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“Of course. There do seem to be some women nowadays who expect to be the priority in every area of their partner’s life, but I don’t personally believe one person can be everything to another. I think friends and family all bring something different into our lives. After saying that, obviously, I would imagine it’s best if you don’t confide in someone else to the extent that you keep secrets from your partner, but I can’t imagine you doing that. Anyway, what do I know? I’m hardly an expert with all my zero years of relationship experience.”
“You may have zero experience, but you make more sense than most other people.”
“Well, thank you for that.”
“Do you think I’m stern?”
I smile. “Stern? No. Why?”
“I told Chloe that my ex said I make her nervous, as if I’m going to tell her off. And Chloe said ‘yeah, you can be quite stern.’”
“I wouldn’t say that. Bossy, maybe. When Charlie read out your Wikipedia page, she asked if you were a saint. I thought about how you told me off for wriggling and said definitely not.”
That makes him laugh. “So I don’t make you nervous?”
“Only in a tummy-rumble kind of way.”
We’re quiet for a moment. I think he’s smiling, the same way I am.
“I’m glad you said we’re friends,” he says.
I turn the rose in my fingers. “I didn’t say no to seeing you again because I don’t want to.”
“I know. I understand.”
“The distance is such a big obstacle, Kip. I don’t want to string you along with promises I can’t possibly fulfill. And if you’re eventually going to meet someone else, I’d rather it didn’t be after I’ve fallen for you, you know?”
He’s silent for a moment. Then he says, “I wouldn’t say obstacle.”
“What?”
“The distance. It’s more of a hurdle.”
“A hurdle is an obstacle.”
“Meh. Obstacles are huge and insurmountable, like walls and buildings. You can jump over hurdles. And I don’t think my Wikipedia page mentions that I broke the record at high school for the four-hundred-meter hurdles.”
My lips curve up. “You did not.”
“Absolutely I did. Ask Saxon.”
“I might just do that.”
“He might deny it, actually, because I was always better than him at athletics. Ask Damon instead. He’ll tell the truth.”
“You’re tipsy, aren’t you?”
“I’m mellow.”
“Has the whisky made you feel better?”
“You’ve made me feel better, Alice. Thank you for talking to me.”
“Least I can do after the three orgasms you gave me.”
He laughs. “I’m guessing you’re on your own.”
“Yeah, I’m out in the garden. With your flowers. They’re so beautiful. You didn’t have to do that.”
