Sea Glass (WAYHAUGHT)

Sexy Sounds

"Was that?" Nicole said, sidling up beside her, both watching as Xavier jogged across the car park.

Waverly placed the bottle in her hand on the shelf. "Forgot his wallet."

"Still fancy Heligan's?"

She nodded, her mind mulling over all she wanted to say to Xavier, the moment to say something pithy and punishing having passed too quickly. Wynonna was right, this wasn't her problem, but it was her sister's problem, and her sister was hurting, had been hurting for a long time, long enough to go do something stupid with Xavier to make her feel alive again. To feel loved, even if that came in the form of an affair with a married man. A pang of guilt plucked her heart, thinking her sister must have been miserable for years, without saying.

She turned to face Nicole. Her mouth opened before she could stop herself, a question rising to the surface like an air bubble. "Are you sad about Shae?" She saw surprise flicker across Nicole's eyes. "Oh no, I'm sorry."

"Yes," was all Nicole said.

"I shouldn't have."

"Waverly, it's okay. I've been sad for a while."

"Because of Shae?"

Nicole made no effort to reply.

"Then it's my job to make you unsad."

"Unsad?" Nicole repeated, cute dimples appearing.

"I will unsad you. That's my new job."

"And how are you going to unsad me Earp?"

She wasn't entirely sure how, but she owed it to at least one person in her life to show them a good time. "Follow me Haught."

Like a lamb, Nicole trotted after Waverly as they left the farm shop, walking in single file towards the entrance to the gardens. A small group was huddled by the ticket booth, loudly discussing the price of entry, the pair waiting their turn for the visitors to make their choice. Nicole had her phone out ready to pay as Waverly stepped forward.

"Any chance we can sneak in?" she said to the woman inside the booth.

The woman peered over gold-rimmed glasses. "Go on then. How's your mum?"

"Good. Think she's bringing Alice next week."

The woman eyed Nicole. "You with tinkles?"

Nicole stared at the woman. "Sorry, what?"

"This one," the woman pointed a stubby finger in Waverly's direction.

"Yes, I'm definitely with tinkles," she replied. "Tinkles and me."

Waverly grabbed Nicole's sleeve dragging her away before she could say any more.

"Tinkles."

"Yes, yes, I forgot Nels was on the morning shift."

"Nels?"

"Mum's friend."

"So, what do you have in mind Tinkles? Out of interest, why Tinkles?"

"Long story."

Nicole came to a halt. "Let me guess, you like stars. You used to sing it. Tinkle, tinkle little star how I wonder-"

"That's twinkle," Waverly corrected. Nicole refused to budge. "Alright, if you must know, it's a cat's name."

"You are named after her cat. Would not have guessed."

Waverly huffed. "I used to pretend to be a cat, okay. Nels gave me the name Tinkles. She bought me a little collar with a tiny bell I could wear." She saw the wide grin on Nicole's face. "I was five. What?"