“Yes,” Hank says. “That sounds right.”
For a moment, I wonder about life once we’re off this island. Considering he’s upper management, Hank will probably want to distance himself from his boss’s least favorite offspring. After we’re rescued, he and I likely won’t see each other again, I realize, and it’s a strange thing to think about.
“Art does something important for you?” Hank asks me.
“Yeah. I went to college for it, but ended up dropping out. My intention was to go back and finish my degree somewhere else, but my family freaked out about the whole thing and cut me off. That’s when I started selling kink illustrations on the side, mainly for fun after I learned about it from a roommate who was into gay werewolf sex. Like the moments the werewolves transform, specifically, so they’re kind of half-wolf, half-human while they’re fucking.” I realize my thoughts are spiraling off. “Anyway.”
Hank pulls closer to me. “Sorry your family cut you off like that.”
“It wasn’t final. They still give me support sometimes,” I acknowledge.
When I go crawling back and debase myself during financial crises, that is. An emergency dentist bill was the only reason I came to the casino boat in the first place. But I decide I don’t need to divulge my entire failure to Hank. I’m already self-conscious about how he sees me.
“I’m glad they still offer some support.” He considers me more. “Sounds like a complicated relationship, regardless.”
More thunder crashes outside, and Hank and I both slide closer to each other.
“Complicated is a word,” I share. “I’ve always disappointed my parents, and I don’t really connect with my siblings. We tried, at least when I was younger. And once I was old enough to start claiming space away from the family unit, that’s what I did. Everyone is happier this way.”
“You deserve better than to be treated like a disappointment. I’m sorry they couldn’t give you that.”
It’s nice to hear him say that. “I’m trying to figure out a healthier relationship, if I can. Things can be pretty toxic between us, and I know they’re never going to be the supportive,loving parents I wanted. But the current cease-fire is better than how it used to be, and I’m learning how to communicate and maintain some connection without compromising my own integrity.”
Although now level-up summer and a better-boundaried relationship with my family sounds like a tall order, considering the significant setback of being castaway on an island at the moment. When I return, I’m going to have to play catch-up just to get back to square one.
I pull my cattail shoes off and push my bare foot against Hank’s, and he gently pushes his foot back.
“What about your family?” I ask. “Your friends?”
“Some friends through my hiking club, and a few accountants I’ll meet for drinks after work every now and then. I’m grateful to have a close family. My mother and father are still together, and I have my twin sister, Angie.”
“There’s another you? Interesting.”
“We’re not identical, although we’re very similar. And very different. It’s a bit difficult to explain.” He sighs and shakes his head. “I really wish I could tell them I’m alive.”
I frown. “Yeah, it sucks.” I look out over the skyline as lightning cracks, wanting so badly to call my friends and hear their voices. “What does your family do?”
“Angie has a tech job at the firm with me. When we were growing up, our parents had a book shop, although they sold it when I was a teenager. My mom got into upholstery after that, and my dad bounced around office jobs. Now they have their own custom upholstery shop. They’re happy, although they work too much.”
I see more of the contours of Hank’s life taking shape. It’s funny to be going through something so intimate together and still learning these basic facts.
“This rain doesn’t seem to be going anywhere,” Hank says distractedly. “We should try to sleep.”
“Does that mean I get to cuddle you again? Because I am very cold almost always lately.”
Hank snorts. “I’m not sure it qualifies as cuddling when you’re sheltering from a storm on the bare earth.”
“I could suggest some other ways to work up body heat,” I try, watching for his reaction.
Hank scoffs and turns away, hiding his expression from me. He quickly gets to his feet and walks over to the rain, where he splashes water on his face. “There’s no need to joke,” he says. “We’re in the final stretch. It’s time for our rescue.”
I consider clarifying that I’m not joking while I position myself on the ground, pushing needles around to make us a more comfortable bed. As Hank rubs his face with rainwater, though, I decide there will be no more flirting tonight. Exhaustion is catching back up, and honestly, what I really want is to lie here with Hank and try to sleep.
He turns back toward me, and his face is serious. “We’ll get to work immediately when the sun rises. Sparing thunder or high wind, we can stay on task.”
I hold up my hands. “Okay. Fine. I won’t joke about body heat. I get it.”
Hank relaxes his shoulders. “What? That’s not what I meant. All I mean to say is let’s stay focused, yes?”
