Page 121 of In the Long Run
If she was to get married, what sort of a ring would she like?
On their own, each of these decisions are still significant, but when you add them together, they become something more.Something with enduring permanence.Little blocks clicking in place to make the foundation for a life that’s going to be lived together.That’s already being lived together.
And today?
It’s another big day.
‘I can’t believe you wore your running vest for an eightkilometre shakeout,’ Gen chides, the rosy flush I love so much colouring her cheeks as we run along the Esplanade under the shade of the big Norfolk pines.We’re cruising along a few metres ahead of Yeti, Violet and Anneke.I’m surprised Gen hasn’t realised how close they’re sticking to us.Same with Bernie and Meredith and Mia in her running pram.
‘You know the rules.Nothing new on race day.’That’s my cover story and I’m sticking to it.I didn’t need a new running vest, but I needed something secure for today.Zip-secure, not ‘running shorts designed to hold phones’ secure.Next week, Croissants and Kilometres is tackling the Melbourne marathon.It’ll be our third marathon, and we’ve learnt something from each of them.
‘That reminds me,’ Gen says.‘Did you ask Eugene if he wants to come to our place this week?’
Wednesday dinners are still a thing.But now we rotate them between the little cottage Gen and I bought last year and Eug’s flat.Yeti and Celeste still come too, but their dynamic is very different these days.
‘Yeah, he’ll be there.’
If everything’s gone to plan, he’s going to be right around the corner up ahead, too.Same with Gen’s parents.
‘Do you think he’ll make those crêpes from his new cookbook for dessert again?’
Eugene’s already released his cookbook and is working on another one.
‘I’m sure he will if you ask him.’
Gen beams at me and I swear to God, I could get lost in her happiness.
‘What’s all that?’she asks, pointing at the picnic table near Alizée’s that’s covered in what I know are all her favourite foods.
‘I don’t know,’ I say but my voice catches on the final word.All those Army lessons on how to handle interrogations and I can’t even say three words properly.
Her eyes narrow, her bottom lip disappearing inside her mouth.‘Are you okay?You’ve been weird all morning.’
Good thing I never wanted to be a spy, I guess.
‘I’m fine,’ I say before choking on my words and coughing.Christ.It’s like I’m ticking every item off the ‘what not to do to arouse suspicion’ list.
‘Is that my mum?And dad?’
Here we go.
‘Yep.’
‘And Eugene?’
‘Uh-huh.’We’re almost there.Just another fifteen metres or so.
‘AndOpera?’She’s there too, wiggling in Celeste’s arms.Madeleine and Chouquette are sitting nicely next to Eug’s feet.
‘Sure is.’
‘What is going on?’Gen’s eyes search mine and I check for any worry.But there’s none there.Just a mixture of excitement and confusion.
I stop us when we’re standing underneath the Norfolk pine with a clear view of the bay to one side and Alizée’s on the other.
‘Halliday—’
‘Is it happening?Now?When I look like this?’She gestures at her yellow Croissants and Kilometres long-sleeved running top and navy tights.
