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“Hey. I’m not interrupting anything?”
“No, no. We were watching that new sci-fi movie that just came out. I’ll do a review in a few days. They said they’d take a bathroom break, but I suspect it’ll involve pouring another glass of champagne, you naughty boy.”
I smile. This morning, I organized a hamper to be delivered to the house in Gisborne. It included a variety of fancy chocolates and biscuits, and two bottles of champagne.
“Oh, it turned up?” I say.
“It did. Mum and Charlie were very impressed. It was a lovely gift, thank you. I feel bad because I didn’t get you anything.”
“Ah, you can pay me back on your birthday.”
She laughs. “So, Saxon finally asked Catie to marry him?”
“He took his time. I thought he was going to chicken out, but he got there in the end.”
“So, are you a little sad?”
“I don’t know. I feel odd. As if we’ve finally grown up.” I give an embarrassed laugh.
But she just says, “It makes sense. It’s been the two of you against the world for a long time, hasn’t it? And now you sort of have to hand him over to her.”
I don’t say anything, but she’s right, that is how it feels.
“Do you feel jealous of her?” she asks.
My eyebrows rise. “Jealous?”
“I wondered if that’s what’s bothering you.”
“How do you know something’s bothering me?”
“Like I said, sixth sense.”
I slide my other hand into my trouser pocket and study the patio tiles. “No, I’m not jealous. Envious, I guess.”
“Okay…”
“They’re different things. Jealousy implies I’m jealous of her. I’m not. I’m a little envious of him, if I’m honest.”
“Because he’s settling down? Is that something you’re looking for?”
“You’re a very unusual girl. I’m not used to talking about my feelings like this.”
“You are rather like an oyster. I feel as if I have to pry you open.”
I chuckle. “I don’t know, is the answer to your question. I’ve not thought about it before.”
“You asked me if I wanted children. Do you?”
“Again, I haven’t thought about it before. I suppose knowing Saxon’s having twins has made me think about it. I’ve never pictured myself as a father.”
“You’d make a great dad.”
My lips curve up. “Well, thank you. I’m not sure you’re right, though.”
“Oh Kip,” she scoffs. “You’re honorable, smart, kind…”
“Please don’t say sweet.”
