‘That’s a shame. My wife loves spring greens.’ He gave her a wave. ‘Never mind, I’ll try again in a few weeks.’
Her thoughts returned to their kiss and how they had almost got carried away. She wasn’t sure whether she should be grateful to the postman who’d arrived with mail, including a postcard addressed to them from Lindy and Gareth from Sint Maarten.
She walked slowly back to the yard.
Joe waved at her, looking as if he wanted to tell her something.
‘What is it?’
He held up his phone. ‘Just had a call from Bruno asking for your number to check if you would like to join him and Carlos for dinner.’
She wondered why she hadn’t thought to ask for Bruno’s number so she could call him herself. ‘Can I see his number and I’ll call him back now.’
‘Here you go.’ Joe brought up his contacts on his phone and held it out so she could see the screen.
She typed Bruno’s contact details into her phone, pressing Save. ‘Thanks.’
His phone rang again. He looked at the screen and scowled. ‘Sorry, I need to take this.’
She hoped nothing was wrong but Joe hadn’t seemed all that happy to get the call. He went to the kitchen and Skye focused on phoning Bruno. Her mind raced. Everything was happening so fast she could barely process all the changes in her life.
‘All good?’ Joe asked when she found him again in the kitchen with the dogs.
‘Yes, I’m meeting them tonight. Bruno suggested booking the table for seven-thirty at a restaurant in St Ouen’s Bay.’
‘Sounds good.’
‘It does,’ she said, feeling excited yet a little nervous. ‘I wonder when I’ll get to meet my other two brothers? Or either Carlos’s or Bruno’s partners.’
‘They probably want to take things slowly,’ Joe suggested. He gave her a hug. ‘You OK?’
‘I’m fine.’
‘I would offer to come with you but I’ve been called in to do a shift this evening.’
‘You have? But I thought you were given time off work.’
‘I was, but staff numbers are low and there have been a few larger emergencies recently and they need to make sure the crews have enough time off between shifts. I don’t mind.’ He shrugged. ‘I could still drop you off later though still if you want?’
She shook her head. ‘No, thanks. Bruno said they would give me a lift.’
He smiled at her. ‘If you’re sure you’re OK, I’ll go and pop in to see my mother and Roger now before getting ready for work. Apparently there’s some issue with my hot water tank they need me to sort out.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘Funny how they only call me when something is wrong.’ He laughed. ‘I shouldn’t moan, I’ve been happy enough to let them get on with things while I’ve been here.’
‘I hope it’s not difficult to sort out.’
‘If it is, I’ll call in the professionals.’ Joe pushed his phone into his back pocket and pointed to ominous-looking clouds out to the west of the island. ‘Looks like there’s a nasty storm coming our way this evening.’
Skye wasn’t sure that going to the bay to eat would be the best decision. ‘Will it be OK eating at the restaurant so close to the sea wall, if you think the storm will be bad?’
Joe laughed. ‘It’ll be fine. I always enjoy watching a storm from inside, and the place they suggested going to has large windows so there’ll be a great view as everything rages outside.’
Skye liked the sound of that. ‘All right then. Shall I meet you back here afterwards?’
‘Perfect. I’ll look forward to hearing all about it.’ A message pinged on his phone and Joe sighed. ‘I’d better get going. Have a great time.’
‘I’m sure I will,’ she assured him.
Skye watched him leave, excited to have something to look forward to that evening. She supposed Carlos might be ready for her next load of questions for him and decided to think about the ones she most needed answers to as she worked.
