The Education of Sebastian & the Education of Caroline(49)

“Donna, how … how nice to see you. Yes, I, um, just came to pick up a membership form—I had no idea there were so many different types.” Or that it would be so expensive.

“One of the few benefits of military service—and it puts the fee down to a more manageable $500 a month,” she whispered conspiratorially.

She took my elbow and led me out to a seating area at the rear. Several women were sipping cocktails, even at this early hour. The view of the ocean was stunning and the club had a large pool area, peppered with sun loungers and fringed umbrellas. I was far from enjoying it though—foolishly, it hadn’t occurred to me that I’d bump into anyone I knew here. And now Donna was ordering coffee for the two of us.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Caroline. We haven’t had a chance to chat and I did so want to thank you for inviting us to your home on Saturday. I really should have called before now.”

“Oh, no, that’s fine…”

There was an awkward pause—perhaps we were both remembering how the evening had ended—or our different versions of that.

“Is David a golfer?” she said at last.

“A bit, in Florida,” I said, flustered. He’d played a couple of times that I could recall.

“And you?”

“I prefer the beach,” I said, truthfully. “Swimming, sailing—anything like that.”

“Have you tried surfing?”

I’m sure I blushed beet red: I was thankful that my tan covered it up a little.

“No, I’ve never tried.”

“You should get the boys to teach you,” she suggested.

I nearly choked on my coffee.

“I’m sure Mitch Peters wouldn’t mind helping out.”

I smiled weakly. Clearly the ‘boys’ she was thinking of were quite different to the ones—the one—I had in mind.

“I thought you might have been tempted,” she continued.

I was ready to crawl through the floor—her words laced with unintentional double entendres.

And then I saw Sebastian.

He looked so handsome in his crisp, snug uniform; no one would have guessed he was still only 17. Certainly not me—he looked more like early twenties. It was easy to see how the club could get away with allowing him to serve alcohol. It seemed I suffered from the same hypocrisy.

Donna turned to see what, or rather who, I was staring at.

“Oh, there’s the Hunters’ boy. I remember Shirley Peters mentioning that her son was going to get him a job here.”

She waved to attract his attention, as I sank lower into my chair.

He hesitated for a moment, then strode over.

“Good morning, ladies,” he said smoothly.

His audacity brought a small smile to my lips.

“Hello, Sebastian,” said Donna.

“Hi,” I said, shyly.

“How long have you been working here?” asked Donna.

“Just a few days. Ches Peters got me a job.”

“And how are you liking it?”

“It’s getting better,” he said, glancing at me.

Donna raised her eyebrows and I could tell she was trying not to smile.

I frowned: Sebastian’s recklessness was hardly helpful.

“Can I get you ladies anything?” he said, sounding a little flustered as he correctly interpreted my cool expression.

“No, we’re good, thank you. We’re just having coffee.”

“Well, okay, then … I’d better get back to work…”

Donna waved him on his way and with a last flicker of his eyes toward me, he headed off.

“He’s such a nice boy,” said Donna thoughtfully. “Amazing he’s turned out so well when you consider…” She paused. “I was very impressed with how he handled his parents last Saturday.”

“Yes,” I agreed quickly, wanting to get her off the subject but not sure how.

“Of course,” continued Donna, “you knew him as a child. What was he like then?”

I couldn’t help smiling. “Oh, he was so sweet. He used to come to our house after school. My father was particularly fond of him.”

Dear Papa. My smile faded. How he would have loved Sebastian the man, as well as the boy he’d known.

Donna touched my arm. “Sorry, Caroline.”

I shrugged.

“So, do you think you and David will join?”

Now that I realized how popular the club was with Base families, I was a lot less keen, but I didn’t know how I’d get out of it.

“Maybe. It’s quite pricey. I’ll have to see what David says.”

Secretly, I had no intention of telling him I’d been there.

“I know what we’ll do,” said Donna, enthusiastically, “I’ll ask Johan to suggest it to him.”