Sea Glass (WAYHAUGHT)

Sally's For Sale

It was as though the beach disappeared, leaving Waverly aware only of Nicole's chocolate brown eyes. If there was one wish she'd not yet expressed it was this. Nicole saying she loved her, on this very beach, made all other wishes pale in its light. The desire to be accepted for who she was, for the restaurant to be successful, those wishes now seemed so utterly childish against Nicole's profession of love. All that mattered, all she needed was this, this moment, this one magical moment.

So what if her sister wasn't prepared to open her heart, and her mind. So what if Shae was forcing Nicole's hand on the restaurant. So what if it meant moving away. They would go together, safe in the knowledge of being there for each other, no matter what life threw at them. She almost wanted to thank Wyn, for opening her eyes to what was truly important. She could shake Shae's hand too, for freeing Nicole's heart so she could give it to someone who would take better care of it.

Picnic consumed, hand in hand they set off along the path towards the village. New photos taken outside Penwarne Manor had Waverly promising herself she would never, ever delete another photo of Nicole, unless it was really bad. Jazz music drifted across the harbour as they approached. The stalls less busy, the crowds more manageable, they came to a crossroads outside the Harbour Tavern.

"I'd best check on Shae," Nicole said.

"I'll grab a few clothes from my house. Can you get my rucksack?" Her expression became serious. "Will you open tonight?"

"Have to, it's a full house."

The muscles across Waverly's shoulders tightened. "Then we go to work. She's not spoiling other people's night, just to be spiteful."

"Meet you back at the restaurant at six."

Her lips found Nicole's without thinking. "Heroes always win," she whispered as Nicole's arms held her tight.

The Harbour Tavern was busy, busy enough to require her help. Through the window she could see her father and her sister serving, no longer wishing to be beside them. Her future belonged elsewhere, far away from here. Perhaps as far as London, perhaps further as in Paris, or further still say in Dubai. If Wynonna wanted to travel, it would be her and Nicole who got to see the places she could only drool over in well-flicked holiday brochures.

She could hear Alice chatting away as she entered her parents' house. She found her drawing at the kitchen table, her mother seated beside the child, hugging the cold dregs of a cup of tea.

"Kettle's on." Her mother stood, selecting a mug from the shelf. "You wanna tell me what's going on?"

"Not really."

Her mother busied herself with the task of making Waverly a drink she didn't want. She took up residence alongside Alice, complimenting the child's latest painting of gamp's boat. A herbal tea placed before her she inhaled its minty steam.

"Have you upset Wynnie?"

Years of practise allowed the lie to slip out effortlessly. "I said something without thinking. It's my fault."

"What with everything she's going through. You apologise to your sister. She needs you right now."

"I will. I promise."

"So, that girl is one of us."

"Who?" She knew full well who her mother meant.

"Your boss. Fancy her being a Carew."

"Yep."

"How's it going?"

"Sorry?"

"The restaurant. I've heard she's having problems."