Page 24 of One Golden Summer

“I’m not known for being shameless.”

“Is that right? What are you known for?”

Saffron couldn’t tell if Kirsty was taking the piss, but opted to give her the benefit of the doubt. “That’s for me to know and for you to find out.”Guh. Was that the best she had?

“Sounds like a challenge.”

“Do you like challenges?”

“Only ones that are worthwhile.”

Nervous laughter escaped Saffron. “I guess time will tell if I’m worth it or not.”

Kirsty’s expression darkened. “You get paid how much per movie?”

Again, Saffron struggled to decipher the true meaning behind the question and pivoted. “Do your parents still live in Sandy Cove?”

Just like that, Kirsty’s cloudy eyes returned to vibrant. “Yes. You might get the chance to meet them at the festival.”

“That must be nice.” Saffron regarded the family photos on the cheery pink wall. “When I was a kid, we used to go for beach holidays in Devon and Cornwall. Sandy Cove has the same charming character, but the beaches there were sandier. Sometimes, when I get overwhelmed, I like to close my eyes and relive the good memories with my parents at the beach.” As rare as they were.

“Ginger told me they aren’t around anymore.” Kirsty’s voice was soft and full of heartbreak.

Saffron took in a deep breath and clamped her hands together, applying enough pressure to staunch the blood flow. She’d taken great pains to bury her relationship with them. The fact she brought them up at all was troubling. “So, what’s the plan? I stopped by the marina and picked up a wetsuit. I also got a swimsuit. Which should I wear?”

“I’d wear the swimsuit under the wetsuit to prevent chafing. Why don’t you change first? I’ll wait out here.”

“What? You don’t think you can control yourself from not taking a peek at the goods?” Saffron levelled her eyes onto Kirsty’s, wondering if the woman would take the bait.

“Considering you’re of the opinion that I’m not old enough to remember the seventies, I don’t think getting naked in front of you will help me maintain that belief.”

Saffron’s eyes travelled up from Kirsty’s feet, along the curve of her calves, past her toned thighs, continuing still upwards, staying longer over the swell of the breasts, until finally resting on those stunning eyes. “I doubt you could disappoint in any department.”

“No pressure, then. Go on. Get changed so we can enjoy the wonder that is the sea.” Kirsty spread her arms out wide, as if Saffron was about to experience a once in a lifetime event.

Inside the hut, Saffron undressed and slipped on a simple black one-piece the man at the shop had recommended. She attempted to slide one leg into the wetsuit, only to be met with resistance, the neoprene refusing to budge up or down. She tried the other leg, ending up with both feet stuck.

“Um… I may need help,” Saffron called out.

“What?” Was the muffled reply.

Saffron hopped to the door, opening it, and keeping her body out of view. “I can’t get the wetsuit past my feet.”

“Did you buy K-Y?”

“Are you talking about lubricant?”

“Yes. It can help, especially with a newbie.”

“Are you talking about me or the wetsuit?”

“Well, given the situation, I’d say both. Do you want me to come in and help?” It was evident Kirsty was trying not to laugh, and her tone was laced with humour.

“Please.” Saffron hopped back a step to allow her to open the door wider, still keeping out of view from the people walking to and fro on the promenade.

Kirsty, with eyes closed, put out a hand. “Where’s the suit?”

“On my feet. Why do you have your eyes closed?”