‘I don’t. I’ve never been here before.’
There’s a query in his expression.
‘I’ve been to the gift shop next door,’ I reveal.
‘Ah.’
I think it’s just dawned on him that I’ve chosen somewhere no one else I know would go to.
We need to order and pay at the counter, which I insist on doing, refusing, to his dismay, the note he tries to press into my hand. I go for the soup of the day – pumpkin and sweetcorn – while Alex opts for a baked potato with cheese.
‘So…’ he says when I return to the table. He’s swiped the salt shaker. ‘This is weird.’
‘Just a bit,’ I agree. ‘It’s been a long time.’
‘Almost four years.’
‘How’s it going at work?’ I ask.
‘Good, I think.’ Small talk can be a blessing. ‘It’s sometimes hard to know, but the team seem to be responding well to suggestions.’
‘That’s good. Jet lag?’
‘Terrible for the first week. I think I’m over it now.’
‘Is it your first time in Sydney?’
‘Yeah, first time. I’m cramming in my sightseeing at the weekends. After work I’m going straight back to my hotel and crashing out. The room-service staff and I are on first-name terms.’
Although he’s gently jesting, I feel a stab of pity. It sounds like a pretty lonely experience in a new city.
‘I would offer to have you over for dinner sometime, but…’ I don’t need to point out that he wouldn’t be welcome.
He looks down at the table. ‘HowisLachie?’ he asks after a moment.
Does he know for certain that we’re still together? Has anyone told him? Has he asked?
‘He’s great,’ I reply, forcing what I hope is an easy smile, despite my nerves. ‘Still the same, still gigging. He’s got so many weddings on these days.’
He leans back in his seat and folds his arms, his foot accidentally kicking mine. We both quickly move out of each other’s way.
‘What about you?’ he asks. ‘Are you still doing wedding photography?’
I wrinkle my nose. ‘Not really. Not at all, if I’m honest.’
His eyebrows pull together. ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ He sounds genuinely regretful.
‘Bridget is getting married next summer. She’s asked me to do hers.’
‘Oh, wow!’
‘Yeah. I should probably get some practice in before then.’
‘Surely it’s like riding a bike…’
I shrug. ‘Maybe.’
Neither of us says anything for a long moment. I avert my gaze only to come back a second later to meet his eyes again. He smiles a small smile. ‘It’s good to see you. I wasn’t sure we’d get to catch up.’
