Passport to Happiness by Carrie Stone

Author:Carrie Stone
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780008123086
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2018-11-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

‘Brody, come along.’ I practically have to drag the dog from the overgrown bush he’s decided to sink his face into, sniffing deliriously. ‘Look at all the wet on those leaves, it’s probably pee.’

‘Now on his face.’ Spencer laughs, stroking my fingers as his hand entwines with mine. We’re walking along Baileys bay trail, the sun beating down on us as we follow the flat footpath that’s positioned next to the sea.

I’m thankful to be out of the house and on an evening stroll with Spencer, for the tension at home is palpable what with Tilly being so emotional. Though mainly I’m grateful to have a chance to clear my head of my own sudden frustration regarding finances.

I was shocked to discover that I’d somehow managed to spend most of my savings. I don’t know why I’d assumed I’d been doing so well. Part of it boils down to the bank not setting up the direct debit to portion some of my wages into a separate account, but I know ultimately it’s my own doing. In over four months, I’ve managed to save a third of what I thought I’d have. Perhaps if I hadn’t been out so much at the beginning, drinking, lunching and buying crap I don’t need, then I would’ve been able to put aside more. But it’s so easy here to spend. Everyone earns big – so everyone spends. Mentally scolding myself for being so frivolous when compared to most people, I don’t earn big wages, I instead concentrate on the beauty of the reef below. The bright aquamarine water shimmers against the sun’s glare.

From this vantage point high up on the coastline, with the ocean directly to our left, we are able to see every curve of the island up ahead. The magnificence can be felt with every step as I watch the waves ripple on the endless horizon and notice parrot fish in the sea. The intense brightness of sunshine suddenly causes me to squint and I simultaneously gently bat away a colourful red dragonfly. It’s paradise, I’m walking through paradise.

How could I have been so stupid not to save harder? The thought hits me again and I feel demoralised, knowing that I can’t even tell Spencer because he won’t understand or relate. Not only is his salary huge, but from the sounds of everything he’s told me, he’s never had to really worry about money. In fact, he appears to relish the lavish and opulent lifestyle that he has. How can I expect him to empathise with my concerns? I know he’ll just offer me money on the assumption that’s the answer to my problem. But I don’t want his money, I want my own. Wasn’t that one of the driving factors for why I came here in the first place? My heart sinks.

‘You’re quiet tonight? I hope you’re not still worrying about work.’

Spencer breaks into my thoughts and I stop walking for a moment, stepping closer to the bushes as a cyclist comes towards us.

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