“Right? That’s what Gran said too. She was ‘Mum’ then, of course.”
“I remember.”
We follow our guide to a long outdoor table and sit at one end of it.
“How about you? Any pets?” Archer asks.
“I wanted a dog, but Dad said no.”
“Why?”
Our hosts serve a feast of bread, cheese, thinly sliced tomatoes covered in herbs, mangoes, papaya, pears, guava, and bananas on the table.
“He said I wasn’t responsible enough.”
“How old were you?”
“Thirteen.”
“Sorry.” Archer puts his hand on my thigh.
“He was probably right. A dog is a huge responsibility.”
“And now? You could have chosen to live somewhere that did allow pets.”
I draw in a slow breath. “Now I’m at work more than I’m home. It wouldn’t be fair on a dog. But maybe when I’m retired, I’ll get a dog.”
“Wow. That’s some serious forward-thinking.”
I chuckle. “Or maybe just a dream.” I load my plate with food and sample a little of everything.
“Do you think about the future often?” Archer nibbles on a slice of juicy mango.
“I’ve got a pension, if that’s what you mean.”
“I’m more of a live-in-the-moment kind of guy.” He peels a banana.
“So’s my friend, Rex.”
Archer jostles my shoulder with his. “There must be a reason you’re drawn to guys like us.”
I raise my eyebrows. “I don’t fancy Rex.”
“I never said you did. But to have him as a friend and me as a—You must like a bit of chaos in your life.” He grins around the end of the banana and bites off the top.
I can’t stop staring at his mouth as he chews. I can’t speak until he’s swallowed the piece. “I, uh, I guess I need the chaos to temper my stiffness.”
“Then maybe I need someone like you to ground me.”
My breath catches in my throat. “You—do?”
“Yes. We’re good for each other.” He leans across and pecks my lips.
Electricity zips across my skin. I can’t breathe. My pulse races.
“We’re exactly what each other needs,” Archer whispers.
He’s right. I grab a fresh piece of bread, even though I still have one on my plate.
