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We both chuckle, then he lowers his lips to mine and we exchange a leisurely kiss.
When he eventually moves back, I run my hands through my hair and wince. “I might take a quick shower. My hair’s full of sand and all sticky from the sea.”
“Sure—or would you prefer a bath? It’s big enough for both of us.”
“Ooh, that would be nice. First, though, do you mind if I ring home? I just want to check they’re all okay.”
“Of course. Look, I’ll set the bath running, then take Gus out for a last quick walk. By the time I come back the bath should be done.”
“Okay.”
He puts the plug in the bath and turns the taps on, then grabs Gus’s lead. He gives me a quick kiss, then leaves, the door closing slowly behind him.
I retrieve my phone and go onto the balcony as I call my parents’ house. I watch Mack and Gus exit the front of the hotel and cross the path to the grassy verge above the beach. Mack strides out, as usual, Gus having to jog to keep up with him.
“Hello?” It’s Kate.
“It’s only me.”
“What are you calling for? I thought you’d be partying the night away.”
“Just wanted to check up on everyone.”
“Aw,” she says, and I can tell she’s smiling. “We’re all right. We’ve just finished watching a movie, and we’re having supper now. Dad perked up a bit after his sleep and said he was hungry. They’re cheerful enough.”
“And are you and Liam okay?”
“We’re fine, Sid. Stop worrying.”
“Okay.”
“Go and enjoy yourself. You deserve it.” She hesitates. “I’m sorry it’s been such a strain on you. It’s not fair. I feel guilty that I haven’t been able to help.”
I trail a toe through the dusting of sand on the tiles. It’s true that it’s been a tough couple of months with repeated visits to GPs and specialists, as well as all the stress with the money. But it’s not her fault. Liam is Australian and has a big family over there, and she now has a job there, so it’s not as if she can just drop everything to come over to New Zealand whenever she feels like it. I’m lucky she’s here at all.
“It’s fine,” I say. “We managed.”
“Well, anyway, I’m glad to be able to help while I’m here. Are you having a good time?”
“Oh yeah. We spent the afternoon at the beach, and now we’re in a hotel in Paihia. It’s gorgeous, right on the seafront.”
“I guess there are some benefits to going with a billionaire,” she teases.
I examine my fingernails. “It’s not about his money.”
She sighs. “I’m sorry.”
“I know he paid for Dad’s treatment, but I don’t want it to be about that. He doesn’t want me to feel obliged to go out with him, you know? And I don’t want to think about his money. It’s just crass.”
“Yeah, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“I like him, Kate. He’s smart and funny and hot, and I think he’d make me feel like a million dollars even if he didn’t have a cent to his name.”
“Aw, you’re so sweet. Well, go and have a great evening. You’re coming back tomorrow, right?”
“Yeah, mid-morning I think.”
“We’ll see you then. Take care.”
