She stretched out her legs as she sat on the sand, letting the water tickle her toes. The light breeze teased a few strands of hair out from her loose ponytail and a small flock of seagulls came to investigate if she had anything for them. She offered no bounty and they squawked their way back down the shore.

She concentrated on her breathing, trying to keep it in time with the water rolling in. All week she’d managed to avoid Danny, courage failing her miserably. And he’d respected her request to slow things down. Tomorrow’s football game was an away match, so she had one more day’s reprieve until she would have to face him at the painting bee.

‘You ain’t dressed for swimming,’ Charlie barked from behind, making Nicole jump.

‘Just as well I’m not planning on going in, then.’ She smiled weakly as she turned to greet him. ‘Did you catch anything?’ She looked at the rod and tackle in his hands.

‘Humph.’ He shook his head as he came up and sat down in the sand next to her. ‘What’s got you so riled up?’

‘Excuse me?’ Nicole thought she’d been doing a good job pretending to be calm.

‘Your cheeks are flushed and your finger there’s tapping at a hundred miles an hour.’ He looked to her left hand, which was indeed tapping against her thigh furiously.

Nicole laughed.

It had started during her HSC, the pinkie on her left hand tapping during the exams. She’d been so desperate to do well. And ever since, whenever anything of great importance was looming and Nicole’s nerves were frayed, her little finger tapped. Her university exams, her first job interview, the day she submitted her manuscript to her agent.

‘Well, girl?’ Charlie said gruffly.

‘I’m just trying to work through some things.’

‘Bugs me to say this, but you’re a smart kid …’

Nicole smiled.

‘… you’ll figure it out.’

‘Oh, that’s helpful.’ Nicole raised her eyebrows.

‘It’s all you get.’ Charlie grunted as he stood up.

Nicole stood too and Charlie looked at her strangely.

‘What are you doing?’ he asked.

‘Thought I’d walk back with you.’

‘Why?’

‘Why not?’

They walked to the boatshed in silence. As Charlie veered off, Nicole stood on the path and watched him open his door.

He turned around to look at her.

‘I can get into my own place, you know.’

‘At your age,’ Nicole spread her hands open in front of herself, ‘one can never be too careful.’

‘Bugger off home,’ Charlie barked.

‘Have a lovely day.’ Nicole bowed extravagantly and started towards the cottage.

‘Oi,’ shouted Charlie.

Nicole walked back towards him. He held out a big yellow envelope.

‘This is the letter you asked me about the other week?’

He nodded. ‘Can you send it?’

‘Of course.’