Page 48 of Learning to Love

Sam

From March until September when Corey comes back, I just want to take it easy. For me taking it easy means juggling less balls, but still juggling.

I try out a new sailing boat class for competing, see how I get on by myself. I speak at various sailing and marine conservation events. I go to physio for old injuries. I visit my parents and Ellie’s parents.

More importantly, there isn’t a single day or night Ellie and I aren’t together. I’m relishing this time. It will soon be interrupted. The Sanders Cup events are coming up this December, and the Olympics are next year, which means we won’t be able to spend as much time together. Though the schedule isn’t as grueling as the Round the World Race, and Ellie promised to join me for the Olympics.

In April I sold my Bella Vista home; it just didn’t feel right anymore. Ellie and I looked together for somewhere to buy on the North Shore until we found a gem with direct beach access. In the mornings, I take my kayak and paddle around the gulf, for calm and perspective. When I’m at the mercy of the ocean, it’s easier to think. To breathe.

From our new home, Ellie’s able to walk to work. She’s progressed to become Team Lead, and I’m very proud of her. Bonus, we’re about fifteen minutes away from Tayla and Corinne or Paddy and Gracie. I enjoy the quieter pace, and Ellie shines with happiness.

After Ellie left for work this morning, I made a couple of important calls, and now I’m on my way for my 10:30 a.m. appointment, one I wouldn’t miss for the world.

***

Ellie

I’m at Corinne and Tayla’s, sipping a chai latte. “I’m not a psychic, but sometimes I justknow, okay. Sam’s got something to hide.”

Corinne and Tayla share knowing smiles.

“Out with it, you two. What’s going on?”

Tayla shrugs, but her smile doesn’t change. “Don’t know. Haven’t seen anything. Haven’t heard anything. As far as I’m concerned, it’s nothing.”

Corinne examines her purple and gold nails.

I don’t think I’ll be able to extract anything out of these two, though it’s clear they know something. I get an idea. “Have you heard from Corey?” Now I’ve got Tayla’s attention.

She glances at me then looks away.

“Of course you have. What’s he up to? All well up there on the high seas?”

Tayla blows hair out of her rolling eyes. “None of your fucking business, babe.”

I stand. I’ve got to get going, but I’m not letting this bone go yet. I smile as I slip toward the garden gate. “Not long now. A few months?”

Tayla sighs, and I don’t pursue this. It’s obvious something’s going on in that tennis court.

Corinne laughs.

I waggle my eyebrows. “I’m off. Speak to you soon. Let’s do something girly together. Instagram friendly.”

Tayla waves me off.

* * *

When I get backto our new place, it dawns on me what’s changed. Sam is more secretive. With his phone, his things, his appointments. Neither of us are the jealous type, and it’s never occurred to me to check his phone, nor has he given me any reasons. Until now that is.

I turn the key in the lock. “I’m baaack.” Daisy greets me, aquiver with excitement. To her, it doesn’t matter whether I’ve been gone an hour, five hours, or five days. She’s always happy to see me. I give her a few pats then go through to the main living area.

“I’m in here." Sam's voice echoes through the hallways.

Something smells delicious. There's Sam, cooking something following a recipe on YouTube. His cooking has definitely improved in the time we've been living together again.

I embrace him from behind. "What’cha cookin'?"

He turns around and lifts me up for a kiss. "Crayfish risotto."

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