Page 64 of Sit, Stay, Love
‘You’re the one that booked us into a fancy restaurant,’ she said as the waitperson approached.
‘We’ll have a jug of classic margarita, please,’ Toby said to the young woman. He waited until they were alone before saying, ‘I thought you’d like it here.’
‘I do. I love it.’ She sighed. ‘What exactly are we bickering about? I’m excited you booked a nice restaurant. Why are we arguing?’
‘I didn’t realise we were.’
They scowled at each other for a second then, in unison, turned towards the beach and glared at the ocean. When the waitperson placed an icy jug and two salted tumblers on their table, Toby quickly poured them both a glass of the frozen tequila mix.
‘To us being not so damn awkward with each other,’ he said, holding his glass aloft.
She clinked her glass against his with so much force, her drink slopped over her hand. ‘I’m not awkward,’ she said, sucking the ice from her thumb. She took a gulp of margarita and instantly squinched up her face. ‘Oh god. Brain freeze.’ She closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. ‘This is your fault, Herriot,’ she hissed.
‘I didn’t make you angry guzzle.’
‘When you get a brain freeze, I’m going to laugh at you.’
He locked his eyes on her, held up his glass and swallowed back a large mouthful. ‘Shit!’ He put his hands to his forehead and rubbed furiously.
They burst out laughing.
She smiled at him, her heart sighing. ‘You’re such a weirdo.’
His mouth twitched into a grin. ‘Takes one to know one.’
‘What are you going to eat?’ she asked, looking over the menu.
‘Barramundi.’
‘Me too. Want to share some oysters first?’
‘Why not?’ he said as he topped up their glasses.
The rest of the evening went the way almost all their evenings did. They laughed. They argued about movies. They talked about dogs and cats and an assortment of other animals, and how they wished people had to apply to become pet owners. Toby tried to bring up Ethan, but Sera actively sidestepped the landmines. They had a good time. It was easy and relaxed and fun. They were how they always were, and Sera’s heart was full of hope that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.
By the time they’d finished their meal, she was very full and a little drunk.
Toby slid his credit card into his wallet. ‘Do you want to walk to Manly? I need to digest the meal, and that bill.’
She leaned back and pushed out her stomach, patted it and burped. ‘Yes. I’m stuffed.’
He laughed. ‘God, you’re a classy chick.’
She kicked him under the table. ‘That’s one of the reasons you love me.’
‘One of the many,’ he said with a smile.
They strolled along the boardwalk that led to Manly Beach.
‘Check out the size of the moon.’ Toby pointed to the enormous golden disc hanging above the ocean.
They leaned on the seawall, plastered against each other, and gazed out at the horizon as the sea breeze ruffled their hair.
Sera sighed happily, linked her arm through his and rested her head against his bicep. ‘It’s so pretty,’ she slurred. Her gaze lifted to his eyes. ‘You’re so pretty. Thank you for spoiling me. I had a lovely night.’
His brow twitched. ‘You’re welcome, Drunky McDrunks-a-lot.’
She giggled, put her arms around his waist and nuzzled his chest.
