CHAPTER ELEVEN
ALEXIS
Thursday dawns. The day of my eighteenth birthday. I wake with a smile and roll over, automatically feeling under my pillow for my phone. The display reads I have a few text messages. I scroll through the ones from my friends in London wishing me a happy birthday, smile at the ones from Carl and Jen, open Alec’s.
Happy birthday, Princess. Xx
The message says it was sent at midnight. He stayed up til midnight just to wish me a happy birthday? Wow. I say as much to him in a reply.
He texts back almost instantly.
Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. And yes, I did stay up until midnight just to wish you happy birthday. I wanted to be the first. Can’t wait to see your face later. Xx
I sigh happily and shake my head into the pillow. I give myself a moment to bask in the warmth of the feeling spreading through my body before climbing out of bed.
My nose twitches. I smell bacon, and eggs, and toast. My stomach rumbles a protest at my dawdling and I make my way downstairs, towards the glorious smell.
‘‘Happy birthday!’’ Grammy shrieks at me the second I step into the doorway. She wraps me in one of her world-famous hugs, rocking me side to side enthusiastically.
‘‘Uh, thanks, Grammy.’’ I laugh and hug her back.
‘‘Oh, you’re all grown up.’’ She sniffs and wipes a mock tear from her eye. I snort slightly at her theatrics.
‘‘Happy birthday, baby.’’ Mum cups my face and kisses my forehead. Tears are glistening in her eyes and in a spur of the moment, I grab her and hug her tightly. She sighs into my ear and squeezes me.
‘‘Baby girl, you’re all grown up now. Do you know what that means?’’ Dad tries for stern but his proud smile gives him away.
‘‘Yep.’’ I grin. ‘‘I can finally do everything you’ve been telling me not to for the last year.’’ I hug him.
‘‘Like that ever stopped you before.’’ Bing ruffles my hair and snatches a piece of bacon from the side. Gram slaps his hand.
‘‘Fine.’’ I poke my tongue out. ‘‘I can do it legally.’’
He laughs. ‘‘Happy birthday, sprog.’’
‘‘Thanks, Bing.’’ I smile at him and he winks.
‘‘Sit down, sit down!’’ Grammy flaps her hands at us. ‘‘Oh fudge, where are my darn oven gloves?’’
‘‘On the oven door,’’ we all say simultaneously.
‘‘Thanks, dears.’’ She picks them up and brings out a large platter full of food. Hash browns, sausages, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, more bacon. She’s certainly been busy this morning.
I sit at the table and notice the pink balloons floating on the ceiling. Cards and presents sit on the floor slightly to the side and I look at my family gratefully.
We might not be the most functional family in history – but it’s my family. Any ill feelings I had towards my parents about bringing me here for the summer have disappeared. I know why they did it now. They wanted me away from the city for a while, because you find yourself in the most unexpected places.
‘‘Eat up, and Bing, leave some for everyone else!’’ Grammy frowns at him across the table.
He puts his hands up innocently, chewing on a large piece of whatever-it-was he put in his mouth while I was having my inner monologue.
‘‘But it’s so good,’’ he mumbles through his food.
‘‘Samuel!’’ Mum admonishes. ‘‘Do not speak with your mouth full!’’
Here come the manners. Even at a birthday breakfast, proper etiquette is demanded at all times.
I have the best Mum, ever.
‘‘Chill, Mum.’’ Bing winks and swallows his food. ‘‘You always say not to ignore someone when they speak to you, and Gram was speaking to me.’’
‘‘In the case of a full mouth, you put a hand up politely for them to give you a moment, swallow your food and then you reply.’’ Mum starts cutting her food.
‘‘Well, oooookay.’’ Bing looks at the ceiling. ‘‘If you say so, Mum.’’
‘‘Em, can’t you see the boy’s winding you up?’’ Dad snickers.
Mum levels a glare on Dad and points her fork in his direction. ‘‘Do not encourage him, Simon.’’
‘‘Mum?’’ I ask tentatively.
‘‘Yes, Lexy?’’ She turns to me, a smile on her face.
I poke her arm. ‘‘Get your elbow off the table. It’s not polite.’’
Everyone laughs and she drops her elbow from the table, smiling at me. I grin back and make a start on my breakfast.
‘‘You taught them well, Emmy,’’ Gram comments, chewing her food.
‘‘Mother!’’ Mum looks at her horrified.
Grammy swallows her food and raises her eyebrows. ‘‘Hey, sugarpie, I made the rules. I get to break them.’’
She winks at me and Bing. Bing leans over and high fives her.
‘‘Damn, Grammy, you’re one of a kind.’’ He shakes his head.
‘‘Well, of course I am,’’ she bristles. ‘‘You think there’s another sixty-eight year old woman in this village as beautiful as me? Don’t be daft, Bing.’’
‘‘I dunno...’’ He looks at me, a playful twinkle in his eye. ‘‘I saw that Mabel yesterday, and phwoar, she’s one hot GILF.’’
I snort and cover my mouth with my hand. Oh, hell.
‘‘GILF?’’ Grammy looks at us. ‘‘What is a GILF?’’
Mum’s eyes widen and Dad looks on, more interested and amused than he probably should be.
‘‘It’s a Grandma I’d Like To F-’’
‘‘That’s enough, thank you, Samuel.’’ Mum interrupts him. ‘‘I’m sure your grandmother can work out the last word on her own.’’
We all fall silent, looking at Gram. Her eyes are narrowed thoughtfully. She turns to Bing.
‘‘Well, dear, you should probably know about her varicose veins before you decide to make like a rabbit with Mabel.’’
We all explode in laughter. Only Grammy.
~
‘‘Ready?’’ Alec appears at my bedroom door, spinning his keys around his finger.
‘‘Please, come on in,’’ I say sarcastically and roll my eyes.
‘‘Oh, I will.’’ He grins and looks around. ‘‘Nice room.’’
‘‘Thanks.’’ I smile at him. ‘‘Gram did it before we came down.’’
He nods. ‘‘She sent me up. Said I have to take you out this afternoon.’’
‘‘Mmm, she said you were coming over.’’
‘‘Judging by the E-reader attached to your hands, I’m guessing you’re not impressed by the idea?’’ He raises his eyebrows.
‘‘It’s not the idea I’m not impressed by, I’m waiting to hear your plan for the day,’’ I challenge.
‘‘Hmm, okay.’’ He leans against the door frame, hooking his thumb in a belt loop. ‘‘It’s still early so... How about we go for ice-cream at Cara’s, then I’ll drive us up to Ilfracombe and we can go around the aquarium then grab chips and curry sauce to eat on the beach. After that we can go into the arcade.’’
I look up at him in amazement and put my E-reader down. He’s just described the perfect day, with all of my favourite things. He smiles at me slowly.
‘‘Surprised, Princess?’’
‘‘A little,’’ I admit, tilting my head to the side. ‘‘Why are you doing this?’’
‘‘Because.’’ He steps towards me and takes my hands, pulling me up. ‘‘It’s your birthday. And someone as amazing as you deserves an amazing day filled with all of her favourite things.’’
I tilt my head up and look at him. He’s still holding my hands.
‘‘How did you know they’re all my favourite things?’’ I ask quietly, still amazed.
‘‘Because, Princess, I listen to you, even when you think I’m not. I listen to the little things because I know it’s the little things that make you happy, and you definitely deserve to be happy on your birthday.’’ He winks and his dimples appear. ‘‘So get your stuff together, ‘cause we’re going in five minutes.’’
He spins me round by my shoulders and I quickly gather my stuff together.
‘‘Alec?’’ I put a hand on his back and he looks down at me beside me. ‘‘Thank you.’’
‘‘The day hasn’t started yet.’’
‘‘I know, but thank you for even planning it,’’ I say honestly. ‘‘It’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me, as cliché as that is.’’
‘‘Good.’’ He takes my hand and links our fingers.
‘‘And I might be a little glad I get to spend it with you,’’ I whisper.
‘‘Even better,’’ he whispers back and kisses my knuckles. ‘‘Come on, or your Gram will start getting crazy ideas about what the two of us are doing up here. She’ll send Bing up and I don’t fancy being on the end of his right hook.’’
I laugh a little and take my hand from his.
‘‘Hey!’’ He reaches for me again and I skip out the door.
‘‘Big brothers don’t approve of that, either!’’ I laugh.
‘‘Big brothers don’t approve of what?’’ Bing asks, watching us come down the stairs.
‘‘Touching sister stuff.’’ I giggle and kiss Bing’s cheek. ‘‘Don’t cause any trouble while I’m out.’’
‘‘Hey,’’ he jabs me in the arm. ‘‘You’re the one who’s just turned eighteen. You stay out of trouble. I’m responsible.’’
‘‘Okay, Bing.’’ I wink at him and open the door. ‘‘Bye, Mum, Dad, Gram!’’
‘‘Have fun, kids!’’ Gram claps her hands excitedly and I give her a look. She winks.
Everyone appears to be winking today.
Alec opens the door of his Jeep for me and I get in, putting my bag by my feet.
‘‘Did you say ice-cream, first?’’ I grin.
‘‘Of course.’’ He grins back. ‘‘Cara’s. Would I take you anywhere else?’’
‘‘Hmm, I dunno.’’ I lean back in the seat. ‘‘You’re unpredictable.’’
‘‘Is that a good thing?’’
‘‘I’m not sure,’’ I say honestly. ‘‘I never know what you’re going to do next.’’
He glances at me out of the corner of his eye. ‘‘And you think I know what you’re going to do? You play your cards so close to your chest they’re practically a part of your skin.’’
I smirk. ‘‘Best way.’’
‘‘So you had no idea I was taking you out today?’’ Alec raises his eyebrows.
‘‘Nope, all Gram said was that you were coming over.’’
He pulls up outside Cara’s and smiles. ‘‘Ice cream, Princess?’’
~
Alec pays our fare at the counter in the aquarium and I’m almost bouncing in excitement. This was always my favourite place as a young girl, especially the Lundy Island Exhibit.
‘‘Come on then, birthday girl.’’ Alec holds the door open for me and I go through it, walking into the Source Exhibition.
The idea behind the aquarium is a journey from the Source in Exmoor to the Atlantic Ocean. The fish in the Source exhibit are all small, brownish fish. I guess that’s so they can blend in.
I don’t know. I’ve never been one for the information cards.
I practically pass right through the River and Estuary exhibits, going straight to the Rockpool one. I see starfish, hermit crabs, prawns and a small anemone called a Beadlet Anemone.
‘‘I’ve caught one of those before.’’ I point to the hermit crab.
‘‘With Jen?’’ Alec comes up behind me and looks over my shoulder. I nod.
‘‘That was how we met. She stole my hermit crab and gave me a fish. It was a bit of an unfair exchange, now I think about it.’’ I tilt my head to the side and accidentally rest it against Alec’s. He puts one hand on my waist before I have a chance to move.
I realise I don’t really want to move. Not much, anyway.
‘‘She definitely got the better end of the deal with that one,’’ he agrees.
‘‘Bing scared her with a prawn though.’’ I giggle slightly. ‘‘He thought I was upset. I was just happy to make a friend.’’
Alec chuckles. ‘‘How old were you?’’
‘‘Tender old age of five.’’ I shrug. ‘‘She gave the crab back though. She still holds a grudge against Bing because of the prawn thing.’’
‘‘Ahh, I see why she’s so sarcastic towards him. Well, more than she usually is.’’ He amends and I grin, moving along. Alec keeps his hand resting on my waist as we walk into the next section.
‘‘I’ve caught one of those.’’ He points to the sea bass.
‘‘Are we sharing our catches now?’’ I laugh.
‘‘Hmm, no.’’ He rests his chin on my shoulder. ‘‘Because nothing you’ve ever caught could beat what I’ve caught.’’
‘‘Wanna bet?’’ I try to move my head so he can see my disbelieving face.
‘‘Go on, then, tell me what you’ve caught.’’
I tap my chin as I think.
‘‘I’ve caught a lobster,’’ I say and he shakes his head. ‘‘One of those little octopuses?’’ He shakes his head again. ‘‘I don’t know then.’’
I give in.
‘‘They definitely don’t beat my best catch.’’ He wraps his other arm around my waist.
‘‘Go on, then, enlighten me.’’ I smile. ‘‘What’s your best catch?’’
He nudges my hair away from my ear with his nose.
‘‘I’m holding it right now. I just need to reel her in.’’
I smile and shake my head. ‘‘Smooth.’’
He raises his head and grins at me. ‘‘That was pretty good, huh?’’
I look up at him. ‘‘Better than that crappy Disney princess reference you made before.’’
He grimaces. ‘‘Yeah, that wasn’t my best.’’
‘‘It was kinda sweet. In a dorky way.’’ I start walking again and he releases me, resting one arm over my shoulders. I pat his hand and he snatches it, linking our fingers.
The next – and last - exhibit is the Lundy Island one. They have an amazing marine reserve just off the island, and I’ve always loved seeing the fish in the aquarium.
‘‘I’d love to go to Lundy.’’
‘‘Haven’t you been?’’ Alec looks at me like I’m crazy.
‘‘Yeah, to the island,’’ I explain. ‘‘But I’ve never done the snorkelling. I’ve always wanted to, but Mum said I was too young before. I guess I could do it this summer at some point.’’
Alec nods. ‘‘I’ll take you. How are you on boats?’’
I wrinkle my nose. ‘‘Not great, but I can manage it.’’
‘‘You’re cute when you do that.’’ He taps my nose and I fake a glare at him. ‘‘We’ll go one day next week. Promise. My friend has a small boat docked at the harbour and he’ll take us over.’’
‘‘He won’t mind?’’ I look at him in shock.
‘‘No, he does the food runs back here to the mainland. He actually lives on Lundy – one of like thirty people that do – and he’s always happy to come back and save us paying the prices they charge for something he’ll do for the cost of a pint or two.’’
I smile. ‘‘That’d be amazing.’’
He squeezes my shoulders. ‘‘Anything for you, Princess.’’
I’m starting to think he’s right.
He’s gone out of his way to spend the day with me, doing my favourite things with me just to make my birthday special. Now, he’s planning a trip to Lundy just so I can snorkel. I have no doubt he’d fly to Africa to get me a fresh mango or a pet monkey if I asked him to.
I have no doubt...
Jen was right. He’s doing this to prove to me he’s worth a chance, worth the risk. He’s doing it to prove to me that I’m not like the other girls in the past. That he wants more than one night.
The thought trickles over me slowly, slowly peeling away the film over my eyes that’s been there when I’ve looked at him before. A layer is stripped from my heart as I look up at him. He glances down at me and I see how happy he is.
Alec’s happy because I’m happy.
It’s a surreal feeling, knowing I’ve made him so happy through my own happiness. He really did do all of this for me, to make my birthday perfect.
I’m not completely ready to trust him fully. I know that. But, I am ready to give him what little I have.
I lean my head against his shoulder as we leave the aquarium, my body curling into his slightly. I let my arm slip around his waist and he pulls me towards him. His lips press against the top of my head in a soft kiss.
Without my stubborn layer hiding it, I’m struck by how right it feels.
ALEC
Her body curls to mine and I press my lips to the top of her head. Her hair still smells of strawberries and I squeeze her hand and smile to myself.
If all it took was a trip to the aquarium to get her to trust me, I should have done this weeks ago.
‘‘Where to now?’’ I ask her as we stroll along casually.
‘‘Mmm, I’m pretty sure chips were mentioned this morning.’’ Lexy licks her lips and I’m momentarily distracted by the movement of her tongue.
‘‘Hello? Alec?’’ Her lips curve in a smile and I blink.
‘‘Sorry, Princess. What did you say?’’
‘‘I said, I’m hungry.’’ She laughs quietly.
‘‘Well then. We’ll feed you.’’ I grin and wink at her. She shakes her head and I turn us in the direction of the chip shop. It feels natural, walking with her so close and buying her food like she’s actually mine.
She is. Almost.
Her stomach rumbles and she blushes.
‘‘Honestly, you’d think you never ate.’’ I roll my eyes and she pokes my side with the hand resting on my waist. ‘‘Oi.’’ I lift our hands and poke her head.
‘‘Stop it!’’ She squeals and turns, her chest pressing against mine. She looks up at me and her eyes are wide. Not shocked wide or scared wide. Just... An amazed kind of wide.
‘‘What?’’ I smile slightly.
‘‘Nothing. Everything. I don’t know,’’ she mumbles.
‘‘Lack of food is making you delirious, Princess,’’ I whisper and push open the door of the shop.
I order our food and try to ignore the little side glances she gives me as we wait. It’s not easy. I can see it in her eyes - it’s like she’s really seeing me for the first time.
I take our chips from the counter and she grabs the curry sauce and forks.
‘‘I love these little forks.’’ She examines one thoughtfully as we make our way down onto the beach.
‘‘How? Why?’’ I double-take.
‘‘They’re kinda cute, and good for poking people too.’’ She pricks me in the arm and giggles.
I glare at her playfully and she gives me a butter wouldn’t melt smile.
‘‘Sit, before I toss you in the sea,’’ I order and hand her her food.
‘‘Are you coming in with me?’’ She tilts her head to the side. ‘‘‘Cause if you are, then toss away.’’
ALEXIS
Did I just say that? Holy crap, I did.
Why did I say that? Oh god.
Alec stops unwrapping his chips and looks at me like he can’t quite believe what I said. I can’t either.
‘‘Did someone give you alcohol this morning, Princess?’’ He smirks.
‘‘Um, no. Why would they?’’ I stab a chip and dip it in curry sauce, bringing it to my mouth.
‘‘Because you’re awfully...’’ He stops and his gaze flickers to my lips, pausing there as they close around the chip. ‘‘Open.’’
He clears his throat and I shrug. ‘‘Dunno. Maybe Grammy mistook the vodka for oil when she cooked this morning.’’
‘‘Yeah, maybe.’’
We eat in silence but I’m aware of how close we are. I can feel the heat emanating from his body and I lean into his arm. He puts it round my waist and still, we don’t say a word until we finish eating.
‘‘Better?’’ His lips brush my forehead as he speaks.
‘‘Much,’’ I reply, just as quiet.
‘‘Good.’’ He takes the rubbish and puts it in one of the bins nearby. I know, bins on a beach.
‘‘I’m gonna take a walk.’’ I stand and slip my shoes off. ‘‘I haven’t been here in so long.’’
‘‘Hang on then.’’ He slides his trainers off and we leave them by the rocks.
Sand flows around my feet as I walk up to the water. Tiny waves are licking at the beach tentatively as if they’re deciding whether or not to climb up it.
I relate to them as my fingers brush Alec’s hand in a perpetual state of indecision.
‘‘You’re doing it again,’’ he comments softly.
‘‘Doing what?’’ I look at him.
‘‘You have these moments where you kinda drift off... Like you’re getting lost inside your own head.’’ He stops in front of me and his fingers run through my hair on both sides of my head. ‘‘Where do you go?’’
‘‘I don’t know.’’ I rest my hand on his arm. ‘‘Sometimes, I’m just remembering. Other times I’m trying to make sense of my thoughts.’’
‘‘Which was it this time?’’
Blue grey eyes sear into mine, holding me trapped. ‘‘Making sense of my thoughts. Sometimes... Sometimes I just wish they’d go away.’’
‘‘I can help with that,’’ he whispers and his lips touch mine gently.
My heart stops and my eyes close with the second brush of his mouth. My hands slide up his arms to his shoulders and he steps closer, pressing our bodies together. His lips are warm and soft against mine, moving in a comforting caress. The ends of his hair at his collar tickle my fingers as they touch his neck. His hands slip to the small of my back, his touch searing even through the material separating us.
Him. Alec. Nothing, no one, nowhere. Thoughts are irrelevant compared to this touch, this reality.
‘‘I’m sorry,’’ he whispers in my ear. ‘‘I just... I couldn’t help myself.’’
‘‘Don’t be sorry,’’ I say, leaning my forehead against his shoulder. ‘‘Don’t be sorry. Alec...’’
‘‘I know, Princess,’’ he says sadly. ‘‘I know. Nothing else. For now.’’
~
The blue of Alec’s shirt makes the blue in his eyes stand out even more. They’re like a beacon to me, demanding my attention.
“I don’t know if I’ve met anyone like you.” Alec twirls the straw between his fingers and looks at me intently.
“Of course you haven’t.” I smirk. “I’m one of a kind.”
“You’re right about that,” he says softly and I meet his eyes for a second.
“When will Jen be here?” I say, looking towards the door.
I need to break eye contact. If I look at him for much longer I’ll jump over the damn table between us and kiss him senseless.
I flush at my own thoughts. Sheesh. Can I get some ice with this drink?
One kiss today is enough.
“She said ten minutes twenty minutes ago,” he replies. “So you’re looking at another ten.”
I inwardly groan. “Great,” I mutter.
“Anyone would think you’re still not totally comfortable being alone with me, despite the fact we’ve just spent the day together. Closely, too,” Alec says casually, finishing the rest of his drink. “Another?”
He picks up my empty glass and heads towards the bar. I can’t help but watch him go.
And admire his behind.
A lot.
Nice.
He comes back a few minutes later, a rose wine in one hand and a pint in the other.
“What makes you think I still don’t wanna be alone with you?” I ask, taking my drink from him. My fingers graze his as he hands it over.
“The way you look for Jen after oh, twenty minutes.” He raises an eyebrow.
“That’s so not true.” I protest and shake my head.
“Isn’t it?”
“Nope.” I sip my drink and the alcohol settles warmly in my stomach.
God knows I can do with some Dutch courage, the way this conversation is heading. I know I’ve shown him some trust - more than I wanted to. But there’s only so far I can go in one day.
“Then why are you always so anxious for her to get here? You were fine earlier,” he questions.
“I like spending time with her. It’s been a long time.” And I’m scared if I’m alone with you for much longer I’ll completely break.
“I’m not gonna jump the table and kiss you, Lexy.” He smiles slowly and it makes him even sexier. “Unless you want me to, of course.”
Oh, but isn’t that the problem?
“Not at all,” I lie smoothly. “You’re fine where you are, Alec.”
He quirks an eyebrow and lifts his drink as I see Jen skip into the pub.
“Happy birthdaaay beautifullllll!” She sings and wraps her arms around me. I return her hug, ignoring the looks from people around us.
“Happy birthday, Lexy.” Carl winks at me and kisses my cheek.
“Thanks, guys.” I beam up at them and Jen sends Carl to the bar as she takes a seat next to me.
“Ready to party on?” She nudges me.
“Oh hell yeah!” I laugh.
Carl approaches the table carrying a tray with four shots and four drinks.
“Know the bartender.” He winks at me.
“Oh hell no,” Alec bursts, eyeing the shots. “No way.”
I pick up one and sniff it. The strong smell of liquorice embraces me and I smirk at him.
“Not afraid of a little Sambuca, are you, Alec?” I taunt him.
“That stuff is lethal.” He frowns.
“Aw, can’t likkle baby Alec handle his ‘buca?” Jen teases in a baby voice, picking up her shot glass.
“Man up, dude.” Carl slugs him in the arm and hands him the shot which Alec takes, reluctantly.
“To Lexy, and finally being legal!” Carl says loudly and we all chuck the shots back.
The spirit burns the back of my throat and I click my tongue.
Alec screws his face up and shakes his head as he gets an all over body shiver. He takes a long slug of his pint and I laugh.
He narrows his eyes at me playfully. “Shut it, Miss Barely Legal.”
“Ohhh, pulling out the big guns, are we?” I grin cheekily. “You still owe me a drinking challenge.” I glance at Carl. “You both do.”
Carl holds his hands up. “We do. Tomorrow night?”
“What’s happening tomorrow night?” I look at everyone.
“Beach party,” Jen answers.
“On the Bay?”
“Yep.” She smiles at me.
I hesitate. Alec notices and takes my hand in his.
‘‘You’ll be fine.’’ He looks straight into my eyes. ‘‘I promise I won’t let anyone come near you.’’
I nod at him and look at both of the guys. “In that case, you’re on, boys.”
“Sure you can handle it?” Carl winks.
Alec makes eye contact with me again and I look into the eyes that have kept me up at night.
“I can handle anything you throw at me.”