Page 115 of In the Same Boat

‘I would,’ he says without missing a beat.

‘I’d love that,’ I reply.

‘Yes, count us in,’ Mum says excitedly.

And then she and Hank start kissing again, like they’ve been waiting weeks to do it – I suppose they have.

‘So… we’re going to Barbados?’ I say to Nico is disbelief.

His mouth curves into a smile. He takes my face in his hands again and leans into my ear.

‘No…they’regoing to Barbados,’ he replies. ‘We’regoing to the Bahamas.’

I laugh.

‘That sounds like a much better plan to me,’ I tell him.

And then we kiss again.

I know, I’m a girl who likes a plan, and this plan doesn’t seem to stretch beyond going to the Bahamas with Nico (while somehow tricking our parents into going to Barbados instead), but do you know what? I like it. No pressure, nothing to worry about – just me and Nico seeing what happens.

And it does feel like anything can happen… This is only the beginning.

28

NICO

Eighteen months later

It has been a long time since a woman made me nervous.

That sounds worse than I mean it to. Sort of arrogant, like I’m so sure of myself, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve had nerves before. First dates, tough conversations, heavy break-ups.

But this is different.

I stick a finger in my collar and tug at it, trying to get some cool air into my shirt. Is it warm in here, or is it me? I’m late, because of course I am. Usually I wouldn’t mind but tonight couldn’t be a worse night for it.

I tell myself I’m being ridiculous – then pat my pockets again, to make sure I haven’t left anything behind.

I’m not usually a worrier, not like this. This is new territory for me. I’ll be so glad when it’s over.

In a way, it’s reassuring to know that some things never change, to still feel so alive. I’m the master of my own destiny, still capable of ruining my life or making it better, depending on how the next hour goes.

But it’s going to be fine… right? I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t sure… would I? Suddenly, my usual confidence is nowhere to be found.

This is a simple plan – one I’ve thought through, one I’m keeping simple… I hope that’s not a mistake. Should I have gone bigger?

I check my watch. Shit, I’m fifteen minutes late. I’d better get a move on. There’s no turning back now.

Sammie

It has been a long time since a man was late to meet me – I probably would have been distraught, back in the day, but nowadays I don’t sweat it. Well, you never know the reason why, do you? It might be something good…

He’s coming, I’m sure of it, I just need to wait. I could order another drink – the bartender keeps giving me funny looks, like he knows something I don’t. I’m starting to think that he’s got some kind of sixth sense, like he can smell a woman who has been stood up from a mile away.

Have I got the time wrong, I wonder… That’s the only thing I can think of. Unless…

‘Sorry, sorry I’m late,’ he says, huffing and puffing as he sits down next to me.