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“No, it’s fine.I could have contacted him, let him know.Maybe that’s shitty of me.But really, it was a fling.In the end I decided it was best for everyone that I leave him out of it.My parents were supportive, and I lived with them until my daughter was nearly two.That’s when my friend Molly gave me the heads-up that the kindergarten teacher was leaving Sin Valley—that’s where Molly is from.I applied and got the gig.I’m single parenting.I date casually—but never anyone local.I haven’t had a serious relationship since…”
“Since?”
I dodge the question.“It’s your turn.Kids?”
“I don’t exactly live a family-friendly lifestyle.And no serious relationshipsince…either.I spent the two years after you left playing in Echo of Defiance, and daydreaming about moving to Canada.I saved up, came over for a visit, and went to see every band I could until I found some I liked.Then I sent out demos.It happened that one of the bands I sent a demo to knew Rogue’s Union was looking for a new drummer and forwarded it.The rest is pretty much history.I jumped through the necessary hoops to move here.I tour for six to eight months and play local gigs and record for the rest of the year.What are you doing in Vancouver?”
“Spending Christmas break with my parents.”
“What did you tell your family about where you are tonight?”
“That I was going to see a band.”It’s the truth.Just not the whole truth.
“How come you came alone?”
“Because my daughter can’t pass for nineteen, and my parents are more the symphony type.Do you go home to Skipton much?”I ask.
“I go for two weeks every year for my mum’s birthday.It’s about as much as I can handle and still make the jet-lag worth the effort.Have you been back since…”
“No.England was another life and I want to remember it as it was.Not compare the new to the old.You know?”
“Yeah.I find it hard after being gone only a year at a time.I can’t imagine what it would be like after fifteen.Tell me about Sin Valley.”
“Not much to tell, really.Typical small town halfway between anywhere.A few restaurants, some shops, library, school, churches, community centre.”
“Are there cowboys?”
I laugh.“There are some big ranches in the area.Most still held by the same families since they were first homesteaded.So, yes, there are cowboys.Cowgirls, too.”
“Do you ride?”
“Sometimes.Chloe is the real horse nut in the family.She spends Friday nights with Molly’s parents.Chloe likes to help with the horses, and on Saturday mornings, Ruth gives her her a riding lesson.”
“Does Chloe have her own pony?”
“No.But one day, maybe.I know Ruth and Sam would let us keep it there, but that doesn’t feel right.One day, maybe I’ll be able to buy a place with a few acres of our own.”One day.But a whole lot of stars will have to align for that to happen.
“Are you happy?”Where did that come from?
Mick strokes my hair.“Mostly.You?”
“Mostly.”
I lay there, basking in the comfort of Mick’s arms.I’ve missed this.I’ve missed him.As I start to drift off, I seriously consider staying.I’m comfy, and there’s a high probability of morning sex.Both excellent reasons to stay.But in the cold light of day, I’ll probably regret staying more than I’ll regret not staying.
I really need to get going.”
“I wish you’d stay.”
I want to in the worst way, but it’s a bad idea.“No, it’s been an amazing night, and it’s better we end it here.”
Grabbing my clothes, I head to the bathroom.I’m surprised to see Mick is dressed when I come out.“I’ll drive you wherever you need to go.”
“It’s fine, I can take a cab.”
“Please don’t fight me on this.It’s late and I want to be sure you arrive safely.”
“Thank you.I’m staying at Molly’s tonight.”I text to let her know I’m on my way.
