The phone buzzes in my hand, making me jump, and a notification of a text appears on the screen.
Archer:Hey, you. Just checking in. Miss you x
My heart lifts as if swept up on the breeze, and I feel warm all the way through.
Me:I was just thinking about you x
Archer:That’s nice to know! Everything okay?
Me:Yes, I’m fine. Just tired and a little low
Archer:Aw, babe. I’m sorry
His use of ‘babe’ makes me smile.
Me:It’s okay, it’ll pass
Archer:Well I have the perfect remedy here if you’re interested
Me:Oh?
Archer:She’s small, extremely cute, and a terrific cuddler
I laugh.Miss Queenie! How’s she settling in?
Archer:Yeah good, she’s out exploring the garden at the moment
Me:She wasn’t worried about going home with you?
Archer:No, she really is the sweetest thing. She’s eaten most of her dinner, and Jude has taught her to sit, so she’s already making progress
I press my fingers to my lips at his passing reference to Jude. It sounds as if they’re still talking. I can’t explain how relieved it makes me feel to know I haven’t ruined their relationship.
My other thumb hovers over the keypad, and then finally I type,I’m torn, I want to see you, but I don’t want to use you
Archer:Please, use me all you like ;-)
I give a short laugh.You know what I mean.
Archer:I do. But let’s keep it simple. Today, right now, we want to see each other. So let’s see each other, and just forget about everything else
I rub my nose.Okay. I’ll bike over. Be about half an hour.
Archer:I look forward to it. Have you eaten?
Me:No
Archer:I’ll make us something, then x See you soon!
I jump up, go into the cottage, strip off, and take a very quick shower, then realize it’s a bit pointless as I’m going to be cycling overto his place, but at least most of it is downhill. I pull on a pair of black three-quarter length leggings and my favorite light-blue cycling shirt, touch up my makeup, and twist up my hair into a scruffy bun.
After going out, I lock the cottage, put my phone and keys into my backpack and tug it on, then head off down the path.
It’s a pleasant journey. I pass the paddocks and coast past the Ark, which is quiet now everyone has gone home, sail along the drive, and then head down the hill. Halfway down I pass the PAWS center, see the new sign, and stop for a moment to admire it. Has Archer seen it? For some reason, my stomach flips at the sight. It feels like a symbol of the fact that even though everything has been turned upside down, time keeps moving on.
Thinking about that, I continue along the road, thinking how beautiful the beach is on my right, and admiring the toffee-colored water of the lagoon in the light of the setting sun.
At the end of the beach, I turn left onto Archer’s road and head up the hill to where his house is set back, overlooking the view. I let myself in the gate and close it carefully behind me, then walk the bike up to the house and leave it leaning against the wall. Then I go up to the front door and knock, my heart racing.
