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We both laugh.
“What are you two sniggering at?” Elizabeth says as they come back to the table with their toast.
“Hux’s hair,” Mack says.
I touch it defensively. “What’s wrong with my hair?”
“It’s sticking up at the front. It looks as if someone’s been running their fingers through it all night.”
The four of us laugh, and the conversation continues as the guests filter into the room, and the sun’s rays sweep across the floor.
*
We sail back to Paihia and drop off Mack’s family, then continue down the coast, taking all morning and most of the afternoon to get back to Auckland. The day passes slowly, those of us who are left sitting together on the deck in the shade, chatting and nibbling on the snacks that the stewards bring out, and watching the beauty of the North Island slip by.
Elizabeth and I chat with our friends, and occasionally we exchange small, private smiles, but mostly we stay apart. I’m content to watch her from afar, and sometimes when I glance over, I catch her watching me, too.
Part of me wishes we could just head past Auckland and sail south, tour New Zealand, head off to Australia, maybe even keep going to the Pacific Islands. But all good things must come to an end, or so they say, and mid-afternoon we head into Auckland Harbour, and eventually it’s time to disembark.
Mack and I go around thanking the crew, and then say goodbye to Cameron before we walk down the gangway and join the rest of the guests. Slowly, everyone gets in their cars, or their taxis arrive, and we wait and say goodbye and make sure they’ve got their transport before we turn to each other with smiles.
“I feel as if the ground’s still moving,” Sidnie says with a laugh.
Mack chuckles and kisses her cheek. “Come on. The Uber’s here.” He smiles at me. “Thanks for all your help.”
“Oh, we had a great time.” We exchange a big hug, and the girls do too, and then Mack and Sidnie head off.
Elizabeth and I turn to each other with a smile.
“You off to the club?” she asks.
I nod. “Just to make sure it’s not burned down or anything. You going to the office?”
“I’ll pick up Nymph first, then yeah, I might go in for a bit.”
“Okay. Well, I’ll catch up with you later?”
“Of course.” She hesitates, then she comes up and slides her arms around my waist, and we have a big hug.
I kiss her hair. “Take care of yourself.”
“You too. See you later.”
We part, she gets in her Uber, and it drives away.
I watch her go, then turn and look out across the harbor. A few clouds hover on the horizon, suggesting it might rain later on. I’m glad it held off for the wedding.
In the distance, there’s a faint rumble of thunder. I shiver, and walk back to my Uber.
*
The days slip by, faster than I would have thought. The club receives another favorable online review that leads to a flourish of new visitors, and after twelve or fourteen-hour days I’m not good for much except crashing out in front of the TV.
I don’t see Elizabeth, who’s also busy, but we start messaging each other again, which is nice. Her Snapchats and messages are lighthearted and funny, making me smile when they pop up during the day.
I don’t know when, or even if, I’ll see her alone again. I know she’s still organizing things for England. As far as I know, she’s still going in June. That’s only a couple of months away. But I try not to think about it, and do what I told Mack and leave it up to Fate.Que sera, sera,Huxley. If it’s meant to be, it will be.
I’m turning into an old romantic. I never thought I’d see the day.
