‘I guess it’s nice that people are looking out for others.’
‘There’s that.’
We sat in silence for a few minutes. It was still early on a Saturday and the city wasn’t yet fully awake. The sea slooshed over the pebbles, rattling them each time it withdrew.
‘People have been looking for you.’
I didn’t meet his eyes, instead trailing my finger over the bumps of the stones beside me.
‘What for?’
‘Because they were worried about you. Because they saw a heartbroken post on your blog. Because you wouldn’t answer their calls.’
‘It’s better that way.’
Alex rolled his lips together. ‘Nope. Not sure it is. Besides, from what I know of you, you’re not the kind of person to let something stew.’
‘I wasn’t letting anything stew. I was clearing my head.’
‘Uh huh. And is it clear now?’
‘Pretty much.’
‘Is that why you’ve been gazing out to sea since five a.m. on a weekend?’
‘Is there a law against that, then Officer?’ I quirked an eyebrow.
He smirked. ‘Smart arse. And no, there isn’t a law against it. But I still think you need to speak to him.’
‘Who?’
Alex gave me a look.
Worth a try.
I blew out a sigh. ‘I think everything has been said.’
‘So, why’s he been driving himself crazy to try and talk to you, then?’
I shrugged.
The silence hung again.
‘I didn’t know. When I went out with you, I mean. I honestly didn’t know that I felt that way about Charlie. It’s all been a bit of a surprise, to be honest. To everyone, it would seem. And not exactly a welcome one.’
‘I know things weren’t like that then – don’t worry about it.’
‘He hates me.’
Alex threw his head back and laughed. ‘Women.’
I narrowed my eyes at him. ‘Oh! Because men are so bloody perfect!’
He laughed again.
‘I can assure you Charlie does not hate you. Just talk to him.’
‘No,’ I said, standing. ‘There’s nothing to say. And he’ll be off to New York soon anyway and it’ll be done.’
