Page 35 of Learning to Love

Tayla and I are homebodies.

“Nah, check out this weather.” Tayla whines, gesturing at the drops hitting the window pane. “The last thing I want is to go out through the rain.” The large Nikau tree in the middle of the roundabout of our small right of way sways dangerously.

I try to be polite. “What sort of party?”

“Something about ocean conservation. You’d be into that, Ellie.” Corinne and Tayla laugh. “More like a fundraiser, I reckon, but we could always go for the drinks and nibbles.”

I think of what I might have to wear. “You’re so funny, girls. We need to muster up a donation, I think, but I’m keen to go.”

Corinne shepherds us toward our rooms to get dressed, “Okay, it’s settled. Tayla, move that fine ass of yours into gear.”

In exactly two hours we’re all made up and dressed to impress, packing into an Uber, on the way to the Sky Tower.

“I’ve only been once up here, on a date,” Corinne confesses. She seems nervous.

“Must have been one hell of a date.” Tayla straightens her figure-hugging dress.

The doorman takes down our names, and we are whisked up in one of the elevators fifty-three floors above Auckland City to a panoramic area. The wind and the rain swirl outside the massive windows.

Tayla insists on a selfie with all of us. “I haven’t dolled up for nothing, ladies. Say cheeeeeeese.” We take some seats, and I notice a couple of girls insistently looking at us. “What’s up with those chicks right there? Do any of you know them?” Corinne voices my thoughts exactly.

“Nah, they don’t look familiar to me. Maybe some models you’ve worked with or something?” I ask Corinne.

They make their way towards us, and there’s no escape.

“Are you Sam Northcroft’s girlfriend?” It feels like they’re circling me like eagles. Tayla laughs, and says something inaudible to Corinne.

I aim to be friendly but brief. “Yes. What’s up?”

“You look different on Instagram … Smaller.” The tall one frowns. “Does that mean he’s very tall?”

I’m do a double take, and Tayla and Corinne laugh harder. “Erm, I suppose he is.”

“Ok, ladies, you had your answers. Ellie’s going to tell Sam she met you, alright? Have a good evening.” Tayla shoos them away, rescuing me from one of the most embarrassing situations I’ve had recently, and I’ve had plenty.

The girls leave unsatisfied, chattering.

I shrug my shoulders. “That was … weird. I don’t get what they wanted. What’s the point.” I check my phone again. No message from Sam this evening, but I’ll see him tomorrow.

“Probably wanting to see what he sees in you.” Corinne sounds serious, and I turn towards her.

“I know I’m short. Don’t have to keep reminding me.” My laugh is a bit strained. “My mum’s short. My dad’s short. I can’t help it. Don’t have the lanky genes, like Sam’s ex.”

Tayla winks at me. “One word, two letters. E-X. There’s a reason that she’s an ex and you’re not, so I wouldn’t worry too much about her.”

A mic buzzes in the background.

I stand on tiptoe and look toward the sound. “Is there a band here tonight?”

An announcer steps up, taps the mic. “We are proud to welcome Gold Olympic Rowing Medallist and all-round good New Zealander, Laura Killarney, here in Auckland, Tamaki Makaurau, the city of lovers. Tell us, Laura, how can we love our ocean a bit more? The host’s announcement drops like a bomb in my ribcage.

Corinne and Tayla gasp, and the two girls who came earlier snicker.

Laura, a tall leggy blonde, strides confidently towards the stage, thanks the host, and cracks a few jokes to warm up the audience. I am mesmerized by how she works the room. Her tone becomes more serious as she starts talking about ocean conservation, and at the end of her speech, she urges everyone to donate as much as they can. She’s animated, and I find myself quite liking her. I really don’t understand how Sam could break up with someone like her, sporty and easygoing.

The host announces some raffle or another, but I stop listening.

“She was something.” Tayla’s words break through to me. “But don’t compare yourself to her. Obviously Sam wants something different, and that’s you.” She points at me.

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