Page 33 of That Island Feeling

We each hold a torch, the lights darting ahead and occasionally crossing paths like frisky fireflies.

Once we’re a few hundred metres from Moorings, I turn to Andie. ‘Can I ask you something?’

‘Okay?’

The dark makes her feel incredibly close. ‘Are those girls really your friends?’

‘Sorry?’

‘It’s just that from what I’ve seen, you do a lot for them – like organising this trip, right? Yet they don’t seem to really appreciate it.’

I hope I’m not overstepping too much. I can’t imagine Charlie being anything less than grateful for the help I give him.

Andie sighs, pulling slightly ahead of me. ‘Things have been a bit strained between us recently.’

‘I’m sorry to hear it,’ I say, picking up my pace to catch up with her. I know these paths like the back of my hand, but one wrong step, and she could go flying over a tree root. ‘That sounds a bit shit.’

‘It’s fine,’ Andie says, her voice so small it’s snatched up by the howling winds.

I hesitate, considering how to phrase what I want to say next. ‘You’ve said no to Miss Gluten-free before though, right?’

‘Of course I have,’ Andie says quickly.

‘Oh my God,’ I mock gasp. ‘You haven’t!’

‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ she mutters.

‘I just don’t get why you seem to be catering to their every whim,’ I say.

‘You don’t have to get it. Why would you?’

‘How about what you want?’ I ask boldly.

She laughs, but it’s shallow. ‘This is not the time for what I want.’

I wish I was brave enough to ask what she means, but I fear I’ve already pushed too far.

‘Practise saying it with me. N-O,’ I say instead, grinning as I trace the letters on the ground with my torch.

‘Honestly, I don’t mind. I just want to make sure this trip is amazing for Taylor.’

‘Come on. I believe in you.’

‘Will it make you stop badgering me?’

‘Yes.’

‘Fine.’

I picture her rolling her eyes.

‘No,’ she huffs.

I flash her a thumbs-up. ‘There you go. How did that feel?’

‘Jack, I’m a kindergarten teacher. “No” is certainly in my vocabulary.’

I feel a zing of warmth. Her profession doesn’t surprise me – all duty and care. It suits her perfectly. ‘A teacher, huh?’

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