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“That’s generous of you.” I rub his shoulder, offering him some comfort.
“Come on. I want to take you down to the Fort.”
“Fort?” I ask.
“It’s on the edge of the cliff looking over the swell. It’s where tourists and spectators watch, and it’s the best place to see the waves.”
“Okay. I’d like that.”
It’s only a few minutes by car, and we park up on a dirt track and walk the rest of the way. My hair is swept all over the place by the winds, and I hold it down as we get closer to the structure.
“You surfed that?” I stand on the edge near the lighthouse looking out at waves smashing against the cliffs. My eyes are transfixed on the swell. Seeing the sheer scale turns my stomach; a roll of nausea sweeps over me.
“Yeah. Although they aren’t too big today.”
“Seriously?” My voice squeaks as I turn to him before looking back at the sea. Seeing the waves in person makes it look so much more dangerous than I had pictured in my head after looking at the photographs in the shop or on the walls at home.
“Yeah. Nazaré is the pinnacle, and I was the best in the world at this once.” I cling to his arm in need of support as I take in the sheer enormity of what he used to do.
“Well, as someone who loves you, can I say that I’m pleased you’re not out there anymore. It looks crazy insane. I mean, how did you even attempt that?” I’m stunned, watching a wave form, grow, and then smash down onto the rocks below, sending white spray high into the air.
“Don’t worry. I won’t be back surfing any of these waves. I want to live the rest of my life more than I need to seek that thrill again.” He pulls me against him, wrapping me in his arms.
It’s an uncomfortable feeling. I’m pleased he’s not doing this anymore, for my own sanity, but saddened by what forced that decision.
The waves repeat as we stand in silence, watching over the spectacle below.
“Thank you for coming with me.”
“Of course.” I turn to face him, fighting with my hair to keep it out of my face.
Jayce takes my hand, and we walk around the tip of the cliff and back towards the car.
“Do you want to go anywhere else?”
I didn’t know what else to say or what I could do to help Jayce. He’s always been the one to be positive and look to the future, even when I wouldn’t listen.
“No. We’ll go get cleaned up and ready for tonight.”
We are having dinner with Archie and Bear tonight, along with a few others who knew Finnan well. A celebration to mark the date.
After showering, having a light lunch, and catching up with Archie and Bear, we all head into town to one of the local restaurants the guys loved. There’s a section towards the back with a large round table reserved for us.
Jayce introduces me to Mr Sanderson, the man I learned, who gave them their first shot at surfing professionally. He has salt and pepper through his hair, and his face has some deep lines that, no doubt, the sun helped along.
“Are Finnan’s family coming?” I ask as we take our seats.
“No. We visited them in Ireland for the funeral, but this is really for us.” He kisses the back of my hand and reaches for his water glass. I’ve never seen Jayce like this. He seems nervous, even though he’s amongst friends.
While the last guests sit, the owner comes over and greets everyone animatedly, all hugging and shaking hands, and to my surprise, Jayce speaks in Portuguese with him. They embrace like they are old friends, and then his servers set about pouring wine for everyone.
“You speak Portuguese?” I whisper to Jayce when he sits back down.
“I’ve been living here on and off for years. I picked it up.” He shrugs modestly.
“Any more surprises?” I jest, trying to lighten the mood.
“One or two.” And with that comment, I see the first genuine smile from Jayce since we arrived. He picks up his glass and raises it towards me. We clink, and I take a much-needed sip of wine.
