We all have our childhood nemesis - the bully, the prettiest girl in school, the most popular, the funniest, the brightest and the list goes on and on. It is all dependent on which category, and there could be more than one, that threatened your existence when you were an innocent in what was supposed to be a world of equal opportunity.

Things didn’t change for a long time, or what seems like forever, when you were growing up. However, at some stage between the ages of eighteen and eighty we mature and see things for what they really are.

Life isn’t always fair!

Once you become acquainted with that particular disenchantment, you can expect, and do, become like the vast majority of our species ready to proceed along whatever path is open to you. As you carry on, there is a degree of certainty that things will work out in some satisfactory way that will suit you as an individual.

Or that’s the theory anyway!

I can testify that now, at forty-five, my life is settled. I love the work I do and the friends I have. My home life is easy going with only my cat Ferdinand (Ferdy) to worry about when I need a vacation. Fortunately for me, and Ferdy, our home is by the beach, in a wonderful part of the world. I have a number of friends who will gladly cat-sit for me if I decide to opt for a vacation.

If anyone asked me now what I am afraid of I’d have to say not a great deal. Ok, I’ve replaced my childhood fears with a healthy aversion, if you can call any aversion healthy, to mice and giant spiders. The latter seems to have a knowledge best suited to a clairvoyant always appearing in my tub the exact moment I decide to take a relaxing bath. With all that aside, I’d call myself pretty darn happy with my lot in life. I pride myself that I don’t have a bad word to say about anyone that I know personally and I hope they haven’t for me.

Alas, what I hadn’t bargained on was a disruption to my ordered life coupled with the realisation that some fears were only buried superficially. Because a week ago my world tipped back three decades when along came Sally!

* * *

Just for the record, my name is Angela Barossa and I’ve lived in this small town all of my life. My parents were born here and came from true emigrant Italian fishing stock. My grandparent’s profession does not sustain the family any more. My parents decided that real estate was the game and made a tidy profit buying and selling properties in the early years. Eventually the business was passed on to me when they retired to the city. A lifetime by the sea in a small town had been enough for them and they wanted more adventure. I suspect my eyes rolled at the time when they came up with that particular reason for leaving. Now, on reflection, I can’t see them being any place else. They love the hustle and bustle of the city and have a small but perfect apartment in the centre of what might be called a bohemian area. They love it and I am happy for them.

Barossa Realty is situated in the centre of the town’s main street which is one of only two streets of note. Ours is the only real estate agency in town. Though we aren’t cheap, we don’t over charge our customers which have made us a family firm to be proud of. Other realtors have tried and failed in the town as they attempted, when living by the beach became a vogue to the city wealthy, to ride on the band wagon of the beach being a popular spot for second homes. My parents had prided themselves on being able to offer the community who wanted to stay here the opportunity to do so with their families. What was left on offer went to the highest outside bidder and I’d made a hefty profit with a couple of smart private purchases of my own in the past. At the end of the day, there was a healthy mix of what was good for the community and what was good for the bank balance.

I share my office with my associate Jane Campion who is ten years younger than me. After three failed marriages and constantly moving out of a shared domain she decided that it was time to put down her own roots. That is how we met. She was reeling from her third divorce and I’d been given the reigns to the business and needed an assistant. I helped her find her dream home in her particular price range and she showed me that she had a natural flare for what was good and bad in a house. Subsequently, I offered her a job shortly after we had viewed one of the homes she was considering. That was five years ago - how time flies.

I told you it was a week ago didn’t I? Ah yes, of course I did. Jane and I were in the office as usual on a Friday afternoon discussing whether to close an hour early. That way we could celebrate my forty-fifth birthday with a few beers and a pool game at Starkie’s bar which was one of my favourite haunts.

A few minutes later, as I was locking up the filing cabinets and Jane was collecting the placards situated on the sidewalk, a fax began to shoot through the machine. My eyes glanced at the offending machine and I contemplated ignoring it until the next day until I heard the final beep indicating it was done. Jane was in charge for the Saturday hours and I had the Sunday part-time hours; it worked well for both of us. Jane being a devout religious person refused to work on a Sunday. I, on the other hand, was what she merrily called a philistine and she was probably right on the button. I think the only time I go to church is the usual three events, births, deaths and marriages. Should I  or shouldn’t I read it? Of course otherwise I’ll be thinking about its contents if I don’t sneak a peek. I walked briskly over to the machine and plucked the A4 sheet from the paper tray and glanced at its contents.

“Hey, anything of interest? You look like you’ve seen or read about a ghost.” Jane’s voice brought me out of my seemingly numb state. I must have been standing there like a fool holding a piece of paper with my mouth wide open.

“What? No, no nothing like that. Here read it,” I passed the sheet over to Jane and waited for her to say something. As I sat down heavily in my chair I thought that beer we’ve been talking about sounds like a great idea right about now.

I didn’t have to wait long as Jane whistled and with a cheerful note in her voice read the contents to me out loud.

Required for immediate purchase:

Returning resident of this area needs a property with views over the sea, lighthouse and peer. Minimum two bedrooms must be in excellent condition and fully modernised. No price limit.

“Wow this is great. I love the last part…no price limit. Do you know this person Angela?”

Do I know this person…do I? Of course I do.How could I ever forget her? She was my nemesis at school. Through all my formative school years from the age of five to fifteen that person had been in my face constantly or so it appeared to me back then. “Yes, I know her.”

I saw Jane turn her head and I had no choice but to look squarely into her eyes. She must have seen something there that was unusual for she asked me directly, “Is this a problem for you?”

Shaking away the notion that someone I hadn’t seen in thirty years had any meaning in my life I replied briskly, “don’t be silly Jane. I think I know just the place.”

I stood up and smiled weakly. “Let’s go have that beer. I’ll tell you my ideas for a property and you can answer the enquiry tomorrow.”

“Wow this could be a big deal. Don’t you want the commission?”

I had to consider my words carefully before I replied to that perfectly good question. Especially in light of the property I had in mind the commission would be sweet. Though, I would still, as owner of the reality business, have a bite of the cherry too just not as much. “I’ll get commission Jane. Don’t forget I own the business.”

With that we locked up the shop. Jane had apparently been thankfully appeased with my answer. As we walked into the bar and purchased our drinks we saw a free pool table and put down our money and began to play.

An hour later the question I was dreading finally dropped into our conversation and I knew I would have to answer it. Though how much truth and how much fiction I could spin had me battling inside.

“Angela, what do you know about Sally Maguire?”

I knew Jane’s motives were purely business. It was a useful part of a realtor’s game if they researched or had prior knowledge of what a client liked or disliked in a property.

“What do I know…?”

My mind drifted to the first time I’d had ever set eyes on Sally Maguire…

My eyes bulged as I gazed at the child who was seated next to me in my very first class. She was like no one I had ever seen before. Her hair was a thick crown of gold, which topped a face that looked to me like an angel on top of the Christmas tree. Her body, at first sight, could be called fragile. She was one of those children that everyone who met her adored immediately. At least that’s what my five-year-old brain was telling me or perhaps that was my interpretation of back then. Whatever it was, I felt totally sidelined beside her. I had swarthy dark skin of Mediterranean decent and dark often unruly curly hair, along with chubby features, which, in contrast, made me look like a fat gremlin. It didn’t take long to make me realise that some people were born to be the centre of attention. Others either lavished attention on that person or were suitably left out in the cold.

Siberia descended on me in a short space of time as Sally became the most popular child and I, because of my shyness, the least liked one. As our junior years crawled by I found that I was an average student and yes, of course, Sally had the brains to go with her looks. I did in time make my own friends but was never able to become one of the inner circles that belonged with Sally.

If you were to ask me now if I really wanted to be part of that scene I’d ask you which planet did you come from? Of course I did it was the only place to be.

Life could have dealt me a little slack by allowing our paths in high school to go separate ways, but oh no, not my life. There is a truth I’ve always believed - someone up there enjoys a good joke from time to time. But why did it have to be at my expense.

Anyway, to cut a long story short we attended the same class for every semester until we reached the age of fifteen. To make matters even worse I’d turned my puppy fat, as my dad always called it, into adolescent bulges reminiscent of my mother and her figure. Let’s say she has a matronly shape which would have looked good on the catwalk for the oversized. And, I had the misfortune to be seated next to the girl with the most enviable figure imaginable.

Sally Maguire went from being the most popular and prettiest girl in juniors to an all round stunner who had every jock on campus vying for her attention. I, on the other hand, was lucky to have a guy give me a second glance. Not that I cared for boys didn’t interest me back then and truthfully never have. I guess right now it would be fair to say that as a five year old I had been smitten by an angel and have never fully recovered. Not that I would ever admit that to anyone.

Over the years it was something I smiled about on occasion especially when my mother would hassle me about producing grandchildren. What it comes down to is that for ten years I was constantly in the grip of a crush on someone who didn’t know I existed even though I was barely feet from her most of the school year. As the years progressed I did often wonder what had happened to her. She’d moved suddenly in our final year which I thought was rather thoughtless of her parents and a sad blow for me. She might not have known I was alive but at least I saw her most days. Now, after all these years, she was returning to her home town which in itself that was a mystery. Why come back at all?

“Have I lost you?” Jane’s voice brought me back to reality as I gave her a wry smile.

“Nope I was thinking that’s all. Actually the last time I saw her she was fifteen. She had the perfect figure and looks that strike most of us with envy coupled with being intelligent enough to score in the top five for every subject. Beyond that, I don’t really know her.” My words were absolutely correct. At the end of the day that was all I did know about Sally Maguire - not much at all.

Jane pulled at her lower lip. “I bet the property you are thinking of is the Grey’s House?”

I smiled warmly at Jane for she was right on the button. The Grey’s house had entered the market about two years ago after the death of its long time owner. Although it was a marvellous place and had all the right views for a full appreciation of the area it was highly priced and it was stipulated that it could only be sold to someone who had been born in the area. The locals who envied the property hadn’t the means to purchase at such a high value. I tried but failed to convince the lawyer to lower the price. I had even thought of investing in the place myself if there were no takers in another six months. “Yes that’s right, I’m sure that the lawyer will be pleased if this sale goes through for it will finish his final asset under Muriel’s will.”

It was no secret that Muriel Grey had no living relatives and the will had stipulated that the money from her possessions would go towards the up-keep of the town hall. The mayor was going to be excited if he could finally get his hands on the bulk of the estate.

“Do you want to catch some dinner Angela?” Jane asked, discreetly glancing at her watch.

“Isn’t it your book club evening?”

“Yes, but if you want to go…” She shrugged. “It is your birthday.”

“Don’t worry about me, Mom and Dad, are due over tonight around nine. I’ll have supper with them.” It was true my parents were coming by. They were on their way to meet up with old friends on their yacht for several weeks’ vacation on the high seas. Maybe they would be hungry and there was Ferdy to consider. I’m sure he’ll want some attention and fresh chicken for dinner.

Half an hour later we said our goodbyes and headed in opposite directions.

* * *

After returning from the bar I spent almost two hours slaving over the stove to prepare a meal for my parents. As predicted they arrived around nine and seemed delighted that I had cooked for them. They were like many like many other seniors who had embraced retirement with a vigour putting their own children to shame with their enthusiasm for life. My father was his usual cheerful self full of the odd wisecrack that he’d picked up in one of his social gatherings. My mother was, as always, a bundle of energy. She rummaged through my weekend laundry and clucked like a mother hen that things could be done in a much more orderly fashion. Leaving smelly laundry in the house all week wasn’t the most hygienic solution in her eyes, or mine, but time seems to race by as the work week progresses. I accepted her words with my usual deference to her strong will and rolled my eyes at Ferdy. My cat was now hiding in his basket on the top shelf of the hot water cupboard. He would be there until my parents left early in the morning.

We were sitting around the table after dinner talking over a few family matters when my mother asked, “How’s the business doing?”

“Good. Pretty good considering it is the slow season. Winter does have a marked run down on sales. I’m expecting better things starting spring. Prices are still buoyant.” I drank my wine and settled back in my chair with what must have been a reflective expression on my face because my father asked the next question.

“Any thing new that you want to share?” he asked gazing directly at me. I had my father’s eyes, piercing grey orbs though not as intelligent. I wish I had even a smidgen of his brain power sometimes.

I considered that question carefully and gave him a rueful smile. “I might have interest the Grey House?”

I knew that would spark curiosity. The house had been a problem and they had often advised me to pass on its long term run on my books. Hopefully my perseverance might pay off as it was a beautiful place. I was half a mind not to have Jane mention it at all however, I already owned two properties in town and a third would eat all my capital. In my particular profession one never knew what was around the corner and having a nest egg was prudent.

“Really? Who?” Even with their years away from town they still kept in touch with most of their friends. They probably knew more about what was going on in town than I did.

“I left work this afternoon I had a tentative enquiry before from someone who might fit the bill. Time will tell I guess. It’s too early yet. Jane will contact the prospective buyer tomorrow.” My tone was low key feigning disinterest but my mother knew me better.

“Ok, who is it Angela? I sure as hell know it isn’t anyone currently in town.”

Why is it that your mother is always right?

“Sally Maguire. You might recall…”

Oh, they recalled alright, but it was the information that they threw into the conversation that amazed me. I had never heard it before.

“Why Sally is your age isn’t she Angela? You attended school together didn’t you?” Before I could reply my mother began again. “John Maguire was such a lovely man. I still can’t believe she did that to him and caused all that upset. Such a shame really. It must have been heartbreaking for those poor girls.”

My mind was reeling who did what to whom? This was the first I’d heard of any scandal or was it my mother and her over active imagination.

My father piped in, “Yep, Johnny was a great guy. A real pity. It was like he and the girls kind of fell off the face of the earth.”

I held my hand up and leaned forward in my chair. “Hey guys, what’s the story?”

My mother with her chubby pretty features gazed at me in astonishment. “How many years have you lived here Angela?” she said in amazement. “You haven’t heard about this? I guess thirty years is a long time and people eventually do forget.”

“Yes mother, people forget. All I know is that Sally left high school early and that was it. No explanation.” Or maybe there had been but I hadn’t been in the right circle to know.

My father stood up and wandered over to the window that overlooked the beach. Even in winter as the moon glanced off the breaking waves it held a fascination that was totally different to the daylight hours.

“Well, back then I guess it was a scandal. These days that kind of situation it’s ten a penny. Johnny’s wife ran off with the local preacher. Shauna Maguire was a mature version of her girls and believe me she turned all the men’s heads. I’d be a lying fool not too admit my eyes travelled in her direction when she walked down the street.” At that comment my mother clucked at my father as she wagged a finger at him. I could see that this was old news and had not affected their relationship in any way. I knew my parents had a bond that superficial beauty would never sever.

“The local preacher? You don’t mean Pastor Henri? I always wondered what happened to him.” I was incredulous and they both laughed at me.

“Ah Angela you have a small town way of looking at things. If I didn’t know you better I’d say you were shocked.”

I pursed my lips and scowled. My father moved past my chair and kissed the top of my head. “Long may naivety remain within you Angel.”

“What happened?” I gave both my parents what I hoped was a calmer demeanour. Darn it all. This was news to me. It might be old to them but very, very new to me.

My mother moved closer to my father who had sat down next to her on the sofa. They clasped hands as memories were dredged up of that time.

“Shauna had been having an affair with the pastor for almost a year some said. Both of them had families. Of course you know the Maguire family, John and the three girls. Well, Pastor Henri had a young wife and a baby son. A few remarked that the affair started when the wife was barely pregnant. Anyway, that summer it must have come down to leave town together or break up because they stole away in the night without a word. No one knows what happened to the Maguire family after that. Out of shame they just picked up and left never venturing back until now it would seem.”

I was shocked, genuinely shocked particularly as I’d never heard of this before. People talk, they always do in small towns. It was as natural to gossip in this environment as it was to breathe. “What about the pastor’s family?”

Both my parents shrugged. It would have been comical if we hadn’t been talking about such a tragic episode in people’s lives. “Danielle left within a day or so of the Maguire’s. No one knows what happened to her or the child.”

I stood up and expelled an exasperated breath. “Are you telling me that not only is this particular tale of events never talked about, but that the whole thing is shrouded in mystery? I just don’t believe it! One thing I do know after living here all my life is that someone knows something.”

My parents eyed each other and then my father spoke for them both. “We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow darling we need our sleep. We’re leaving at seven and don’t expect you to see us off.”

Standing, I gazed at them. The subject matter apparently closed as far as they were concerned. “You know I’ll be up. Want any breakfast before you leave?”

My mother smiled warmly. When hadn't I made breakfast for them when they visited? It would be unusual if I didn't. They accepted with a twinkle in the eyes. I was then subjected too goodnight hugs reminiscent of when I was growing up with whispered happy birthdays. They left me to my musings as they shut the door behind them.

I looked at the clock. It was ten after midnight and if I was going to do the hostess thing in the morning I’d need to be up by six. Yawning, I switched off the lights and checked the locks on the doors. With a quick glance at Ferdy, who happily was settled in his warm perch, I wished him goodnight and climbed the stairs.

Tomorrow I was going to make some enquires of my own. There must be a reason why no one in the town talked of the Maguire family and what had happened. If I didn’t find out that way…Hmm, one person who might be heading to town would definitely know. But, would I have the courage to even speak to her?

* * *

The Coffee-Break was the liveliest café in town. In the seasonal months when the town throbbed with activity a couple of others opened but couldn’t measure up to the ambience of the Coffee-Break. I’d been coming here since I was a teenager. It was initially because my best friend Alex’s parents ran the place. Alex had left the town years ago wanting to live in a much larger, more fashionable city hundreds of miles away with her own family. Alex’s parents had retired and now their eldest son, Rowan, ran the café along with his partner Dave. At first, the fellow’s relationship had been a scandal, but times change and he was one of our own so eventually the town’s people accepted, to a degree, the alternative lifestyle. Besides, they made the best darn coffee and bagels for a hundred miles around and that alone was forgiveness in most people’s eyes. I scanned the tables and saw the usual mix of regulars and the odd passing through day-tripper. Then I saw who I was hoping to see, Harriet Downing the local gossip. What she didn’t know about the town hadn’t been spoken or done yet. She was the perfect person to find out more about the Maguire’s.

I walked across to Harriet’s table with a smile that had to be tugged out of me. Harriet wasn’t the most liked woman around. Generally, if you saw her walking around the corner it was wiser to avoid her than be in her line of sight. "Hi Harriet, do you mind if I join you?"

Harriet Downing peered up from reading her dog-eared book. Her spectacles were shinning and the artificial light from the overheads bounced off them like a spike of electricity. Harriet, in her mid-sixties, was the secretary of the local paper and a member of the town council. I knew she had been married at one time but I hadn’t taken any particular interest in knowing the circumstances of why her husband was no longer a part of her life. Maybe what I am going to ask is not a good idea. Unfortunately, it was too late to change my mind because she gave me a wide smile motioning for me to sit opposite her. Dutifully I sat down and she immediately began to speak.

“I see your parents were here on a fleeting visit. The weather in the Caribbean will be wonderful for that cruise with the Armstrong’s.” What did I tell you…this woman knew it all!

Closing my eyes briefly, I summoned up my patience and smiled weakly. “Yes, they’ll have a great time they usually do.”

My coffee and bagel was placed on the table by Rowan who winked at me wickedly as he passed onto the next table.

“Now my dear, how are you? How is the real estate business these days?” I wasn’t sure if this was genuine interest or merely a fact finding mission. Nevertheless, I volunteered a little information telling her I was well and the business was steady for this time of the year.

Harriet at length gave me her version of the weather forecast and its impact on the forthcoming season. She then told me about her grave doubts about some of the newer business propositions for the beach front. Thereby duly extolling the merits, or not, of the purposed changes in the community. Eventually she stopped to drink her tea and bite into her scone filled with cream and jam. Eyeing her plate, my stomach lurched at the thought of the sweet pastry at this time of day. Breathing in deeply I took the opportunity to ask my question.

“Do you recall the Maguire family? They lived in town over thirty years ago.” I asked in a nonchalant way. However, the beady eyes of the woman immediately rose to capture mine with a searing glance. Harriet swallowed her mouthful and daintily placed the napkin to her lips to remove the odd crumb that lodged there before speaking.

“The Maguire family? A little, why do you ask?”

I tore my eyes from hers, glanced down at the plastic table cover and traced my finger over the bold flower pattern. “No special reason. The name cropped up in conversation recently. I went to school with one of the girls…Sally.”

Harriet’s voice took on a melancholy tone as she spoke again, “Ah yes, poor Sally.”

Poor Sally? How on earth can anyone ever think of Sally Maguire as being poor? She has everything, everything! “Do you know what happened to them?”

“Such a tragedy for the family,” she said sorrowfully. “I believe certain stories are better left alone Angela.”

I bit my lip for a moment. “You do? I heard that the mother left with another man. That situation happens all the time.”

Harriet gave me a long suffering look. “You young people think it is so easy these days to give up on a relationship. When a mother runs out on her young it’s a tragedy my dear of the highest moral order. In that woman’s case, it was a double travesty!”

Okay it appears I’ve hit a nerve. I don’t know if Harriet Downing was on the best of terms with the Maguire or the Henri families back then, but I have a feeling I’ll find out. “I didn’t mean to make it a trivial matter Harriet. Sometimes things don’t work out no matter how hard we try. I was wondering why I’d never heard any mention of it that was all. All I recall is that the family left town suddenly.”

Harriet gave me a scowl then she picked up her tea and drank heavily from the cup. She replaced to cup on the saucer so firmly it rattled the table with the force of her action “The town has a lot of respect for the privacy of both the families. No one wanted to cause anymore hurt to them than they had already experienced. Not only that, but many of the people in town were affected on a personal level. It hit the town hard and the best thing for everyone was to move on and forget it ever happened.”

Her words sounded genuine which was remarkable for a woman who loved to gossip as much as she did. There I was foolishly thinking that the one person I thought would be happy to gossip about an old event was as clamped up as my parents. How very strange. “That’s okay Harriet I wouldn’t want to dredge up old memories.”

Thankfully Harriet had an appointment and I was left alone at the table. Contemplating what to do next, I looked across the street to my office and wondered, should I or shouldn’t I?

Nope.Today I’ll go for a walk on the beach and clear my head of things that have nothing to do with me. It is all past anyway. What does it matter to anyone.

Except, for some perverse reason, it mattered to me!

* * *

Saturday had turned out to be better than I’d hoped. My interest in the Maguire family skeletons had diminished when reaching my house and switching on the lights the fuse box in its wisdom decided to short on me. Three hours later, after failing in my attempts to fix the problem, I called in George Sheffield the electrician from the next town. For many years George’s father was the electrician for our town, but died of a heart attack and George, who already had a thriving business of his own, decided to close up his father’s business. I guess it isn’t until you need the services that you realise that maybe a resident electrician in town is a good idea. George made his appearance around six in the evening giving me the opportunity to be decadent by reading by candlelight and watching the surf for several hours. I have to confess the relaxation of doing absolutely nothing had been a boon.

“I take it that someone who isn’t a professional electrician has been dabbling with the fuses?” George said as his flashlight scanned the fuse box. George was a nice man - nothing striking at all in appearance or personality he was just…nice. He was my age and we had attended the same high school, which meant that he knew…

“George, do you recall a girl back in high school named Sally Maguire?”

Needless to say by his melting expression I figured he was another who had a crush on her back then.

“Oh sure. Who in their right mind wouldn’t remember her? She was the best looking girl in school. Why do you ask?”

“My parents happened to mention the family recently that was all.” I tried not to show my interest but even George wasn’t fooled.

With a wink he grinned, or was it smirked, as he replied, “Shame the family had all those problems back then. Still, I guess if she came back here we’d recognise her. No one that good-looking could change that much.”

“I guess not.” He had known about the family problems too. How is it that I managed to be the only one in town who didn’t know anything about this?

An hour later my electricity was back to normal and George left me with a very reasonable bill for his efforts. I helped him and his family find their current home at a good price and he had always indicated if I ever needed any work done it would be at a sensible cost. He was true to his word.

As I flicked through the paper I was contemplating what to do with my Saturday evening now it was back on track. Usually I went to the cinema or Sharkie’s bar for a few drinks. Collecting my house keys, I checked that Ferdy was happy - when isn’t he? My cat has the life of luxury - then, I walked the five minutes towards Sharkie’s. On Saturdays you could always rely on several locals being there at any time you might drop in. Tonight was no different as I smiled at Christie the barperson and ordered my beer and sat down on a stool. I was in the middle of two regulars to the bar, Andrew Regan, who owned the local garage, and Dan Forester who managed the bank branch in town.

“Hi guys, how’s business been this week?”

Dan sipped his beer and smiled warmly at me. He was what I’d call a sensible guy who didn’t take chances in anything, not even his private life. He’d married his childhood sweetheart at twenty-one and now had two children who attended the local high school. He drove a small sedan and wore off the rack business suits most of the time. When he didn’t, pressed slacks with a shirt slightly open at the top button was his fashionable taste. Basically, he was mister average. He might moan like many about living in a small town, but he had never made any plans that I knew of to live elsewhere.

“The usual Angela. What about you? I imagine it’s kinda slow this time of the year I suppose.”

“Hmm, yes. It means I get to do some of the mountain of paperwork that I generally hate doing.” I could feel myself gritting my teeth at the thought.

Andrew Regan, grinning toothlessly at me, poked me gently in the arm. He had lost his four front teeth in a bar brawl after a football meet several years earlier. He refused to have the dentist make him look presentable. He called them part of his rakish looks which didn’t appear to deter the ladies. He always managed to have a woman on his arm at any of the local festivities. He was about ten years younger than me and had tried his natural charm on more than one occasion on me. He failed dismally of course - he was definitely not my type. But, we were good buddies instead and I would listen to his woes of financial troubles and love triangles more often than I care to remember.

“Hey Angi, Jane was showing the Grey House to someone today. Don’t tell me that old place has finally found a buyer?”

“Yes, we had an enquiry yesterday from an ex-local,” I finally managed to say in my best realtor voice. It was the one that indicated you were very knowledgeable about something when in actual fact you didn’t know a darned thing. Yes, I suppose Jane could have called me and there were times yesterday when I would have dearly loved to drop by and see how she was doing. Or more what was happening. However, we had a made a pact that unless it was absolutely imperative that we need contact each other on our days off it was taboo. Obviously Jane thought that yesterday was just another day.

“An ex-local hey, anyone we know?” Dan asked peering up from his beer. His interest peaked at the change in conversation.

“I can’t say for sure who it is. I wasn’t at work today. Jane knows the criteria for the house sale and won’t show it to anyone who doesn’t fit the bill.” I desperately wanted to ask them if they knew the Maguire family in any way. But, I dare not break my professional oath and speak out of turn about who might be interested in the property.

“Can’t understand why anyone would want to head back here if they had a place in the city,” Dan said with a degree of bitterness. In my eyes he only had to blame himself if he was still in the town. Surely his bank will transfer him elsewhere if he enquires about it. They have branches everywhere.

Andrew gave out a low wolf-whistle which was pitched differently from the norm since his missing front teeth changed the whole tone. Knowing him as well as we did, Dan and I both turned to look at the object of his interest. There has to be a female involved somewhere.

“Will you both take a look at what has just floated in this joint?”

Dan and I both did. Then Dan let out a slow breath of appreciation as the woman, who had walked in alone, stood at the entrance of the bar scanning the tables. It appeared as if she was looking for someone and then she turned her attention to the bar. I didn’t steer my eyes away fast enough as the most brilliant blue eyes caught me staring. I was trapped and my heart began beating as fast as it had ever done in my life, as she continued to stare directly into my eyes.

“Do you know her Angi?” Andrew whispered as he saw the woman’s attention locked on my seat.

“No, at least I don’t think so,” I managed to reply and then the gaze dropped as she began to walk towards the bar.

“Well, we’ll know soon enough she’s heading in this direction. Maybe it’s gonna be my lucky night.”

I wanted to kick Andrew for his crude remark. As my eyes followed the fluid movement of the woman heading towards us I couldn’t move. When she stopped next to Dan I thought a good move on her part. We all smiled inanely as she stared at us briefly before she gave us a small smile of her own.

I discreetly studied the woman’s face. Her bone structure appeared to have been sculptured and her face, which had a few lines around the eyes, was flawless. She had the most magnificent golden hair which was cut short. Her athletic looking body moved considerably more graceful than anything I could ever hope to accomplish. There was definitely something about her profile that was familiar. My eyes wandered to her hair again and it dawned on me exactly what was recognisable. Can this be Sally Maguire?Oh my god that woman is on my mind again. I really have to stop this sudden obsession with the woman. It was all a long time ago.

Andrew chose that moment to move off his chair, gallantly offering it to this stranger who, much to my surprise, accepted. She then ordered a beer and sat down next to me. Her perfume was subtle and mesmerising allowing my thoughts to drift to a field full of summer flowers where I was alone with this beautiful woman. I almost asked her the brand but changed my mind at the last moment. It was apparent to me that she was deep in thought as her eyes were focused on her drink.

Andrew once more spoke to the stranger. “Hi, I’m Andrew. Are you passing through?” Although I thought he was rather heavy handed in his approach, I had to applaud him for asking exactly the one question I would love to know the answer.

The woman gave him a thoughtful look and then diverted her gaze back to the drink she was nursing before replying. “Yes, passing through…at the moment.” Her voice was well-spoken and quiet, verging on a shy tone. Now that term could never be associated with the Sally Maguire I’d grown up with.

“At the moment huh? You interested in moving here?”

“I might be.”

My mouth dropped open as Andrew continued speaking. “Well you’re in the right place. Angi here owns the local real estate agency in town. Isn’t that right Angi?”

Clear blue eyes gave me the once over measuring the information in her mind as she waited for my reply.

I finally croaked out, “Yes.” Then I picked up my empty glass and tried to drink from it. I felt foolish and placed it on the bar attempting to catch Christie’s attention for a refill.

“Ah, you must be Angela Barossa. I saw your colleague today.”

Andrew broke in then. “Was it you at the Grey House today with Jane?”

Why can’t some people just keep their thoughts to themselves? I felt totally ashamed of my friend for invading the woman’s privacy in such a blunt way. Although to be honest, I wanted to know the answer a darned sight more than Andrew did. He was just better at taking a hammer to crack a nut than I was, or dared to be.

The woman peered passed me to stare at Andrew who was smiling that ridiculous toothless grin of his. “Yes, that was me. It’s a beautiful house that has that cherished feel about it.”

Her words echoed in my realtor brain. She was interested! By god she’s very interested. This can be a grand sale for the business. As my business brain drew its own pictures my heart was tapping me on the shoulder reminding me of who this potentially could be. For a few moments I wasn’t listening to my heart, and when I did, it jumped in my mouth. Standing next to me after thirty years was the girl who had been my nemesis through school. One I’d had a crush on since I was five years old. If I continued to stare at her as I was, I would be hard pressed to say I still didn’t have that crush.

“Yes it was. Muriel Grey loved the house, the town too. It was stipulated in her will that it could only be sold to an ex-local. Were you the one that sent the fax yesterday? As I asked the question, Dan whispered goodnight and headed home to his wife and family. Andrew, by coincidence, left too when a couple of guys at the other end of the bar called him over. That left me alone, or as alone as I was likely to be in this setting, with the stranger. If she was who I hoped then she certainly wasn’t unknown to me.

A wide smile was my reply before she held out her hand. “Sally Maguire.” Then she returned to her contemplation of her beer glass.

Christie appeared at that juncture and I asked for another beer. “Would you care for another?” I asked courageously.

With quiet gratitude she accepted with a nod of her head.

We remained silent until the drinks came our way. “Thanks for the drink, I appreciate it.” Her voice held a warm intonation that told me she was genuinely grateful.

“My pleasure.” And it is a pleasure. After all these years Sally Maguire was actually sitting next to me for real. What an up turn for the books.

“It seems strange to be here after all this time. I’ve walked around the town today and nothing much as changed except for the people, I guess.” Her tone was melancholy.

In all the years that I remembered her voice in my head, it had never been other than lively and happy. The woman beside me wasn’t happy, that much I felt. Perhaps that is the reason for her return. “Well, you know small towns…it takes a miracle to change anything. I should know I’ve been here all my life barring the odd vacation of course.”

“Lucky you.” Her wistful tone had my heart aching for her. She drank from her glass emptying the beer in almost one mouthful. Then she stood up and smiled at me. “Thanks for the drink. I need to go, perhaps we’ll meet again.”

My mouth was hanging again. I knew it. She left the bar, before I could say even a goodnight.

Andrew was beside me in a flash. “What did you say to her Angi?”

“Nothing, absolutely nothing.”

* * *

Sunday morning couldn’t arrive fast enough for me. I was up as soon as the light peeked through my curtains. Even the relaxing sound of the surf lapping on the beach, which usually set me up nicely for the day, wasn’t of interest. I showered, picked out the most attractive business apparel I possessed and arrived at work an hour before the agency was due to open. Quickly walking over to my desk, I saw a note placed strategically in the centre to avoid me missing it. Picking up the note, I read it quickly and sat down heavily in my chair. In her neat script Jane had left me a message.

Angela, I presented the Grey house to the prospective client who contacted us Friday. Everything went well. I think she liked the place. Might call back today for another look - she wasn’t that communicative. If you need me etc.

Have a great day, Jane.

If I needed her…yeah right. Of all the days to need Jane, Sunday wasn’t the day. She had that many commitments with the church that I doubted she had a minute to relax. I often teased her about the Sabbath being a day of rest.

What if Sally Maguire does come back for a second showing? What would I do? Yeah right. I’ll do what I always do. I will take a very professional approach...after all this is business.

My mind was a jumble of scatterbrained thoughts. I needed caffeine and not the instant stuff that I had in the small kitchen in the back room. The Coffee-Break across the street was opening for the breakfast crowd so I picked up my purse, locked up and headed for the café. Once inside, I saw I wasn’t the first to arrive. Tucked away in the corner of the room was a woman who was staring at the menu. I held my breath as I recognised her immediately. I was of two minds as to what to do next. Should I go over and say good-morning? Ignore her and take a table farthest away from her as possible, or ….

“Hey there Angela, you’re early this morning. Couldn’t you sleep?” Rowan grinned at me as he caught my attention and that of the woman sitting in the corner of the room. I dare not look in her direction for fear of what I might see…disinterest probably.

“Morning Rowan. Something along those lines I guess.” I walked over to the counter were he was busy reloading the coffee machine and gave him a warm smile. “How’s Dave? Busy in the kitchen as usual?”

With a ready smile Rowan winked. “Yep, he has a slave driver for a partner, what can I say. Have you heard from Alex recently? She telling mom that she might visit real soon.”

I chuckled at his mention of Alex. “We both know that Alex will not visit during winter. She always did hate it here when the sea breezes had that extra bite to them. She emailed me the other day actually. Said she and the family were going on vacation to Cancun; asked me if I wanted to join them for a week or so.”

Rowan laughed out loud as he replied, “yeah that’s true. Maybe mom only heard what she wanted to hear. You know what parents are like? Are you going to go to Cancun with them, that is?”

I grinned. “I might." I smiled at him and said, "I’ll have the usual Rowan.” He nodded, passing me a number and left to take the order to the kitchen.

Turning, I was shocked to come face to face with Sally Maguire. She had apparently left her seat when I was talking with Rowan and was now waiting at the counter behind me.

“Hello again.” Once again I was surprised by Sally’s quietly spoken words. Perhaps my memories were out of kilter because I was sure she always had a much more vivacious tone.

“Good morning. I’m not the only one up early.” Argh is that the only thing I can think of to say? What a dope I am.

“Apparently so. Do you recommend anything from the breakfast selections?” Sally pointed to the menu she held in her hands.

This was something I knew very well and enthusiastically waved my hand over the paper and said ridiculously, “everything!”

I was given a wry smile for my efforts. Then Rowan appeared and asked what Sally wanted. I walked over to a booth and sat down. Damn, I wish I had brought a copy of the Sunday paper so I would look like I was reading.

Then another unexpected turn of events happened. Harriet Downing entered the café holding a valise and rushing over to Sally. I didn’t have to strain to hear Harriet’s side of the conversation as the local gossip could always be counted on to speak loudly.

“Sally, you forgot this. I didn’t want you to get back to the city before you noticed. Have a safe journey dear and keep in touch.” Amazingly she kissed Sally’s cheek and left hurriedly not taking notice of anyone else in the café.

I wasn’t privy to what Sally replied because her words were spoken in a whisper compared to Harriet’s. How on earth did those two locked up together? Maybe that explains Harriet’s reluctance to gossip about the family…intriguing?

I watched as Sally returned to her table and had half a mind to ask if she wanted to join me. A part of me was still that gawky shy child who hid behind the blanket of fear that I once held against the most popular girl in school.

Forty-minutes later I was back in my office after having enjoyed a lovely breakfast complete with my caffeine fix. Now I needed to file away that mountain of paper-work that irritated me at times like these. Prior to entering the back room, I unlocked the office door. It was opening time, and although I didn’t expect too much activity early on it was prudent to have the door unlocked at least. If someone did enter the building the bell would ring loud enough for me to hear.

After pouring over the files and placing them in order for half and hour I was satisfied that I could get down to the basic process of filing them away in the cabinet. I was about to begin the task when the bell rang above my head indicating that someone had opened the door. My mind adjusted from a filing mentality to one of professional realtor. With a genuine ready smile for the initial introduction, I dusted off my hands out of habit and walked sedately into the outer office.

My jaw dropped slightly as I stared at the Sally Maguire standing in the middle of the room. She was presumably looking around for any sign of life. Gathering my scattered wits, I re-located my jaw to the correct position and began to smile cheerfully saying, “Good morning again.”

The startling pale blue eyes had a twinkle in them that should be banned especially this early on a Sunday morning. A small smile flirted around her full glossy lips which were adorned with a flattering coral pink lipstick. The golden head of hair bounced around her shoulders as she answered, “Hi, good morning again. Did you enjoy your breakfast?”

Small talk this is small talk! Wow, I’m in heaven. For the second time in the space of twenty-four hours I was having a conversation with the woman who I had always decreed my nemesis. I had called her that for no other perverse reason than I had fallen for her when I was five years old and she didn’t know I was alive. Isn’t life strange at times?

“Yes, Rowan and his partner make a wonderful breakfast. You should try lunch there sometime.” My eyes tried to disengage from the eyes that held them captive, and as much as I tried they refused to escape.

“Perhaps I will in the future. I guess you want to know why I’m here.”

Finally moving away from the spot I’d been glued to I wandered over to my desk and picked up the file Jane had left from the previous day. “Jane left me a note that you might want to see the Grey house again. I have all the details for you and will gladly give you the key if you want to take a trip out there to see it alone. I know that having a realtor with you isn’t always a good thing if you want to take a really good look around. Sometimes people feel restrictive…” Yes, I was babbling and the amusement in Sally’s eyes indicated as much. But, for some reason, my tongue refused to quit its jabbering seemingly deciding that this might be one of the few opportunities that it would have to converse with the woman. If she did decide to live here, her circle of friends would probably end up as elite as they had when she was younger.

“Actually, I wouldn’t mind the company. Perhaps you might furnish me with a little more background.”

About what? Ok, silly thought. She wanted the background about the area. After all, as far as I knew, it had been thirty years since she was last in the area. Surely Harriet, and her wealth of gossip, would have filled in the blanks. “I’ll be glad to. Give me a minute please. I need to switch my phone to auto.”

Ten minutes later we were heading to the outskirts of town in my car. I felt it was safer to concentrate on the road instead of the shapely thigh that kept attracting my attention as Sally’s skirt rode up to show a very fine length of flesh. Get back in the box naughty libido. Thank god no one can read my mind - especially Sally.

In no time at all we arrived at the destination. Grey House, in its time, had been the most prestigious property for miles around. However, as with everything, money had flooded the area and larger more luxurious properties had taken that title away. Although, in my mind, its a hundred and fifty year history outshone the newer properties being built. I loved the old gabled windows and solid wooden wrap around porch. Jasmine wrapped strong knurled roots over the timber frame that swathed like an outer skin on the decks to the front and back of the house. In the summer, the scent and beauty of the jasmine was both a lovely sight and fragrant. The front garden was simple in design. There was a plain white picket fence surrounding the border of the property. The neat as a pin lawn marked the front visage with an odd shrub to give colour during the growing seasons. In all it was easy to maintain but complimented the aspects of the building perfectly.

We walked onto the porch and I turned to Sally in an attempt to offer her the keys. I sucked in a deep breath as I discreetly watched her profile. This was one of the reasons I loved my work, you could tell when someone really had fallen in love with a place. To me, watching the tell-tale signs of pleasure cross Sally’s face told me that, if everything fell into place, this was home to her. A part of me was jealous for two reasons; the fact that an inanimate object had the power to bring that kind of expression to her face and secondly, that she might own this super house. There was going to be no hard sell here. Jane had been right in her initial reaction - Sally Maguire wanted this house.

“Want to go inside?” My hand outstretched offering her the keys. I’d found in the past, that actually allowing the potential buyer the opportunity of unlocking the door and entering the house in their own time had an added bonus. Her slim fingers accepted the keys and I watched from a few steps behind, as she slipped the main key into the lock. With a gentle snick the door was unlocked. A faint creek of old wood transmitted through the still, silent air as Sally opened the heavy door and entered the home.

With a heavy sigh, I leaned against the balustrade on the decking and closed my eyes. A sense of complete satisfaction filled me because in my heart and mind I knew that Muriel Grey, if she was watching, would be pleased at the potential new owner. Or, perhaps it was just that I was!

As with all day-dreamers eventually you are found out. Unfortunately for me, the woman of my dreams just happened to be the one to wake me from mine. I felt like a fool as I gaped open-mouthed at her for a split second.

“Hi, I thought maybe you’d gone. I’ve been around the inside and I am going to the beach front. Want to join me?” I saw the amusement in her eyes and the twist of her lips. Sally was laughing at me and I probably deserved it. How the hell long had I been in my fantasy land?

“Sure. There’s a small gate leading to the beachfront on the side of the house.” I pointed to an alcove covered in ivy indicating the entrance to the walled patio area.

Nodding, Sally waited a few seconds before walking in the direction I indicated. I suspect she was waiting to find out if I was really going to join her. As we walked to the gate, she turned to me with a charming smile. “Do you do that often?”

Do what ? “Do what exactly?” I asked in a whisper. My confidence was blown out of the water at her question. What is she trying to say? All my hidden insecurities about this woman emerged at the top of my emotional tank and were about to drown me.

“Oh daydreaming I guess. It must have been a good one too by the expression on your face.”

Sally passed through the gate first before I answered her. The question, for me though, was, if I was going to tell the truth. “Not really. I love it here though and that must have been why. If the house hadn’t sold soon I was going to buy it myself. I have a place on the beach already but this place is so special.” She doesn’t want to know my life story. What an idiot I am.

Sally spun oh her heels and stared hard at me. It was one of those all-enveloping gazes that keep you transfixed to the spot waiting for a verdict…any verdict. “You’re one of the lucky ones. I envy you.”

I stood there unable to move, did I hear right? Had I? Sally Maguire, the most popular girl in school, actually envied me something. This is a first. To make matters worse, the only thing I could do was stand like a statue in disbelief. My eyes, however, followed her every move as she touched each item of patio furniture. The sight sent my mind into overdrive. What must it feel like to have those same hands touch me?

I stumbled against the wall for support. It had been erected to give a degree of privacy without deterring from the wonderful ambience of being by the beach. Thankfully, I was at a safe distance and she couldn’t see me hanging onto the wall. Sally seemed mesmerized by the view, and I had to admit, even after living here all my life, I still had that thrill rush through my veins at the sight of the ocean.

My voice felt dry and I was sure I croaked out my next sentence. “Do you like the view?” Apparently it must have sounded okay because Sally smiled at me and nodded her agreement.

I had to strain to hear her softly spoken words as the surf surged against the beach threatening to drown her out. “I’ve always loved the ocean. I missed living here for an awfully long time after we moved away, It is strange how you can get used to other places and the things you miss fade into the background. Then, something happens in your life and you begin to wonder if any of the old things you loved long ago can be rekindled.”

In truth, I wasn’t actually sure what she was talking about although I attempted to respond. “I guess it must have been hard for you to leave back then.” Lame, lame what an idiot thing to say she probably thinks I’m prying.

I was glad Sally didn’t answer me at first. She seemed to have lost herself in the joy of watching the ocean. I could understand this emotion perfectly as I did the very same thing everyday. Finally she spoke, “My dad used to listen to Frank Sinatra a lot in the old days. One song that I’ll never forget reminded me of this place. I guess in many ways it was typical of what happened.”

I was enthralled. Sally Maguire, for some reason that was best known to her, appeared to be trying to tell me something important and I hadn’t a clue what that was. “Which song? I confess he’s one of my favourite crooners. I guess finding the music your mom and dad enjoyed when they were young catches up with you.” I grinned. It was true; I think the older you get the mellower the music you listen to is. Of course I still enjoyed the classic seventies music I raved about when I was a teenager. Though I must admit, I wouldn’t ask for anyone to bring back Donny Osmond or David Cassidy. I’d rather remember them as they once were.

“You’ve changed Angela. I don’t remember you as gregarious as you are now. In fact you were rather a mouse if I recall correctly. I like it.”

She remembers me! How amazing. Had she not thrown in the, I like it part, then I think I would have wanted the ground to open up and swallow me right where I stood. As it was, I felt a sense of achievement and a glow that even back then she remembered me…even if that recollection was rather negative. “I decided to take voice lessons in college. It helped a lot particularly in my line of work. It wouldn’t be good for business if I was silent when it came to extolling the virtues of a property.”

“You probably didn’t need them. I think you just had a shy complex. It happens to lots of people. My kid sister’s oldest son is going through a similar phase. I keep telling her he’ll grow out of it.”

I turned to gaze at the view wondering if I ever would have changed without help. Would I still be that same timid person had it not been for Stella my rather determined lecturer, who not only had designs on me romantically but actually cared enough to help me? As my thoughts turned to my ex, a warm feeling passed through me. She was my first and only lover who, even now, I am still have contact with. Many years ago we mutually went our separate ways since she wanted to travel and I was content to stay here in my small town. “Yes I’m sure you are right.” I glanced at my watch. We’d been there for over an hour and although I didn’t want to rush the process, I hated to have the office closed for too long after church. “I’m really sorry about this Sally, but I need to get back to the office. If you want to stay longer please do. When you are finished call me and I’ll come back for you.”

With a faint furrowing of her brow, Sally apologised for keeping me. Explaining she had to leave herself. If she didn’t get on the road soon she’d be late arriving back in the city and end up with the rest of the commuters in the traffic jams after a weekend break.

I felt awful. This wasn’t a good way of doing business and my parents, not to mention Jane, would be appalled. Have I blown the sale? A short time later we arrived outside my office. Sally quietly thanked me for my time and said goodbye as she got out of my car. I was left immobile in the front seat of my car wondering if I should go after and apologise for my rudeness. I didn’t. Taking in a deep breath to suppress the tears that threatened to fall, I climbed out of the driver’s seat. My eyes caught sight of Sally opening up a gleaming silver jeep and in seconds had set off on her journey home.

I walked inside the office, sank into my seat at my desk and wished that I hadn’t opened my big mouth. Why didn’t my old shyness return when I needed it the most? As I wallowed in my own selfish woes, my thoughts drifted to something Sally hadn’t told me. It would pry on my mind until I knew…what had been that Sinatra song?

* * *

“You know Angela I really thought Ms. Maguire would have been hot on the phone Monday morning with an offer for the Grey House. She was very keen when I showed her the place Saturday, she returned Sunday for another viewing and appeared, as far as you could tell, positive. All I can say is you can’t figure some folks out can you.” Jane sighed despondently as she peered into her coffee cup before flicking, in frustration, several leaflets into her out tray.

“No you can’t,” I murmured as I fumbled with the Grey house file. Thank god I didn’t mention anything to the mayor about our prospective buyer. It now looked increasingly as if there wasn’t a sale on the table. Jane was right, we had both hoped for the sale and I held my breath with every phone call or fax that entered the office. It was Friday, late morning, and we had both reached the same conclusion - Sally Maguire had decided against the property. The worse thing was, that it most likely was my fault. I didn’t dare admit to Jane that I had rushed the woman on Sunday. She would have given me a lecture on how to treat a potential customer. As it turned out, only two people came into the office late in the day on Sunday to enquire about properties. Therefore, I had been as dumb as a plank to mention my need to get back to the business.

“I was thinking of taking a vacation Jane, would you mind holding down the fort for a few weeks?” Where that came from I didn’t quite know. However, as soon as I’d uttered the words it felt the right thing to do.

Jane gave me a thoughtful look and smiled. “You know that’s not a problem, especially this time of the year. I’ve always considered you too generous when it came to this time of the year by never cutting back on my hours.”

I returned Jane’s gaze with a puzzled one of my own. I’d never considered cutting her hours at any time. She was a full-time employee and if things were slow, so be it. That was always a risk when you employed people. “Never fear about that Jane. It means I can take off at a moment's notice knowing that you are here.” We both knew that propably wasn't going to happen. I had never taken any sick leave in my life and vacation times were always well planned. Until now.

“Do you have anywhere in mind?” Jane enquired. The sparkle in her eyes showed she was genuinely interested.

Placing several documents in my out tray, I smiled slowly. “Not really. For once I’m going to see what happens.”

“When do you plan to leave?”

“How about this evening?” I had to chuckle at the expression on Jane’s face. She was shocked as she scrambled to speak.

“Really? Have you been thinking about this for long?”

I gave that some careful thought before replying. “It’s a spur of the moment decision. Do you mind that I’m leaving you on such short notice?”

Jane stood up and walked over to my desk placing a friendly hand on my shoulder. “Sometimes it takes an old memory to show us that we need a break to think about where our life is taking us. I don’t mind in the slightest. Don’t forget to send a postcard on your travels.”

I didn’t need to question her comment, for we both knew she meant the resurrection of Sally Maguire in my life. I’d hardly been the same person since the woman had contacted us a week ago. Jane was one of the most intuitive women I knew and she had noticed my change in mood. However, her respect for me precluded her actually asking directly what the problems were. When I was ready to talk she knew I would.

“I’ll do that with pleasure.”

The rest of the day turned out to be remarkably busy, but still no contact from Sally Maguire. If she had called or sent a message to say she was willing to present an offer would I have gone on vacation? That I’ll never know. As I locked up that Friday evening, I decided that other than the postcards to Jane, I wasn’t going to make contact with anyone in town until I arrived back.

Later, I drove thirty miles out of town to the nearest mall to buy a few last minute items for my trip. I also made a decision to call Stella. She was working in Hong Kong as a translator for a large corporation.

"Well its about time you took the time out to visit me and Kara," she remarked when I called her. "You know this is the only place in the world that you could arrive alone but feel crowded. You're gonna love it, Ang."

I decided to spend a few days with Alex and her family before I booked a flight to Hong Kong. Then…who knew. All I wanted to do now was forget that Sally Maguire had ever entered my life again. She had woken up so much pent up emotion inside of me I was finding my day to day routine that I normally loved, tedious and stifling. Yes, I was in need of a vacation big time!

* * *

Have you ever returned from a vacation and found the walk to open your front door one of the finest feelings in your life? I know that I did as I inserted the key in the lock and opened my door breathing in the invigorating scent of the ocean that permeated my house. The only thing missing was my faithful feline Ferdy. I had dropped him off with Jane, who he thankfully adored, the morning I left town. Now six weeks later, all I wanted to do was pick up my fur ball pet and hug him.

My vacation had been marvellous. I’d spent the first week visiting with Alex and chatting over old times. It was cathartic in many ways as I’d mentioned seeing Sally Maguire after all those years. The strange thing was, she had a totally different memory of the woman than I had. So much so that I thought at first she was thinking of a totally different person. She hadn’t been. Her view was that Sally had been popular in school, but she hadn’t been mean with it like some others she could mention. In fact, she even indicated that she thought Sally had been somewhat distant to the circle that had constantly craved her attention. Most incredulous was her thought that Sally used to watch me from a distance. Of course she was wrong and we agreed to disagree. At the end of the day, we both decided that those heady innocent days were over and we were all different people now.

Once my week with Alex was over, I emailed Jane to say I was extending my vacation from the initial four weeks to six. She replied that I was to take as much time as I needed. Then, I went on a walking holiday around Canada. It was invigorating and something I’d wanted to do for a long time.

After I had arrived in Hong Kong, I was glad that the walking had built up my stamina for I needed it to keep up the pace with the locals, not to mention Stella and her partner Kara. They seemed to have a function or a party to attend every night of the week. I thought it was for my benefit and I think it was for the most part, although they did have a heavy social calendar. Stella had been right I loved every second with them, though I confess that when it was time to leave I was glad to be finally going home. I needed the rest!

Now I was back and I did want to catch up on all the news that happened while I was gone no matter how insignificant an event. I checked my voice mail, fortunately for me Jane had surveyed the house regularly, and deleted the cold callers leaving only the important ones. My parent's message said they were amazed that I’d gone on vacation without any warning. I knew I’d have to call them before the day was over. The other calls were friends who contacted me from time to time and I’d call them back over the weekend. It was Thursday, and I could take the rest of the week off.

After I had taken a shower, I threw the first load into the washing machine to begin the laborious task after my weeks away. I missed Ferdy and decided to call Jane and ask if she minded my picking him up then.

Her answer of, it's good to hear your voice,come on over, had me climbing into the car and heading for her house at the other end of the town. As I pressed the bell I heard a familiar sound, the meowing of my missing Ferdy. Seconds later the door opened and Ferdy must have known I was going to be there as he sidled around Jane’s legs and circled mine for attention. He wasn’t disappointed as I picked him up and cuddled him close to me.

“I missed you Ferdy, have you been a good boy? Hi Jane, thanks for looking after him.” I grinned widely. I was pleased to see them both.

Jane watched me affectionately stroke the cat and then spoke, “You look wonderful Angela. Your vacation has been great for you. If you have the time, why not stay a while and have a coffee. You can tell me all about your trip.”

I wanted to go home and rest but Jane sounded so hopeful. What will it hurt if I spent a little time with her? It will be good to catch up on what had happened since I left. “Sure thing then you can tell me all the local gossip.”

Settling into one of Jane’s comfortable leather sofas I waited for my friend to fetch the coffee, and as always with Jane, the cookies. Neither one of us could resist the temptation, especially the chocolate covered cookies Jane baked every week. She once said that the only reason I employed her was because she kept me supplied with delicious cookies at work. In fact, Jane’s talents in that department had been missed on more than one occasion when I was travelling. Not that I was going to tell her that. I smiled tickling Ferdy under the chin as he relaxed happily on my lap.

“I’ve baked your favourites Angela, chocolate chip cookies.”

I laughed out loud at her comment and she stared at me for a moment. Probably wondering what she had said that was so funny. I held my hand up and without dislodging Ferdy I reached for one of her treats. “I’ve missed your cookies Jane, I was just thinking that a few seconds ago and what happens you must have read my mind.”

With a delighted smile, Jane sank down into her recliner. I saw the pleasure my comment gave her in her eyes, which sparkled as she sipped her coffee. “I thought you might enjoy a change of cuisine after your Asian trip with good old faithful calorie laden chocolate chip cookies.”

We both burst out laughing and I know I looked down at my figure, which fortunately hadn’t gained as many pounds as I expected. Thank god, it wasn’t easy these days to get rid of any excess weight, must be the slowing of my metabolism as I became older.

Half an hour later I had regaled her with the basics of my trip. I didn’t want to go into too much detail as we had many hours in the office when I could fill in all the gaps.

“All that catching up, Angela has done you the world of good. You were beginning to look peaky before you left.”

I shrugged as Ferdy, who decided he wanted to be in his basket by the radiator, jumped off my lap. “Well, winter is never a good time to look your best. Though I did have a fabulous time and it was wonderful to catch up with old friends. Now I’m ready to catch up on what’s been happening here and most importantly have we sold any property while I’ve been gone?”

I snagged another delicious cookie and bit into it as she began to speak. "The Grey House has been sold," she said and I almost choked on a chocolate chip.

“What, when, who bought it?” I spluttered out in a fit of coughing.

Jane gave a mock look of surprise, “Angela anyone would think that you didn’t want to sell the house.”

Finally dislodging the offending piece that was stuck in my throat I stared at her in amazement. My one thought was, why didn’t she mentioned it in one of the emails she occasionally sent me?

“I do, I did. Why, that’s wonderful news. The next question I’m going to ask is who to?” My heart was beating a heavy tattoo as I waited for Jane to answer me. I wanted to hear only one name, even if it might cause me more heart searching than I wanted.

“Angela, as if you had to ask, Ms. Maguire bought it. She called me that Sunday morning and agreed to pay the asking price subject to an engineer's report. I wanted to tell you immediately, but we agreed not to bother you unless it was urgent. Doing the job I’m paid for was hardly something I’d call urgent.”

As I listened, I wondered if calling to agree the sale on Sunday had been for my benefit. Perhaps she thought that I would be in the office and wanted to speak with me rather than Jane. I mentally smote my hand against my brow, calling myself a stupid idiot. What reason would she possibly have for doing such a thing? No, I had to think about this sale as I did all the others, in a totally professional manner.

“When do we complete the sale?”

Jane, complete with a smug grin, immediately replied, “A week last Friday, she moved in that Saturday. I haven’t seen her since. Although I must check to make sure everything is okay. However, from the lack of communication with her I’d say she’s happy with her purchase.”

To say I was taken aback would be the best description. I know if all things are in order a sale can be done quickly. As I digested Jane’s explanation, I had the distinct impression inside that I’d been away months instead of weeks. Finally I found my voice, as I placed my cup on the coffee table, “I can do that. I’ll kill two birds with one stone when I take my jog on the beach before I come into the office tomorrow. I’ll pass by the Grey House and check if you want me to?”

Waiting for Jane to agree felt like minutes instead of the few seconds. Finally she smiled her agreement.

Shortly afterwards Ferdy and I were heading home. As I drove the couple of miles to my house I felt a nervous excitement building in the pit of my stomach as I thought of meeting Sally Maguire again.

* * *

As I jogged towards the Grey House that morning I had time to contemplate the rather odd conversation I’d had with my mother. Dad had been at one of his club meetings and hadn’t been able to shed any light, or should I say clarity, to my mother’s words.

“Darling what a time to take a vacation and you never told us!”

“Mother, it was a spur of the moment decision and I’d been considering catching up with Alex for ages.” We spent several minutes chatting about Alex and her family, which appeared to appease my mother somewhat. I then began to tell her about my Hong Kong trip and seeing Stella again. Big mistake! My mother immediately had that cold look in her eyes. I know how can I know that when she was hundreds of miles away and we were not in each others physical presence? Ah, but isn’t it the same the world over with your own mother that particular tone in her voice had always been accompanied by an icy blast. I closed my eyes for a few moments then asserted myself. I wasn’t a child and my mother's abhorrence of my taste in friends was hardly her concern. I carried on and probably laboured the trip far more than I would have normally, but disapproving mothers were not what I wanted to arrive home to.

“You didn’t have to stay so long especially with that woman! Not after what your father and I arranged.” I had to smile when she called Stella 'that woman'. I could narrate at length the number of times she had called my ex-lover that expression. I will give my mother credit she wasn’t afraid to share her disapproval of Stella and my friendship. Stella, for her part, shrugged off the barbed comments and took it in her stride. I was the only one embarrassed by my parent and I suppose she was one of the factors why Stella and I split up in the end. Not that I had ever told my mother about the romantic part of my friendship with Stella. I think she would have had a heart attack and it would have given her even more ammunition to throw around about Stella’s character.

“That’s not a nice thing to say Mother, particularly since Stella has gone to the trouble of sending you a gift.” I glanced over to the coffee table and spied a brightly wrapped package that was there for my mother.

I heard a few discreet coughs and then my mother composed herself. “Really, that was very nice of her.”

My smile grew wider as that was the most I was going to receive in apology for her un-friendly attitude to my old friend. Then my brain deciphered something she had said at the beginning of the conversation. “What did you and dad arrange?”

There was silence at the other end of the line and then my mother quickly ended the conversation. “Sorry dear I have to go, I’ll have your father call you back at the weekend.”

It had been a rather strange conversation but that was not unusual for my mother, especially when it concerned my friends. Anyone would think she was the final arbiter when it came to approval of them. My jogging stopped as I neared the gated wall that led to the Grey House patio. It was probably locked and that meant I’d have to walk a couple of hundred yards to find an easy spot to pitch onto the main road leading to the front of the house. I turned the handle and heaved a sigh of relief - it was open. Maybe I should have called first…oops, too late.

“Good morning I wasn’t expecting a visitor.” Sally Maguire spoke quietly as she stared into my eyes taking in every inch of me in my jogging attire. With cheeks beginning to sting a crimson colour, I stood holding the gate while half in, half out of her patio area.

“Hi Sally, sorry if I’ve arrived at a bad time. Jane mentioned she hadn’t checked to see if everything was okay now that you’ve settled in. I said I would stop by during my jog this morning. If it’s inconvenient…”

“Angela, it’s a pleasure to see you. Please take a seat. Want any juice or coffee?” My toes curled as she said my name in her soft tone which for me was much sexier than anything else I recalled from our youth.

I closed the gate behind me and sat down gratefully in one of the wrought iron chairs surrounding the table. “Thanks, I’d appreciate orange juice. Coffee doesn’t sit well when I’m jogging.”

Watching Sally pour me a glass of juice, allowed me, with this simple task, to become captivated by her tapering fingers. Lots of thoughts most definitely not for public consumption, travelled through my mind. It was most disconcerting.

“I was going to offer you breakfast, but I guess that definitely would be a no, no.” Sally passed me the glass and I wanted to touch her fingers desperately. Fortunately I had the strength to keep that demon temptation under control.

“Thanks, but no thanks, maybe another time.” I was hopeful, you couldn’t blame a girl. Maybe Sally needed friends in town. Most of them that she had known back then had either moved away or were married and settled in their suburban lives. I guess I was making assumptions again, what do I know. The big question was why she had come back at all.

“Your associate explained that you had taken a vacation, you look refreshed.”

Ok, had I really looked like a mangy dog a few weeks ago? This was beginning to get to me, although I wasn’t going to allow my discomfort to stop my first real conversation with Sally. “I am. I meet up with old friends and visited Hong Kong. It is a place in the world I haven’t been to before.”

“Hong Kong, what did you think of the teeming masses?”

“You’ve been?” I was astonished, and yet I shouldn’t have been. Again what, did I know of that last thirty years of her life, absolutely nothing?

With a slight smile she bit into a hot buttered croissant. I stared in fascination, as she used her napkin on the offending butter that marked her lips. “Yes, it was a while ago now. Several years in fact, I was working in Asia for my…a company. It is a fascinating insight into a totally different culture. Did you visit anywhere else in Asia while you were on the continent?”

I wanted to follow through on her hesitation in the company reply but left it for the moment. “ Singapore for a couple of days, I’d like to visit Asia again, maybe find a tour that suits me.”

Sally nodded and then staring intently at me as she spoke, “I love it and everything is perfect, especially now.”

I was taken off guard for a moment. Did she sayespecially now? Did that have anything to do with me? There I go dreaming again, and it had to be just that because there was no way this woman would have any intentions towards me except maybe friendship. Though I would gladly take any morsel offered.

“It’s a beautiful house. Will the family be joining you?” Asking a question in such a way had lots of connotations in my experience. I gave Sally a sideways glance. I could see that she was trying to decide what to say, as a frown crossed her brow for a few moments. Is it that difficult a question? Surely a yes or no will suffice. “I’m sorry I was prying. Look I need to go. I thought I’d actually visit the office today and give Jane a break.”

“Yes of course you do. Enjoy your day Angela.” Her voice was calm and it didn’t sound as if she was bothered either way, which was a sore disappointment for me. I walked towards the gate and stepped out onto the beach. Then I realised that I’d done it again, run away from Sally. A totally opposite reaction to what I wanted and needed. I had hoped that in the weeks I was away this emotional reaction I’d had to seeing Sally again was merely a knee-jerk action from the past which had no bearing on my world today. I was wrong, so very wrong. All it had made me realising was that at five, I’d fallen for her and at forty-five I was still in love with her. What kind of sad woman have I become? It was sad, for I had no hope of garnering an answering reaction.

“Thanks, you do the same. Perhaps I’ll see you on the beach sometime.” I began jogging back in the direction I came. My heart felt as though it had been punctured, causing it to eventually deflate to such a degree that I’d be love-lost forever.

And, this feeling was all because…along came Sally!

* * *

The summer season is almost over and both Jane and I will be glad. We’ve had a tremendous year so far, having sold out most of our properties and spending many an hour canvassing for more in the area. So much so, I had finally extended my perimeter of sales by about fifty miles. In perspective this wasn’t such a big area, as there many were farms or small holdings.

I had been busy since I’d arrived from my vacation at the end of winter. Jane was hospitalized unexpectedly shortly after my return with what turned out to be breast cancer. I was more devasted than she so seemed to be when the doctors had told her. She had a much stronger personality than I could ever try to achieve in this lifetime. We had many a chat about the people we were and had become stronger over the years. It was during one of these heartfelt conversations that I admitted to her that I was gay. I had declined from telling her for many years because of her deeply religious beliefs and the possibility that she might not want to be my friend anymore. As it turned out she was very supportive and her church was a little more lenient than some of the more conservative ones. I told her my feelings for Sally Maguire feeling totally embarrassed as I tried to explain my feelings. Jane just laughed and told me that she had an inkling about my emotional state regarding Sally, especially when I’d run away on vacation.

The day before Jane had her surgery, she broke down sobbing about her fear of the consequences of the operation. "I don't want to die without love," she sobbed. She had realised that she didn't have that someone special to share her life. I don't want to die. I want to live and find love." She clasped my hand. "If everything works I am going to make sure that my life takes on new meaning and that includes not letting the possibility of love pass me by." She gave me a heartfelt gaze. "Don't let that happen to you either my friend." From that moment on, Jane and I shared a deeper friendship and made a pact that together not only would we fight her illness, but we both would no longer shy way from love.

I ran the business single handily by choice. My faith in her recovery had been something she had clung to along with her religious belief and the network that constantly came to visit her. Her recovery had been quicker than we all thought. Early on she learned that the cancer was confined to one breast and hadn't spread. Then and a couple of weeks ago after her last gruelling round of chemo, she had been given the news that in all likelihood she would recover completely. Although there will be constant retests and doctor's visits I feel confident that she will be with us for a long time to come. For me personally, it had made me re-evaluate my outlook on life. I realised that our hopes of longevity didn’t necessarily mean we would be given a long life. I vowed then to spend more of my time to my parents and gave up having the office open Sundays and Mondays so I could visit the city more often.

Of course I still thought of Sally Maguire every single day. She was part of my life, although by some miracle, we had not been in each others company since that morning on her patio. I think you could count on one hand the number of times she and I had seen each other from across the street in the past six months. I put it down to the fact that I was far too busy, when I really was just simply afraid of my feelings for her. Conversely, I argued that Sally had made no effort to seek me out either, therefore, I had been right; she had other friends to take up with again in the area.

* * *

I woke this morning with Ferdy pawing me on the back wanting to go out. "Use the tray," I told him but he ignored me. Finally, I fumbled for my robe, dragged it on, slid open the door and peered bleary-eyed at the surf lapping at the beach. Ferdy shot past me and headed for his favourite spot to take care of his daily ablutions and then he stretched out as if he wanted to watch the sun come up. Darn it, so much for sleeping late. My folks were off to another destination so I had two days free to sleep in…yeah right. Now that I was awake it would be impossible to sleep again. I headed back to bedroom and looked at the clock, it was six. There was already a small, warm breeze and shortly the sun would be busting into my bedroom. I decided that today I’d indulge and have breakfast outside overlooking the beach. My house didn’t have the luxury of being totally screened from the beach but I don't mind because I can see the water easily which gives me great pleasure. Although, when the summer masses flocked here, especially on weekends, it can become very public. To me it was a minor price to pay, besides I’d be having my breakfast early when no one else was be around.

Half an hour later I was reading the newspaper and enjoying a glass of orange juice along with a piece of toast generously slathered with marmalade. I revelled in the luxury of the tranquillity of the moment totally lost in feelings of peace.

“Hi,” a quiet voice called out to me from the beach. I almost shot out of my skin as my head jerked up and I gazed into pale blue eyes that returned my gaze with warm amusement.

Here I was enjoying my leisure and along came Sally Maguire.

“Good morning, you’re up early?” It was true, she was, it was only a little after six thirty.

Sally smiled slightly as she inclined her head. “As are you. It’s such a beautiful morning I thought I’d take a stroll on the beach before it becomes busy. What’s your excuse?”

Is she teasing me? I wasn’t sure, but it didn’t matter in the slightest. This was wonderful. We hadn’t spoken since that morning months ago when I’d dropped in on her for breakfast. Where are my manners? “Do you want to join me for breakfast? I’m not the best cook in town, but I can be persuaded not to burn the toast. You have a choice of beverages in order of ease from my part, juice, coffee or tea?”

Apparently my invitation was taken up as Sally opened my small gate and walked onto the paved patio and took the wooden seat opposite me. “Thanks, I’ll be fine with whatever you’re having.”

A few minutes later we faced each other over our juices and toast. “How are you settling in? I’m sorry I haven’t been over since that morning I’ve been busy at work …and stuff.”

Sally stared into her juice before replying immediately. “Good, people around here have been friendly, although I did vaguely know some of them from years ago. Yes, I know only too well that work does have that affect on your lifestyle.”

“If you don’t mind me asking what you did before you came here. Or possibly you still do and commute?” Crap, how lame I sound.

Sally steered her glance to the ocean and I saw a wistful look appear that was unfathomable for me. “I’ve been very fortunate with my investment portfolio. It has allowed me the luxury of being in the position that I don’t have to work unless I want to. At the moment I don’t. I’ve been using the time to gather together my focus on life.”

Well, that doesn’t tell me much. Except that she was wealthy enough to have a portfolio in the first place. “I have a few minor investments myself though mainly my money is tied up in the business and property.”

Sally returned her gaze to mine and the skin around her eyes crinkled as she smiled. It was to me a most attractive part of the older woman she had become. Even the perfect Sally Maguire had acquired the signs of ageing but she certainly carried it well. “I guess we are both wealthy women in our own right, aren’t we.”

I agreed automatically. “What do you think of my view from this part of the beach?”

“It’s beautiful like…like mine.” The pause had me puzzled. It was difficult to assess what Sally was thinking as she had turned back to the view. “Have you any plans for today?”

I gulped my juice and choked for a few moments as pale blue eyes sought mine in concern. I waved her concerns away, finally explaining the juice had travelled the wrong way to its destination. “Nothing much, I usually do laundry and all the stuff I haven’t done around here when I’ve been working. I haven’t gotten around to teaching Ferdy how to do that for me yet.” My heart was beating heavily was she going to ask me to maybe…

“Ferdy is he your dog?”

“No, no my cat. He rules things around here it is partly why I was up so early this morning. His majesty decided it was time to get up and he roped me into the task as well.”

Sally smiled warmly. “Sounds like you didn’t mind being roped in. I was thinking of having a pet. I’ve never had a dog or cat. Even when I was a child, I’ve always wanted one though.”

I was entranced. It didn’t take much with this woman. She had the ability, without knowing, to twist me around her little finger if she so wished. “Are you doing anything in particular today?”

Our eyes locked and I knew my breathing was laboured, but Sally appeared to be calm as she replied in that soft tone of hers. “Nothing at all. I was going to ask if you wanted to do something together today.”

I grinned happily. If I had planned to ask her out it couldn’t have gone better, except I had to remind myself that this wasn’t a date.

“How about we meet at ten-o-clock at the Coffee-Break? We can decide what to do from there, what do you say?”

“Sounds good to me. Thanks for the breakfast, Angela.” Sally's gaze held mine for a moment until she stood up. Although I was sorry to see her leave, it meant I could do a few chores that needed to be done and still have time to find something suitable to wear.

* * *

Sally opened the door to her house with a squirming bundle of life in her arms. I followed shortly after with my arms piled to the gunnels with equipment to make the creature’s life happy. Although, with the amount of money spent, it was going to be the most spoiled canine in history.

When we met at the café, we’d decided to see what happened during the day. Then I’d taken Sally to the new mall thirty miles away, where we had lunch and shopped. Our conversation diverted to having pets again and that was it, we were on a mission. Or I was. Sally appeared to be, at first, bemused by my enthusiasm then clearly overtaken by my excitement. At the end of our shopping day a pet had duly been acquired. We had scoured the few pet shops in the area, and even a couple of the breeders but there was nothing available. Finally, I drove towards the animal shelter and after viewing all the animals we both decided that a home for one orphan had to be given.

Of all the puppies there, Sally fell heavily for the most…dare I say …ugly mongrel you would ever have met? He was a variety of breeds by the look of his fur and countenance. His coat, in particular, was a match for Jacobs amazing coat of many colours. However, on opening his kennel Sally and he bonded immediately. He was hers from that moment on. I chuckled at the sight of the two of them together, talk about chalk and cheese. There would be no way anyone could say that the owner looked like the pooch. We arranged to collect him a couple of hours later after the vet gave him his shots and a check up. That gave us time to buy just about everything you could possibly find for a dog.

An hour later we had settled young Basil down into his basket and checked through the items we had bought for him. We were both glad to finally sit out on the patio and have a long cool beer in both celebration and reward for our efforts.

“Thank you Angela, I’ll never forget today.” Sally’s eyes sought mine and she was looking at me in a way I’d love to interpret as more than a friendly thank you. I guess some people were just born with smouldering sexy eyes.

I sipped my beer before replying, “It was my pleasure. Now tomorrow if you change your mind about young Basil, please let me know and I’ll acclimatize Ferdy to a new room mate.”

Sally smiled and shook her head. “Not a chance Angela, Basil is here to stay.”

We enjoyed a time of peaceful contemplation before I stood up. “I guess I’ll leave you and your new baby to become better acquainted.”

I was surprised when Sally stood up and walked around the table to stand as close as she could without touching. “You don’t have to leave Angela.”

I closed my eyes briefly feigning a long blink, or that would be my answer if she asked why I closed them. What does she mean by that? I know what I wanted it to mean, but I doubt she was on my wave-length, no matter how much I wanted her to be. Then, I stared into her eyes and waited. Though what I was waiting for I didn’t know because she was probably waiting for me to speak.

All my questions were rapidly answered as she placed her hands on either side of my cheeks and lightly touched her delicate lips against mine. I had no choice but to answer in kind. I drank deeply from the well she was offering me.

My hands loosely clasped around her back as she leaned in to do the same. We were only prevented from being as one by the barrier of the clothes we had on. I wasn’t the first one to end our kiss. Sally did as she pulled away slightly. It wasn’t in such a way that worried me at all, especially as I stared expectantly into her eyes and I found a gentleness that hadn’t been there before. A twinkle in the depths of her eyes seemed to be goading me to say something.

“Cat got your tongue?” Sally’s quietly spoken words drifted into my sub-conscious.

My cheeks felt like they were on fire. “No, I was…I guess I was surprised.”

There was a faint chuckle as Sally smiled at me. This time, instead of one of the small smiles she'd often given me, her whole face lit up blowing my mind. I couldn’t do anything but watch until I dared to lift a hand to trace the lines of her smile.

“Is it a good surprise?” Sally didn’t stop holding me, although I felt her distancing herself slightly and that wasn’t what I wanted at all. I initiated my own charge then as I leaned forward and kissed her with a passion that had been pent up for years. It was all I had ever wanted and the longing I had kept under control for years was there for her to take if she wished.

I guess she wanted me too, because from then on our passion was unbridled. We made love to the sound of the surf lapping against the beach and the sun taking a leisurely time going down.

Later, as we lay in each other arms, I couldn’t remove the foolish grin I had plastered on my face. As I contemplated how I had managed to get here and be held in the arms of this woman, who had haunted me for years. I moved slightly so that while I was holding the sleeping Sally in my arms I could kiss the top of her head. I revelled in the thought that none of my dreams could ever deliver the feeling that reality had given me. Now, the only question I had to ask of Sally when she woke was, was this something she wanted to last forever or was it just a passing phase. Then, I would ask myself if I cared.

“Hi, penny for those thoughts?” Sally’s voice was even softer and sexier than I could possibly have imagined.

“Hi yourself are you comfortable?” I didn’t want her to leave my embrace. In fact I wanted to stay like this forever.

Lips gentle nibbled my neck in answer as Sally moved slightly and rested her head on my chest. “Oh yes, I’ve never felt better in my life.”

If I was a betting woman, I'd think that simple statement gave me the answer to my question. Still I wanted to hear it clearly. I was going to do something that was totally out of character for me. I would take the first step into the abyss. I would be true to the pact Jane and I made and not let the chance of love pass me by. “I love you Sally. I’ve always loved you, from the first moment I ever saw you when I was five.”

Before I knew what was happening Sally had turned around in my arms and I was lying in her arms with her face next to mine, “I know. I love you too Angela. I have for a long time…way back.”

Startled, I bolted upright and Sally laughed at my antics. “You did, you have, but why?” I wailed out my protests, which were basically my insecurities. Then I felt a gentle pressure on my face as Sally moved to place a tender kiss on my lips settling me down for a few moments.

“Why? Why not, you are the most adorable woman I have met in my life. I used to watch you and your friend Alex and, believe me, I was jealous. I had all those people around me but the one person who made my heart smile wasn’t one of them. There were times that I purposely ignored others and sat around where you and your friend were just so that I could be near you. I was smitten by you and although I had to leave and the years have rolled by, I never truly forgot you.”

I was stunned, she had been jealous…of me?My god I didn’t believe it. What a crazy mixed up world we live in. Tears began to roll down my cheeks as she held me close whispering over and over again how much she loved me.

“You went away without a word.” It was an idiotic remark. Why would she have sought me out to tell me? Although if what she was saying was true and she had loved me back then, why hadn't she?

Sally moved fractionally to allow us the benefit of looking into each others eyes. “I did come by your house to say goodbye. No one was home. I did think to leave a note but so much was happening I didn’t. Perhaps that was the greatest mistake of my life but then I’ve made a few along the way.

I nodded whispering, “hadn’t we all.”

With a gentle smile she resumed her story. “I guess you know that my mother left with the parson and my dad decided to up-root us and leave town. We went across state to live close to my grandparents. My dad never got over my mother leaving him and died of a broken heart about ten years later. At least that’s what we in the family call it; the doctors said it was because he hadn’t looked after himself properly. I attended college close by and was offered a marvellous job travelling. That’s how I ended up in Asia. I met someone there who became a wonderful influence on my life for the short time we were together. After that, I knew that I didn’t want second best. And, I thought I’d lost the best a long time ago. My work was everything and, to be honest, I worked hard most of the year. That is why I have this life today.”

As I listened, Sally’s later part of her story was much like mine in a way except that she had travelled and I’d stayed put. “I’m sorry about your father and leaving I didn’t know the reason until last year. What made you decide to come back here?”

She smiled. “Thank you. In answer to your question…" We both knew she could say it was me, but we would both know she wouldn't be faithfully telling the story. "Your parents.”

Now I was shocked, my parents! “You’re joking of course?” I croaked. My mouth must have been wide open as she placed hers on mine and we were lost for a few passionate minutes.

“No, I’m perfectly serious. I met them at a charity auction in the city. Except for the greying hair I would have known them anywhere. They haven't changed much and are aging well. To cut a long story short we had lunch a week later and they mentioned the Grey House was for sale in passing. I guess retired or not they will always be realtors.” We both laughed at her teasing although it wasn’t really. My parents had been born with an eye for a decent property sale and would until the end of their days.

“That’s when you contacted me?”

“Yes, I was very disappointed when I met your associate…not, that she isn’t a lovely and capable woman. I was insatiably curious to see you after all these years. I had my wish that day later in the bar and the day after. To my eyes you hadn’t changed a bit…still adorable and I lost my heart all over again.”

“You did?” I finally squeaked out.

“Sure.” Her slim fingers stroked every inch of my face and I closed my eyes relishing in the touch and what it did to me.

“If you carry on like that I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

The sexiest voice that I now have committed to memory replied with an answering passion, “Then don’t.”

And I didn’t.