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We’re seated at one of the tables with the view over the cove harbour, as is becoming usual whenever we dine. It’s beautiful, with the sea and sun in the background.
The menu isn’t expansive, and I know what I’d like, so put it down and watch Jeremy. When he’s thinking or resting, he has that sad look about him that was always so intriguing when I’d sneak a look at him at school. At least he smiles at me now.
“Why did you stop at my table last year?” I ask. “You’ve always had plenty of opportunity to talk to me at school.”
He stares at me for a second. “Honestly, a few reasons. One, you were here, and I’ve never met anyone from back home here before. And I liked you. You’re pretty. More than pretty — you’re beautiful. Why wouldn’t I stop to say hi?” He smiles, and it lights up his eyes, but I think he’s just telling me what he thinks I want to hear.
“That’s a pretty good line, but you know what I mean.”
“It’s easier not to talk to girls at school. That’s all.” He sounds annoyed and looks back at the menu even though he must know every dish. I want to push again but think better of it. We’re here together now, and that’s all that matters.
We order, and I have the lobster like the first time I visited. It’s just as good as I remember.
When it’s time to leave, Jeremy simply stands up and takes my hand.
“Don’t we have to pay?” I look around, a little alarmed we’re walking out of an expensive restaurant. “I’ve got?—"
“We have a tab. We’re covered.”
“Oh. Right.”
The Bay is so close to the house we always walk, and as we make the journey back along the cobbled street, Jeremy’s hand is wrapped protectively around mine, and I like it there.
“Can I take you out?” I muse, feeling more uncomfortable about the amount of money that’s being spent.
“Sure.”
“No, I mean my treat. It would be different to what we’ve just had. There’s no butter served on slate plates.”
“Hey, I don’t mind where we go.” He moves to put his arm around my shoulder as we continue up the gentle incline.
“Molly’s.”
“Oh, you told me about that place.”
“It would be a nice change of pace. How do burgers and shakes sound?”
“Perfect. Tomorrow? We don’t have much time before you’re meant to be back with your mum.”
He’s right. It’s flown by — in a good way — but I already feel like the time now isn’t ever going to be matched. We’ll never have it again. It had already delivered on so many moments that all combined into a perfect summer. Cornwall always did that to me. It had something special, like it was in the air you breathed or the view you glimpsed. Add in Jeremy… I didn’t want it to end.
As we round the corner back to the house, a huge thundercrack echoes around the cove and rain empties from the clouds above.
I squeal from the chill as Jeremy squeezes my hand, and we make a run for it. Despite it only being a few hundred yards to the house, we’re dripping wet by the time we reach the door.
We both giggle as we drip water through the house as we come in.
“I better…” I look up at him, feeling the buzz of anticipation between us.
“Sure.”
We both go upstairs, and I go to my room. He goes to his.
I towel off, strip out of the wet clothes, and find my pyjamas. I’m too awake, too alive to sleep, so I drag a couple of pillows to the window and sit in front of it, cracking it open to listen to the rain.
I close my eyes, and a smile plays on my face as I think about our night.
And then the door clicks, and Jeremy sneaks in.
