open window in the bedroom. Nicole had watched the sun climb above the rooftops, listened to gulls crying out for breakfast. Waverly lay beside her, rhythmic breathing moving the duvet ever so slightly, along with the extra blanket she had asked for. Whatever reason had persuaded her to stay, Nicole was glad they'd been able to move beyond friends who kissed. Glad the next step had been on Waverly's terms.

Careful not to wake her new lover, she eased herself out of bed. The hoodie she'd lent Waverly lay on the floor, inhaling the peachy smell as she slipped it over her head, the bare floorboards cold underfoot as she strode towards the lounge. She paused briefly at the door to gather her thoughts before making the one call she promised Waverly she would.

It had been dancing inside her head since dawn. Waverly was right, she should have called sooner, or driven to London to talk face to face with Shae about what they both wanted. Shae didn't answer immediately. She guessed she wouldn't. It had been a full week since she'd walked out the door, with only one short, heated conversation. About to leave a message, she hesitated, unable to utter the words which would alter her life.

Her attention was drawn to the glorious day outside. Sunshine and sparkling vistas to look forward to, yet here she was thinking of her mother, and the last conversation they'd had. How proud her mother had been on hearing about plans for the restaurant, promising to visit when her health was better.

Her phone rang, Shae's number appearing. She swallowed. "Can we talk?"

Shae remained silent for a moment. "Not much to talk about."

Nicole had rehearsed what she wanted to say. It now seemed pointless. "I'm sorry this is how it's ended up."

"I want out of the restaurant."

Nicole swallowed again. Of course she did. "Okay. How do we do this?"

"My share, plus lost earnings," Shae replied, her voice devoid of emotion, like this was nothing more than a business transaction.

"Which is what exactly?"

"300k."

"300!"

"I had the place valued," as though that was perfectly acceptable for her to do. "My agent put the value of the restaurant at half a million, including stock. Plus salary if I'd stayed in London."

Nicole wanted to scream 'go fuck yourself' at the price Shae had arbitrarily placed on releasing them from the arrangement. Who the hell was this so-called estate agent anyway, valuing a property they'd not even seen?

"I'll give you until the end of the month."

"That's...I can't raise that kind of money in two weeks. You know that. Shae please."

"Well, you should have thought of that when you stuck your tongue in someone else's mouth."

"Okay, okay, if that's what you want."

Shae hung up.

Waverly was by the door. She'd managed to find another of Nicole's hoodies. It swamped her, but looked adorable, the arms pushed up to expose her hands, the bagginess of the rest of the garment covering her lithe body.

"You okay?" Nicole said, seeing the look on Waverly's face.

"Was that Shae?"

She nodded.

"And..."

Nicole let out a long sigh. "It's fine. She's not coming back."

Waverly came to sit beside her on the couch. "So, that's it. It's over."