“And I won’t drown.”
“Strong plan.” Kaden chuckled. “Big fan of that one.”
The light changed and they crossed together.
Joe spoke again as they reached the other side, more certain now. “Climb a mountain. Make a snowman.” He glanced sideways. “What would you add?”
“Stay somewhere stupidly luxurious like a villa on the sea. Eat something we can’t pronounce. Get lost on purpose. Do something unexpected every day. And do it all with you.”
Joe nodded, committing each one to memory. He looked ahead again. Now life didn’t seem overwhelming. It looked possible.
Although they were waiting for news from Alistair, the next few days were peaceful. Kaden had sent off his article on Blake tohis editor, written several thousand words of his fantasy novel, spoken to his dad, promised to go for lunch on Sunday, and agreed to go back to Hoopers for a paid gig in a couple of weeks. Joe had smiled when Kaden had freaked out the moment that call ended.
The hunt for the meteorite had ended. Nothing had been found but a hole in the ground. Everything was settled and calm.
Until Joe said he was going out on his own and Kaden panicked.
“Wait—I’ll come with you.”
“I have a phone,” Joe said. “I can call you if I have a problem. I managed to get to your dad’s from the hospital. I’ll be okay. I got you the Mars bar, didn’t I? Just don’t let anyone in!”
Kaden opened his mouth as if there was a lot more he wanted to say, but he pressed his lips together.
“Don’t worry,” Joe said.
“Don’t forget to look both ways when you cross the road. Keep an eye out for electric bikes. Don’t—”
Joe kissed him.
That derailed things entirely. Neither of them wanted him to leave after that.
Thirty minutes later, slightly breathless and very distracted, Joe finally made it down the stairs and out onto the street. He’d barely taken three steps along the pavement when his phone rang.
“Hi,” Joe said.
“Have you tripped over yet?”
Joe laughed. “What should I do if I see a snake?”
“You’ve seen a snake? What the hell?”
“No,” Joe said, grinning. “I just wanted to know what to do if I did.”
“Fuck off.” Kaden laughed as he hung up.
Two hours later, Joe returned with the bits he needed to mend the record player, the ingredients for dinner and a Mars bar for Kaden. The door clicked shut behind him and Kaden looked up instantly.
“I didn’t get mugged, I caught a bus going the right way, I managed to walk along the pavement without bumping into anyone. Isn’t that amazing? I did have a near miss with a cyclist, but otherwise…” Joe shrugged.
Kaden was across the room in seconds, pulling him into a tight hug. “Tell me you’re joking.”
“I’m joking.” Sort of. “I bought you something.” He offered Kaden the Mars bar.
“Thank you!”
“I got dinner too and the bits to mend the record player.”
Kaden unwrapped the chocolate bar, took a bite and sighed. “Do you even need me anymore?”
