Rita’s eyes widened. ‘Oh, re Cass, nothing happened there; I soon put him straight that I was just being motherly notloverly!’
‘See, you and Jago are both following the guilty before proved innocent vein.’
‘Smartarse.’ Rita whacked Zenya’s arm playfully.
‘Now, would you like me to stay over or are you all right?’
‘I’m fine to be alone, but if you want a night on a comfy bed then of course do stay.’
‘I’d rather a night in my tent next to a sexy reflexologist if that’s OK with you.’
Basking in the quiet warmth Zenya left behind her, Rita sat back. The radio play ended, and putting a hand to her tummy, she let herself sink into the stillness.
TWENTY-EIGHT
The moon hung low over Seahaven Bay, silvering the waves and casting long shadows across the sand. Rita tightened her denim jacket around her bump and took a deep breath, inhaling the sharp tang of sea salt. Tonight was the final moonlight mantra, the last night of the retreat where guests would gather to hopefully release something that may have been holding them back.
‘All right, everyone, circle up.’ Zenya’s voice floated over the surf, calm but commanding. ‘No phones, please. Like last time. Just you, the stones and the tide.’ Teo handed around the mica-flecked stones that he had helped to find earlier as Zen continued. ‘Think of something or someone you’re ready to let go of. Fear, guilt, grief, self-doubt, past mistakes… anything. You may find being with mainly yourself and the elements for the past couple of weeks has helped. And if it hasn’t hopefully you’ve had a lovely time anyway. There are no drinks or snacks down here tonight; it’s too chilly. I’ve made us vegetarian pizzas to enjoy back at the Cosy Café as planned, straight after.’
Cass stood up. ‘I’ll go first.’ He turned the stone over in his hand, jaw tight. He swallowed. Then his face softened, a mischievous glint appearing. He looked at Rita and winked.‘Maybe I’ve finally realised I prefer older women after all.’ Before everyone could react, he added, ‘But that’s not all of it, of course.’ He grinned his cheeky grin. ‘I know that to cry is not a weakness and that I must keep talking about my mate. Hoops was a diamond of a bloke, and I don’t want the way he died to define him.’ He lifted his arm. ‘This one’s for you, mate. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you, but I understand now, nobody could.’ He threw the stone with all his might. Everyone’s eyes were glistening in the moonlight when he sat back down, cross-legged on his rug.
Priya gave him a gentle pat on the back. ‘You did it. Well done, love.’
Davie’s shoulders sagged as he held his stone. ‘I… I’ve been carrying a lot of anger’ – his eyes cast down – ‘most of it unfounded.’ He made a hiccup noise and everyone, aside from Imogen, held their breath for fear of another monsoon of sobbing, but he remained steady. ‘I’ve realised I bloody love crying.’ Everyone couldn’t help laughing. ‘Well, the feeling of release after it, anyway.’
‘That’s so good to hear,’ Rita inputted with a slight smile. ‘We’ve loved having you here, Davie.’
‘Thanks, Rita, you’ve been such a support for me.’ His voice began to wobble.
‘I’m always here, love; pick up the phone anytime, or better still come and see us again.’
‘I may well do that. I’ve thought long and hard about a few things. One being my weight. I don’t want to be bullied into being thinner. And for once I’m really thinking about what I want to do with my life. I’m going to get help with my self-esteem issues and then who knows? But the main thing is I feel lighter, so much lighter in myself.’ He threw the stone gently into the waves to small cheer from the group, including Imogen!
Priya’s toss was precise, deliberate. She didn’t look at anyone, just straight ahead. ‘I want to trust my instincts’ – she paused – ‘and take the leap to set up my own reflexology clinic, maybe even here, in Seahaven Bay. If I can.’
‘You should.’ Rita smiled. ‘I’ve been thinking about it. I’m happy to offer up one of the outhouses for a trial at the retreat if that helps.’ Both Zenya and Priya took an intake of breath. ‘Let’s talk before you go,’ Rita mouthed as the serene woman sat down.
Odette stayed sitting. She pushed her arm into the air. ‘I’ve decided to change my genre to erotic romance, and I’ve actually written a couple of chapters.’ Everybody cheered loudly. ‘And I’m subjecting you to a bit of it right now.’ Imogen raised her eyebrows.
Odette’s fingers trembled slightly as she lifted her phone, swallowed hard and began to read aloud, voice low and controlled: ‘We got back to the yurts, and he leaned over my shoulder, whispering secrets that made my skin tingle in places I didn’t know I could feel. The brush of his arm traced the line of my ribs, warm and deliberate, and the scent of him, woodsmoke, sea air, and something darker, wrapped around me, impossible to resist. My heart raced as the stocky builder pressed closer, each word he breathed igniting a fire in me I thought I’d forgotten.’
Cass, who had been lounging casually, sat upright. ‘Wait… is that supposed to be me?’ He laughed. ‘Not guilty, your honour.’
Odette’s cheeks burned. ‘Maybe.’ There was a mischievous quiver in her voice.
Cass’s lips curved in a slow, teasing smile. ‘Filthy,’ he muttered. ‘But always open to a bit of research.’ Rita winced but laughed softly, shaking her head.
Odette’s stone dropped quietly with a soft splash.
Imogen also stayed seated, stone in hand, her voice low. ‘I’ve had a suitable time, thank you. So much so that I’ve booked to come back during the wedding weekend.’
‘I saw that, thank you.’ Rita nodded. ‘Could be a bit noisy as the other yurts are taken up by wedding guests.’
‘That’s good. I’m coming with my mate who’s getting married. Thought we could check it out then.’ Imogen just dropped her stone back down without throwing.
Zenya stood herself. ‘That was beautiful. All of you, every single intention counts tonight, however small. Teo?’
Teo got up and stood towards the sea. ‘I never thought I’d feel this…contento.’ The cool breeze tugged at his black hair. He spread his arms wide like he was embracing the universe. ‘I mean, look at this place. The sea, the stars… I love it here and meeting all the people and I find my love with my Jude and my Rita. I feel like I belong.’
