‘Well now it’s my turn to feel honoured. We’ve done a lot of cool stuff together and I just want that to continue, to be honest.’
‘We have, haven’t we? I think we’ve both been thrown out of our comfort zones and surprised the heck out of ourselves in the process. My biggest surprise has been how much I like you. How much you make me want to try new things with you.’
I look out across the restaurant, feeling bowled over by what she’s saying. ‘Thank you. Shall we have a toast. To … us?’
‘To us,’ she says, raising her glass to mine.
Over mains, Alice tells me that she’s been giving my spirit animal some thought for a while now.
‘My what?’
‘Your spirit animal. People see them in lots of different ways, for some a spirit animal can be a sort of talisman that guides you through life.’
I set my cutlery down. This sounds intense.
‘And for others it’s more of a fun metaphor for your personality in animal form. So, like, if there’s someone you don’t like they could be a snake, or something.’
‘Okay,’ I nod. ‘I think I follow. So have you figured out mine?’
‘A panda,’ she beams.
‘Because … I have an affinity with bamboo?’
She laughs. ‘Because you’re gentle and emotional but you also have strength. And you like to climb.’
‘Hmm. A panda. I’ll come back to that one but first let me have a think about your spirit animal. God, no pressure, you’ve been mulling this one over for a while.’
‘And we’re drinking tonight …’
‘Exactly! Unfair advantage to you,’ I laugh. ‘So many animals.’
Alice sits back as I think it over, a smile on her face.
‘I’ve got it.’
‘Oh?’
‘Hummingbird.’
Alice looks distinctly unimpressed. ‘A tiny little bird? I was hoping you’d go for something a bit more vital and strong. Like a lioness or a jaguar.’
‘Hear me out,’ I grin. ‘I watched a nature programme about hummingbirds a while back. They might look delicate but they’re also fiercely independent and playful, and let’s not forget the most important Alice-like element.’
‘What’s that? They love flowers too?’ She laughs.
‘I hadn’t actually thought of that one. I meant that they’re only a couple of inches big but they can fly for thousands of miles.’
‘So I’m small but I can go the distance? It’s not the most romantic analogy I’ve ever heard, Zach,’ she teases.
‘I mean they’re resilient, like you.’
She’s quiet for a minute. ‘That is quite sweet,’ she concedes.
‘Better than being a panda,’ I point out.
‘Come one, pandas are adorable.’
Our plates are cleared away and we’re well into the second bottle when Alice gives me a look.
