Page 45 of That Island Feeling

‘Shit, I didn’t see her there. Sorry, say no more, buddy.’ He slaps me on the back. ‘Good luck.’

I join my suitcases on the dock, grab a handle in each hand and walk them towards Andie. She jumps down from the railing as I approach her.

‘Sorry about that,’ I say, sheepishly.

Dating rule number one: Don’t keep your date waiting.

‘I’ll pop these into the general store and then should we get going?’

‘Lost luggage?’ Andie asks, eyeing the suitcases curiously.

‘Of sorts,’ I say vaguely, tossing up exactly how much to reveal.

‘Do tell.’ I’m encouraged by the flirtatious edge to her voice.

‘Well, it is lost luggage – that I’ve purchased. The airport does a sale a few times per year of unclaimed baggage. Five bucks a pop for a bag and its contents. It’s like my own personal op shop on wheels.’

A smile dances on her lips, but I can tell that she’s fighting it. ‘What happens if you’re not a fan of your anonymous traveller’s packing?’

‘You get what you get and don’t get upset. That’s what Mum always taught me.’

‘That sounds like Hazel.’

An odd sensation washes over me at her familiarity with my mother.

‘Yeah, it does,’ I murmur.

‘Can I be there when you open them and find women’s underwear?’

‘Absolutely not.’ Dating rule number two: Don’t show your date your underwear. Or potential underwear. Unless you’re in it.

‘Oh, oh! Or worse still, what if they’re full of dress shoes?’ She wears a wide grin. My own mood lifts in response. I’m becoming increasingly addicted to making her smile.

‘I’d cope just fine, thank you,’ I tell her.

It’s not only about a cost-effective wardrobe. I redistribute any inappropriate items to other island residents. Charlie regularly wears his swish Dior leather belt to parents’ functions at the school – reckons it commands instant respect.

Andie raises an eyebrow as she looks pointedly at my thongs. Regardless of what I may have led her to believe, I know how to dress for an occasion. Even still, I’m wearing one of my few shirts with buttons.

‘I thought I instructed bare feet?’ I fire back as I catch sight of her sandals. Her toenails are painted a sunny yellow.

‘Yeah, and I ignored you.’ She pokes out her tongue and follows me into the general store.

Beryl’s not in so I deposit the bags behind the counter and scribble a quick message on the back of a paper bag.

Will return for these in the AM.

Thx, Jack

PS You and Bob can have first dibs.

Andie peers over my shoulder as I tape the note to the counter.

‘Bob?’ she asks, evidently recognising his name.

‘Best to keep the authorities on side,’ I say, swiping two Chupa Chups from the colourful tin by the cash register. ‘The lolly tax.’ I wiggle my eyebrows at her. ‘I’ve been taxing poor Beryl since I was a young whippersnapper.’

‘Also known as stealing,’ Andie says matter-of-factly, snatching the watermelon lollipop from my outstretched hand then promptly changing her mind and swapping it for the strawberries and cream.

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