Page 43 of The Wish
At the nurses’ station, Sandy and Kelly are sorting releases.
‘I need a favour,’ Alex says.
They exchange a look.
‘Can I come back later? Jesse wants to photograph her dad.’
‘Think that’s a good idea?’ Kelly asks.
‘Probably not. But maybe he can’t say no to her.’
‘That’s fine,’ Sandy says.
‘There’s more,’ Alex adds. ‘She might tell him the camera is yours, Kelly. I said she should ask you first.’
Kelly sighs. Sandy nudges her.
‘OK. No problem. This wish is getting us into some irregular territory.’
‘But it’s worth it, right?’
The three share a look. Then Kelly blurts, ‘Can I buy you a coffee or something?’
She instantly regrets it.
‘I’m busy,’ Alex says, awkwardly.
‘Of course. Forget I asked.’
‘No, sorry, I mean . . . I’m filming this afternoon at the beach where Jesse lives. But later?’
‘Sure.’
‘We can walk to a café down the street. Better coffee than here.’
‘Thank goodness. Six o’clock?’
‘Six.’
The café is noisy. The street is crowded. Alex and Kelly find a table outside.
‘Menu?’ the waiter asks.
Kelly fumbles. ‘Uh . . . I hadn’t—’
‘Just a drink will be fine, thanks,’ Alex quickly rescues her. ‘I’d like a beer, a lager if you have one. Do you want a glass of wine, or did you really want coffee?’
‘If you’re having a beer, I’d love a glass of wine, your house sauvignon blanc, please,’ Kelly says.
When the waiter leaves, they sit in silence, fiddling with napkins.
‘We’ve seen a lot of you lately,’ Kelly says.
‘Is that a problem?’ Alex asks.
‘No. Though isn’t work getting tricky for you?’
‘I didn’t volunteer for this, remember. This is my work. Though it’s become something more.’
