Free April's Glow by Juliet Madison Page A

but … is that why my prosthesis didn’t shock you?’
    â€˜I’ve seen much worse.’
    â€˜I can imagine. Although I can’t. Not really. I won’t begin to even … I should stop talking. I’ll stop talking.’ She turned away from his gaze and brushed her hair from her face.
    â€˜It’s okay, April.’
    She narrowed her eyes a little. ‘I saw you, at the harbour. You weren’t at the dawn service?’
    He shook his head and slid his hands into his pockets. ‘Prefer to honour the men in my own way. And also, it’s …’ He ran his hand across his short hair. ‘Doesn’t matter. Oh, your gift.’ He went to the kitchen.
    April furrowed her brow. ‘What is this gift you speak of?’
    He held out his hand, a small seashell resting on his palm. ‘Found it when I was walking over the sand dunes. Made me think of you for some reason. I think because it has these little speckles on it, like cinnamon.’
    April took the shell and studied it with a smile. Golden brown specks were scattered across it like freckles. And one edge of the shell was broken off. There was also a larger patch of golden brown near the centre, like a birthmark. ‘It’s unique,’ she said. ‘I like it. Thanks.’
    â€˜Don’t thank me, thank Mother Nature.’
    â€˜Okay then. Thanks Mother Nature,’ she spoke loudly in case Mother Nature couldn’t hear her from within the confines of this man-made enclosure.
    Maybe the reason why Zac had been distant the past two weeks was because of what today represented, and it triggered memories for him. Painful memories, just like the month of September did for her. ‘Sorry if I’ve been a nosy neighbour, pestering you about what you do and how you pay your bills. I’ll mind my own business now and try to be normal. So, if you need to borrow a cup of sugar anytime, let me know.’ She laughed.
    â€˜I don’t use sugar,’ Zac replied.
    â€˜Oh. Then if you need to borrow a cup of … Sugar substitute? Chia seeds? Or … coffee?’
    â€˜I’ll be sure to remember your offer.’ He grinned, then walked April to the door.
    Before stepping off the porch she turned to face him, his eyes grey and tired-looking, like he hadn’t had enough sleep. Which if he’d been up since before dawn like she’d been, he hadn’t. ‘Hey, a few of us will be at the pub tonight for dinner, if you’d like to come?’
    Zac took a step back. ‘Um. Thanks. But I’ll pass.’
    â€˜Okay, but if you change your mind, let me know.’
    He scratched his head, and his mouth opened like he wanted to say something, but no sound came out.
    â€˜Well, I’ll be off.’
    â€˜April.’ He lightly touched her arm and she glanced down at his hand. He had nice hands.
    â€˜Yeah?’
    â€˜Thanks for the offer. It’s nice of you. But the reason I can’t is, well …’ He nibbled one corner of his lip. ‘It’s a bit embarrassing, really.’ He rubbed the back of his neck.
    â€˜What is?’ she asked. ‘That you don’t want to be seen in such a state of obvious self neglect with your unimpressive physique and unshaven face? And those tattoos, I mean, you look like a badass. People might get scared.’ She nudged him with a wink.
    Zac smiled. ‘Yeah, I’ve let myself go. Too many meat pies.’ He patted his belly that clearly received no less than a couple of hundred or more crunches per day. ‘Nah, the thing is, and I haven’t told anyone this, except for … anyway, the thing is, I have a mild case of agoraphobia.’ A slight hint of pink coloured his cheeks. ‘Crowds. I just can’t do them. It’s hard to explain. I need quiet. Not too many people around. A pub, or any similar place, it’s … I’m not quite there yet.’ He lowered his gaze and lifted