He's going to be my shadow.
Nine on the dot and he arrives at the kitchen door with a bottle of leftover champagne, two towels and his wetsuit.
Let's go try the toys I haven't played with yet.
PJ's eyebrow went up but he didn't say anything.
Can't. I have a mug of tea in my face so I talk behind it. I have to take Daniel in for his appointment.
Afterward, perhaps.
Movie date with Joel this afternoon. That's YOUR fault, remember?
Tonight?
I stare hard at him. I need notice. Maybe you should do up an envelope.
When are you free next?
Tomorrow morning. It's Saturday. I don't have any plans.
Would you like to try the waverunners with me tomorrow then?
I would love to. Also I'll try to pop in and see you later for the field trip and clothes money. And to give you the exam schedule for the kids.
That would be great. I think I'm going to go try these things out on my own then. No time like the present.
PJ can't take it and tells Caleb he'll go with him. No one is supposed to go alone and really, he is free since I'm taking Daniel in town.
Really? Okay great. Let's go. Some company would be great. I've got the warming drink for afterward.
Okay but I have to warn you. I look like a naval mine in my wetsuit.
Is that so?
Yeah but she looks like a vanilla bean in hers so I consider myself lucky.
What's up? Loch walks in and grabs a mug to pour some tea.
I'm heading out to take Daniel to the doctor and PJ and Caleb are going to use the wave runners.
Got room for a third?
I was about to say no when I realized he wasn't looking at me.
Caleb's eyes flicker briefly just once and then he turns into a teenager. Yeah. Come on!
And I wander next door in a daze.
Hey Bridge. I'm ready. Daniel is putting his wallet and phone in his pocket. He grabs his crutches and waits for me to open the door for him.
What's wrong?
Nothing. Loch and Caleb and PJ are going waverunning.
Ah. Nice.
No, I said Loch and CALEB.
Oh, I missed that part somehow.
Yeah.
Should we stay? Send in reinforcements? Call the military?
No. I guess PJ is there so no one will die. But really, what is Caleb up to?
He invited Loch and Loch said yes?
No, he invited me and I couldn't go so PJ said he would spot him and then Lochlan walked in and invited himself. It was weird.
That is weird. But maybe they're trying to be friends.
I don't know. I'm pretty sure those days are over.
Then just wait and see. Things will be okay.
He passes me and I lock the door behind us. I feel like I'm going to cry and I don't know why. Things haven't been okay for thirty-six years. Why would that change now?