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‘I do. Decided to check out Dolphin this morning after all our discussion about it. I can’t imagine this quiet bay being the site of a multistorey hotel and a haven for water sports – and all the rest.’ He gestured across the silent stretch of sand and sea.
Will shook his head. The image Ted’s words created wasn’t one he wanted to imagine. ‘It would be a disaster. We need to find a way of stopping it.’ He looked at Ted, wondering if had come up with anything new. ‘Time for a coffee? Maybe we can throw around a few ideas?’
Ted pinched the bridge of his nose and gazed up to the sky, then said, ‘I have to get back. Grace will be making breakfast. Why don’t you join us? If I know her, there’ll be plenty for one more.’
Will only hesitated for a second. ‘Thanks, I’d like that. It’s kind of you. If you’re sure she won’t mind?’ Will was aware Ted and Grace had only recently got together and become a couple when Grace moved into town. Both had been widowed and had grown up children. Coincidentally, Ted’s son was now living with one of Grace’s daughters.
‘I’m sure.’ Ted chuckled. ‘Grace always cooks more than we need as some days young Zack pops in on his way to school, and he’s not averse to a having a second breakfast.’
They walked up the beach together, stopping at Will’s van where Will pulled on his tee-shirt.
‘See you shortly,’ Ted said, climbing into his car and driving off.
Back at Ted’s home, Will was welcomed by Grace, who he’d only met on a few occasions, and a cat appeared seemingly from nowhere to wind itself around his ankles.
‘That’s Tiger,’ Grace said with a smile. ‘I hope you like cats.’
‘He’s a beauty,’ Will said, leaning down to scratch the cat, who reacted by closing his eyes and pushing his head into Will’s hand.
‘You’ve made a friend for life,’ Grace said. ‘He’d let you do that all day. Now why don’t you two wash your hands. I’ll have breakfast on the table in a jiffy.’
Will did as he was told, the aroma of fresh coffee mingling with the enticing smell of bacon and eggs frying reminded him of spending the night with Cleo. He automatically patted his stomach. If he continued to eat breakfasts like this, he’d need to increase his exercise regime.
During breakfast, Will enjoyed watching the easy interaction between Ted and Grace. It was instructive to see how in such a short time, they seemed to have fallen into a routine reminiscent of couples who’d been together for years. It reminded him of how it had been for him and Dee, and he was swamped by a feeling of loss mixed with the memory of sitting at Cleo’s table after spending the night with her in his arms.
For the first time he wondered if there could be a future for them together, if it was possible to have a second chance at happiness, to start over and recapture the sense of belonging he’d once known.
‘Thanks, Grace. That was an amazing breakfast. I’m surprised Ted has kept in shape if you provide this spread for him every day.’ Will placed his knife and fork on his empty plate.
‘Not every day,’ Grace said, ‘and he manages to burn it off.’ She looked at Ted with such an expression of love, Will was forced to avert his gaze. It seemed too intrusive to share such a private indication of their affection.
‘You’ll have a refill, Will?’ Ted asked, holding up his mug. ‘We can take it out to the deck and have a yarn.’
Will nodded, remembering why he’d come. He wanted to pick Ted’s brain for ideas. In the warmth of Ted’s house, in the memories it had invoked, he’d forgotten why he was there. ‘Sure.’ He waited while Ted refreshed their coffee then followed him out to the deck which provided them with an outstanding view of the beach.
While they bandied about a few ideas, they didn’t manage to come up with a solution which would stop the development, though Ted was of the opinion the presence of turtles nesting might have some effect.
‘It would be better if it was their only nesting place on this part of the coast,’ he said, ‘but sadly it’s not. I can hear them saying the creatures can easily find somewhere else to nest, though it’s not so simple. They return every year to the exact spot where they hatched. Try telling that to the diehards in favour of the construction. We need a strong case if we’re to take it to the Planning and Environment Court,’ Ted said at last.
Will stared at him in surprise. He’d forgotten Ted had been a lawyer before returning to his native Bellbird Bay when he retired. Of course, he’d be familiar with the legal channels they could pursue. Why hadn’t Will considered that sooner? But Ted’s next words brought him down to earth.
‘While it’s not one of my areas of expertise, I do have contacts who might help. It’s my understanding we’d need to apply for a directions order. We’d need funds for that, and for the legal representation. It won’t come cheap.’
They left it there, with Ted promising to seek further information, and Will undertaking to figure out how to raise the necessary funding, should it be necessary. Of course, if council knocked back the proposal, there’d be no need for further action.
It was good to spend time with his old friend, and now he had lunch with Cleo to look forward to.
After showering and changing into jeans and a short-sleeved pale blue shirt, more suited for his lunch date, Will dropped in to catch up with Owen, concerned to learn he and his housemates were intent on attending another protest, this one being organised by the Environmental Lobby and a group calling themselves,The Bay Against Masuko. Masuko was the name of the company behind the development. The freshly painted placards leaning against the wall with their slogans,Help Save Our Turtles, Save Dolphin BeachandNo High Rise Herewere testament to the protestors’ dedication, and, while Will admired their commitment, he didn’t agree with their methods.
*
When Cleo walked intoThe Bay Bistrowhich was filled with chattering groups enjoying lunch, Will rose to greet her with the smile her presence always elicited. She was smiling, too, but he noticed the hint of a worried expression in her eyes.
‘Hi, Cleo. How are you holding up?’ He gave her a peck on the cheek, breathing in the now familiar fragrance which always surrounded her.
‘Okay, I think. Seeing Kerri-Ann in the café yesterday was a shock. But I can deal with it.’ She smiled again as they both sat down. ‘How are you?’
‘I’m good.’ Will looked closely at Cleo as if he could reach inside her head to discover what she was really feeling.
