The Best Next Thing

“A penny? Hmm…what with the currency conversion, that’s slightly more than they’re worth.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

“I was considering your statement. About me having a lot of downtime. Seems it would be bad form to agree with your employer about having little, to nothing, to do when they’re not around. Wouldn’t want you to reconsider my worth or anything.”

“Now now, Mrs. Cole,” he said, his voice light. “You know you’re priceless.”

The smile faded and a troubled frown fleetingly settled on her face before she smoothed her expression and turned away from the ducks. “Let’s get to the beach, Stormy’s getting impatient.”

Disturbed by the depth of sadness he’d seen on her face moments before, Miles hesitated, but she moved onward without waiting for him to follow. He remained rooted to the spot and watched the enigmatic beauty walk away from him. It was a pleasure to witness her graceful gait. She had her gloved hands tucked into the pockets of her down jacket and strands of her hair escaping the confines of her scarf and riding on the breeze behind her. Lending her an ethereal vulnerability.

Stormy whined and strained against her leash, eager to follow Charity. Miles complied, taking a few hurried strides to catch up with the woman.

The river mouth widened and shallowed when they reached the beach, and the fresh water flowed placidly into the gentle embrace of the ocean. Well, currently gentle. Miles imagined the ebb and flow of the waves would be a lot less tranquil once the tide rolled in.

The scenery changed dramatically at the beach. The lush greenery of the trees and shrubs along the riverside opened up to a long stretch of pristine white sand dunes, dotted with hardy fynbos, and a flat shoreline, perfect for sunbathing during summer.

The beach was empty and, despite the relative warmth of the day, a light mist was hovering just above the ground. Miles could see a jogger coming toward them, still so far off, he was nothing but a dark speck in the distance. He could just make out a smaller speck—probably a dog—keeping pace with the jogger.

As Charity had predicted, there were a few kite surfers dotted along the shore, some in the water, and several still unloading their kites. A lone kayaker was paddling out beyond the surf. A couple walked hand in hand down the beach. They had their shoes off and pant legs rolled up, but maintained a respectful distance from the gentle, lapping waves. Miles imagined the water had to be freezing.

This place was paradise and Miles inhaled deeply—happy that he was able to do so with relative ease—enjoying the salty tang of the fresh air. He looked at Charity who was watching him with a smile.

“Why haven’t I ever come out here before?” he wondered out loud, and her smile widened.

“I like coming here, especially in winter. It’s so peaceful. I often run on the beach.”

Of course, she did. Miles was starting to understand how important fitness was to her. She swam often and, in the last week, he had spotted her heading out to the lakeshore in running gear before dawn every day. He was usually out in his private garden at that time, waiting for Stormy to do her business.

Charity had no idea he knew, and he didn’t want to mention it in case she felt uncomfortable or considered it an infringement of her privacy. He did not want her to feel like he was spying on her. The fact that he had seen her had been altogether unintentional…

The first time.

After that he had looked forward to those furtive glimpses of her every morning. She always seemed so unguarded and carefree in her running gear, with her hair tied up in a long, swinging ponytail. And he enjoyed seeing her like that.

He didn’t say anything in response to her comment and unclipped the dancing Stormy’s leash.

The dog yapped joyously and took off down the beach at a precipitous pace, barking all the way.

“Oh fuck! Stormy!” Panicked, Miles took off after her, calling her frantically. The dog didn’t acknowledged him and, terrified that he was going to lose her, Miles tried to keep up. But he could feel himself flagging, the walk had already taken a lot out of him. He staggered and would have fallen if not for the firm hand that latched onto his elbow. He was unsurprised to find Charity standing beside him. She had kept pace with him for the humiliating, short distance he had managed to run.

He refused to be self-conscious about that. She was currently in much better shape than he was. He knew that. Still…it would be nice not to be seen as a lame duck by this woman anymore. He doubled over, his hands on his knees, while his breath wheezed in and out of his bellowing, hurting lungs. He could hear Charity making soft, encouraging sounds above him, one of her hands was stroking his back in soothing circular motions.