Harmony Lake (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 6

Nicole sent a text to Wynonna to say hi. She didn't receive a response until the following morning, when her phone rang, Wynonna's familiar voice in her ear waking her from a deep sleep. "Hi, pug face, how's it going?"

"Is that you? Where are you?"

"Currently, walking back from the beach. Hear you're giving Waverly lessons. She's a big fan of yours."

"She's really good. Did you know she could sing?"

"Nope. She's not the most talkative. Singative. Haven't heard her play either."

"She's cooking for me. Kind of hopeless in that area. Man, it's good to hear your voice. How you keeping?"

"I'm great. Living the dream. Working all hours at a lousy bar, boss hates me, my digs smell of cabbage, or maybe something died. Yeah, all good."

Nicole laughed. "Definitely living the dream. Waverly mentioned coming to see you. I've got a place in Marbella, wondered if you'd like to stay there. The key's with the housekeeper, I'll text you her number. So long as you don't have any wild parties."

"Are you freaking serious?" Wynonna replied. "Seriously, are you serious?"

"I'm serious. Pointless having a property and it not being used. What are friends for if you can't crash at their place?"

"Haught, I love you. I will never call you pug face ever again."

"I quite like it. Reminds me of the old times. Can't remember what I called you."

"Toad breath. Or, toad features. Toad something."

"Did you know Laura's pregnant?" Nicole asked.

"No way. If you see her say hi from me. Guess, one of us had to eventually. You got any plans?"

"For kids. Still trying to figure out how my life works. Can I ask you something? About Ward."

"I know what you're gonna say. How can he drink that much and still be alive? Beats me."

Nicole paused, not wanting to stir up trouble, worried it would get back to Waverly. "I dropped a guitar over to your house and he acted like he didn't know me."

"It's the drink. He can't remember his own name most nights. I keep saying to Waverly to get out. I'm just glad she's going to Penn, at least she'll get her own life. Gotta go, battery's dying on me. Really appreciate the house offer. I'll call in a few days to let you know about the huge party I'm throwing there."

"Don't you dare, Wyn. If I hear..."

Wynonna hung up, Nicole now wondering if it was such a good idea to let her friend stay. She trusted Wynonna, although knew what she could be like. Still, it served a purpose. What was the point of having properties if they were sitting idle, especially when a friend needed a place that didn't smell of dead cabbage, or whatever the smell was?

Nicole strummed her guitar on the decking, the heady smell of the water filling her nostrils, the calls of creatures out for their midnight feast telling her the world carried on. Her heart continued to bleed for Shae, an open wound she knew not how to close. Waverly's body, her hands in her hair, had been a comfort, letting her know her own world still carried on, still cared for her, still wanted her to be a part of it. She wanted nothing more than to feel a part of something again. To feel she belonged.

Sport had been her way of belonging before music took over. A way of gaining a little respect from kids who looked past what she looked like so long as she could help the team win. It also kept her away from those who chose to single her out as a target for their own entertainment.