“C’mon, slow poke,” she said, after a long pause but without turning around.
“We’re getting acquainted,” a voice answered.
Startled, Cora screamed and leaped around. “Who—Eli?!”
Fritz was leaning against Eli’s legs, grinning while Eli rubbed his shoulders. They looked like old friends, delighted to have run into one another in such an unexpected spot.
“What are you, a ninja or something? I didn’t even hear you walk up! You gave me a heart attack!”
He laughed. “I’m sorry, I do walk really quietly. It’s another one of my superpowers.”
“What are you even doing here?”
“I heard you were at church.”
“Thanks, Fran. So much for ‘Aussie’s honor.’ ”
“Remember, it’s an island of convicts.”
“But how did you know I’d behere?” She pointed to where she was standing.
“I read your entire blog, Cora. Between the millions of mentions and the photos of Fritz on the trail, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out your route. Anyway, I’m in your church because I need absolution.” He bowed his head like a pious congregant.
“What are you talking about?”
“Cora, I’m sorry I was so awful to you on the way home from Brannon’s house. You didn’t deserve that.”
“No, I oweyouan apology. I’m mortified that I made you feel like my errand boy. I’m so sorry. Really. I appreciated everything you did to help me.”
They stood a few feet apart, staring at each other in silence. Fritz looked at Cora’s face, then at Eli’s, then back to Cora’s, as if trying to translate what the tension between them meant.
Eli took a step forward. “Do you accept my apology?”
Cora nodded. “I do. And will you accept mine?”
“I will.” He put his hand on his chest and bowed.
They stood cemented in place, not sure how to act or what to say next. Eli focused on Fritz, massaging the dog’s shoulders like he was cornerman in a boxing ring. Cora adjusted his leash in her hand over and over. The silence became painful.
“Want to walk with us?’ Cora asked.
“Sure,” he answered quickly.
Fritz high-stepped between them as they set off.
“He’s a really handsome dude,” Eli said. “The photos on your site don’t do him justice. No offense to your photography skills, of course. I just mean he’s really good-looking.”
“I’m biased, but I agree.”
They were talking as if they’d just met, or like Eli was a client and they were in the first minutes of his first session.
Should I bring up the weather?Cora wondered.
“Warm today,” Eli said.
“Mm-hm,” Cora agreed placidly. Inside she raged.I need to say something! I need to tell him that I miss being around him. That I want him to put his arms around me and say that he’ll never dance with anyone else. That I need his kind of quirky in my life. Don’t screw this up again, Cora!
“Hey, I’m really glad we sorted everything out. I mean, I’m glad we’re back to normal,” Eli said.
