An Endless Summer(118)

I turned to find Adam and Ellie by my side. I didn’t have to voice the fact that I was happy to see them. Adam and I gave each other a silent exchange just through a look, a look that said ‘I know’. Even though he could be so infuriatingly annoying, as he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze I had never been so happy to have him with me.

Max slid in between him and Ellie. “Look out – grey suit, two o’clock,” he said in a low voice.

We all turned to where we thought two o’clock was, which, naturally, was all in opposite directions.

“Where?” Ellie whined loudly, stepping on tiptoes.

Max sighed, shaking his head, and pointed. “There.”

We looked over to the outskirts of the gathered crowd on the drive to a tall man in an expensive grey suit, who was talking into his mobile phone.

“Sydney buyers,” Max added glumly.

My heart sank.

I turned, expecting to see a mirrored image of hopelessness in Adam, but instead I was surprised to see a wry smile. I followed his line of vision, confused at what could evoke such a look at a time like this.

I froze. In the very distance the crowd was parting, and continued to do so in a wave of annoyance as people stepped aside. Making their way towards the Onslow steps, like they had a thousand times before, were Toby, Stan, Ringer and Chris, all led by Sean.

Emotion so raw slammed into me as I watched him lead the Onslow Boys towards the hotel. I fought the urge not to run across the drive and fling my arms around him, so grateful to see him appear out of the crowd. Toby peeled off to stand near Tess and her parents for support, but Sean and the others made a direct line up the steps and closed the distance between us. Stan was talking to Sean but he wasn’t paying attention, too busy taking in the crowd on the verandah. His expression was serious and intense until his eyes found me.

I held my breath as our eyes locked on each other. Sean’s broody exterior soon melted into a familiar warmth that instantly soothed me. I felt like I could face anything now he was there, that everything would be okay.

There was no time to exchange pleasantries as the auctioneer banged his gavel and called for the crowd’s attention, motioning everyone into place as the murmurs fell into silence and people crept forward to attention. I half expected the boys to pause and stop where they were near the steps, but Sean strode towards me.

Paying no attention to the commotion, he walked straight over, never once taking his eyes from me. He winked at me, flashing a devilish smile that caused my heart to skip a beat.

In front of the entire town of Onslow, he stood … by my side.





Chapter Fifty-Seven



Once again I was lost.

The auctioneer started to fire up the crowd with his witty charm and brainwashing spiel.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s as if Mother Nature herself had blessed us with this fine day,” he said with a jovial laugh.

“Ugh! Is he serious?” Ellie groaned.

“I think this bloke needs to think of some new material for his stand-up routine,” Adam added under his breath.

There was a collective snicker amongst our group, but it failed to raise any humour in me. I fazed in and out of the auction as it unfolded before me, catching only the edges of what he was calling out.

“Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, this is a historical landmark, lovingly developed and maintained over successive years by four generations of the Henderson family.”

Each word was like a knife in my heart. I could feel my chest tightening, my eyes welling when something unexpected happened. Fingers laced with mine, palm pressed to palm, a reassuring squeeze that broke my misery spiral as I looked to my side.

Sean.

I studied his profile – he never broke the stern lines of his face as he, like the rest, stoically watched on.

“Here we go,” muttered Stan.

“Okay, ladies and gentlemen, let’s do what we came here to do and find this grand old lady a history-breaking new owner. Bearing in mind, this property comes with no bar code – you can’t scan happiness.”

I squeezed Sean’s hand so hard I thought I might break it.

“Don’t be shy, ladies and gentlemen, raise those hands to the sky, nice and high so I can see them. Where we at? Where will we begin? Today’s the day to make your claim on this wonderful lakeside property. Look at those views, ladies and gentlemen, the best in town. Can’t you just picture yourself downing a cold one from these balconies? It could be you. Who will start me off? Don’t be shy.”

This was it. Oh, God, this was it. My heart pounded hard in my chest as I waited for the first bid.

Silence. I allowed myself a foolish moment of hope when no one spoke. Maybe it wouldn’t sell. Maybe I could keep it. Maybe I could stay—