DAWN PAIGE GREY Young Adult Romance

Chapter 11 - Home on the Waterfront

 Dawn hobbled in through the front door of Andrew’s house and was amazed at how neat and tidy and beautifully decorated it was. It had two floors with an elegant wide curved staircase going up to the second floor which consisted of a study with separate lounge and guest bedroom and bathroom, a very large master bedroom with an elaborate bathroom –en-suite and a comfortable balcony looking  out onto the front garden which dropped down to the water. He had his own private jetty and flashy speed boat.

The downstairs living area was all open-plan, large spacious lounge, bar, dining room and kitchen looking out onto a spacious entertaining area with built in BBQ. An annexe down the hall from the laundry was where Andrew helped Dawn settle into. Taking in her surroundings Dawn was surprised to find all the comforts of home in this out of the way alcove, attached to the house. The room was a spacious double bedroom, with twin beds and en-suite bathroom. French doors opening onto its own patio and exit gate, leading out to the garage that housed a BMW red convertible.

She immediately decided her favourite thinking spot would be sitting under an umbrella out on the jetty watching the boats go by. Not sure whether to unpack or not, she left her suitcase on top of the spare bed and joined Andrew out by the BBQ where he had quickly set lunch for both of them. After lunch, while sipping on their fresh orange juice, they sat back and discussed her future.

“Dawn, you may stay as long as you like, my home is your home and I want you to feel comfortable to spend time in any part of the house, even my room if you wish to sit out on the balcony, unless of course I have a friend to stay over.”

“Oh, goodness Andrew, of course I will respect your privacy.  I’d always knock before entering your room anyway….. Do you entertain friends often?”

“My friend James comes up every fortnight for a weekend, in actual fact he is due to come up next weekend. I’m sure you’ll like him, a real fire cracker, life and soul of the party.”

“I’m really not sure if I’ll be here over the weekend.”

“You planning a trip somewhere else then?” Andrew asked looking at her strapped up ankle, “Best you wait till that’s all better, before you venture off on another walkabout.”

“Well … I’m supposed to be getting married on Saturday.” Dawn said quietly.

“What? Oh my God Dawn, you are a “runaway bride” Wow! Best I leave you alone to do some serious thinking then.”

“I honestly don’t know what to think at the moment.”

“I’m here if you need to sound out any thoughts or ideas and the moment you feel ready to go back home, just say the word and I’ll drop everything and drive you back home.” He frowned and thought for a moment, “If you do decided to go home, do you think you could do it before Saturday night, its James’ birthday and we were planning a real wing ding of a boys night out on the town.” He winked at her, “But Sunday would be good, just need time to get over the hangover a bit first.” He laughed at her expression and gave her a friendly punch on the arm.

Dawn wasn’t sure if he was teasing or being serious and suddenly felt like she was becoming a burden to Andrew.

“Hey Dee, don’t look so serious, I was only teasing. Really I was.”

“You mean it’s not James’ birthday on Saturday?” She asked feeling slightly confused and frowned, waiting for his answer.

“Oh yes, most definitely James’ birthday, he will be thirty, but hey, if you need to get back home to get married, we will drop everything and take you home first. Maybe we can celebrate his birthday at your reception.” He laughed, “Just in case you change your mind before your wedding night and we can whisk you off into the night!” He exclaimed waving his arms in the air.

Dawn had to laugh, “Andy, may I call you Andy?” She asked giggling at his lopsided grin. He was definitely doing his best to lighten her mood.

“Only, if I can call you Dee?”

Dawn smiled and punched his arm, “I guess it’s Dee and Andy then. Pleased to make your acquaintance Andy.”

“And I’m very pleased to meet you Dee.”

~~~

Dawn woke to a soft tapping noise. When she opened her eyes she could not recall where she was or why? She lay there trying to fathom out where she was, when the tapping sounded again and a man’s voice asked if she was okay.

“Yes,” she called out, propping herself up on one elbow, “I think I’m okay.”

“You decent?” The male voice asked through the door.

Dawn hesitated a moment checking herself over and replied “Yes.” Still trying to piece her thoughts together, the door opened and Andrew walked in carrying a tray with tea and toast and a large glass of orange juice. A pretty pink rose in a single glass vase surprised Dawn.

“Andrew, how thoughtful and the rose is so pretty, but you shouldn’t have worried I would’ve come to the kitchen for breakfast.” She offered, remembering where she was and why.

“Breakfast, mhmm … breakfast was four hours ago Dee. It’s noon already and I was a little concerned you weren’t waking up, so I decided to check on you and bring you something to hold the hungry wolves at bay.” His charming smile reached all the way to his blue eyes. “And I need to run into town to pick up a few fresh foods for us. Didn’t want you waking up alone in a strange house thinking you’d been abandoned.”

“I want to pay my own way while I’m here Andy. If you give me a few minutes, I’ll change and come with you.”

“Absolutely not, you’re my guest while you’re in my house and if you really want to come shopping with me, just for fun, we’ll go later this evening when its cooler and do a big shop to see us through this week. Right now you just relax and eat your brunch and I’ll be back in less than an hour.” He said while lifting her blinds and opening the French doors a little.

“Mmmm …. what a lovely cool breeze. Thanks Andy, you’re an absolute gem.”

“Very welcome Sweets, now keep that foot up and enjoy your brunch, I’ll be back before you have time to miss me, and if you feel up to it later, we’ll take a ride in the boat.” Andrew waved from the door, “Be good, back in a flash.”