‘Correct.’
‘Then I just don’t get it. You’ve found your man. He feels the same way about you. He told you he’d wait for you as long as it takes. He sent a text to say he misses you. You’ve removed your online profile because you don’t want to be with anyone but him. You decided to say no to Andy even before you learned the truth about him. You can’t stop thinking about Nick. You’re not eating properly, you’re not sleeping properly and you can’t imagine life without him. Yet you won’t do anything about it. You won’t phone him. You won’t go round to see him. You’re just prepared to – and I quote – “see what happens”.’
It sounded so stupid me avoiding Nick when Clare described it like that. But the thought of knocking on his door or phoning him up and having Blonde answer was too much to bear. ‘I’m scared of bumping into her,’ I admitted. ‘She’s slim, blonde and beautiful. I can’t compete with that.’
‘Bollocks!’ Clare said. ‘You’re curvaceous and beautiful and hair colour’s got sod all to do with anything. If you put yourself down again, I’ll slap you.’
‘Ooh, so masterful,’ I joked.
Clare shook her head at me. ‘If the only thing that’s stopping you from getting back with the man of your dreams is the fear of running into her, then you need to think of a time or a place to catch him where she definitely won’t be.’
‘Like where?’
‘I don’t know. I’ve only met him once. Does he have any hobbies? Play any sports? Go anywhere she wouldn’t be?’
I shrugged. ‘He goes running along the beach a few times a week.’
‘Then take up running. Or go for a walk and accidentally bump into him.’
‘Been there, done that. Either he’s been running on every day I haven’t been or he’s stopped going.’
‘Then think of somewhere else.’
I sipped on my wine as I racked my brains. ‘Oh my God! I know! Lighthouse Point.’
‘Where?’
‘That rocky pier thing in South Bay with the lighthouse on it. He throws roses in the sea at two minutes past eleven on New Year’s Day and he always does it alone.’
The clock on the mantelpiece pinged. Midnight. Happy New Year!
‘Lighthouse Point it is, then.’ Clare raised her glass. ‘Perhaps it will be a Happy New Year for you after all. Sláinte.’
‘Sláinte.’ I was definitely happy with my lot in life but, if I was able to win Nick back, well… that would be the flake in my ice-cream.
‘Christ, this bench is cold on my arse.’ Clare wriggled her bum. ‘What’s the plan? Will you grab him the second he appears and declare your undying love?’
‘No. He likes to do this on his own so I’m going to respect that. I’ll show my face when he’s done.’
‘You’ll not be bottling it will you?’
‘I’m here aren’t I?’ I looked at my watch:10.58 a.m. If he liked to throw the roses in at 11.02 a.m. on the dot, he was cutting it a bit fine, especially as Lighthouse Point looked slippery so he’d need to watch his step.
New Year’s Day had arrived with a thick covering of frost. A bright sun in the clear blue sky made the ground sparkle like crushed diamonds. Clare and I had taken position on a bench overlooking Lighthouse Point ten minutes earlier. We could see the lighthouse clearly but it was unlikely Nick would look in our direction and, even if he did, there was no way he’d be able to tell it was us.
I grabbed Clare’s arm. ‘That’s him.’
‘Are you sure?’ She leaned forward. ‘Bloody sun. I can barely see.’
‘It’s Nick. I’d know him anywhere.’ I took deep breaths.
‘You’ll be grand. Just be honest with him. Tell him Andy was a mistake. Tell him he’s gone. Tell him you love him.’
‘You make it sound so easy.’
Nick slowly headed towards the lighthouse and sat down on a bench, looking out towards the sea. What was he thinking? Was he crying? Praying? Thinking about happy times with those he’d lost? I wished I were with him to give my support.
He stood up and took a couple of paces closer to the edge, presumably preparing to throw the roses in. Then he stopped and looked back down the pier. I followed the direction of his gaze to see a figure hurrying towards him.No, no, no! It can’t be.
