I’m cleaning up the mess when my phone buzzes. I expect it to be Sophie again, but it’s the Dadventurers chat, a group I’m in with Lachlan and Douglas.
Lachlan
How about a beach BBQ at my place instead of a Pit meetup? Weather’s meant to be good this afternoon
Douglas
I’m out. Logan’s sick now too. Living the dream
Struan
Oof, unlucky mate. Two sick kids is rough
But a BBQ? Aye aye, captain. What can I bring?
Lachlan
We’ll sort the food. Blair’s invited Ainsley. She’s bringing soft drinks. Can you bring wine and beer?
Ainsley will be there? A grin spreads across my face before I can stop it, and my mind unhelpfully flashes back to this morning’s dream. The nightie. The way she’d?—
Walker, it’s a beach barbecue with kids present, not a wet dream sequel. Keep it in your pants.
Struan
Douglas
Ainsley?
Lachlan
New friend of Blair’s. Single mum. Took over the old hair salon
Struan
Which I’m refurbing for her. Also happens to be my new neighbour. And the same lass who fell into my lap at soft play
Douglas
Oh, HER. If I remember right, she was easy on the eye
Struan
Aye. Could’ve done worse for a new boss and neighbour
Lachlan
Right... anyway. See you this afternoon, lover boy
Lover boy.If only he knew what my subconscious had been up to earlier. Christ.
I’m loading beer into the cool bag when there’s a knock at the front door. I open it, and for a split second my brain short-circuits.
Ainsley and Lily stand on my doorstep, both dressed in denim—Ainsley in a dress that shows off her legs, Lily in a wee playsuit. In the afternoon sunlight, Ainsley’s hair gleams with those caramel streaks, and her green eyes are bright behind her fringe.
After the dream I had this morning, seeing her actually here is doing things to my head.
“Er, hi,” she says, looking slightly awkward. “Lily heard Isla was going to the barbecue and insisted we all walk together.”
