Page 99 of Summer, in Between
‘Don’t you dare go limiting my boyfriend’s potential.’I poke him in the chest.‘But I’ve been thinking about that, actually.Something you said to me, about if I want to be a doctor, do you remember?’
‘When we had that bonfire, just you and me?’
‘Yep.The thing is, I don’t think I do.I don’t even like hospitals; even the smell of them gets to me.’I screw up my nose, thinking of that weird laundry smell, the acrid handwash, the food, oh god, the corn smell of the food.‘And you know my issues assignment?I keep looking at the articles about climate change and asylum seekers and I’m not saying they’re not important, they are, but I keep gravitating towards articles about misogyny.If I’m interested in that, then wouldn’t that tell me that law is where I should go?What do you think?’
‘I think you should breathe.’he says, and he’s right.I’m almost panting after getting that soliloquy out.‘But Cat, that makes perfect sense.If anyone’s going to tear shit up, it’s you, and a law degree is only going to help you do that.Go for it.’
‘So, I’m going to be a lawyer then,’ I say.
‘Looks like it.’
‘Meanwhile, I wouldn’t mind washing my hands, they feel so gross.’
‘Yours feel gross?’Paul holds his aloft, smeared with blood and squid ink.We walk across the car park to the fish cleaning platform where some kind soul has left liquid handwash.
42
‘HEY, babe,’ Paul dropsto the sand beside me.He nods at the book I’m holding.‘Looks like another one bites the dust?’
I flick to the back page.
‘Yep, just another twenty-two pages and I am D-O-N-E.’
‘How’s it going?’
‘Better than I expected, look.’I turn the pages and he takes in my highlights and scribbles.‘You surfing?’
‘It’s average, but yeah, going to give it a crack.You want to come in for a quick swim?’
‘Let me get this done, and I’ll see.Where’s your board?’
‘Top of the dune.’I look behind me, and there are the Neanderthals high above me, surveying the surf.‘Hey, I’ve been thinking.’
‘That sounds dangerous,’ I say.‘You okay?You need a massage?’
‘Very funny.’He nudges my shoulder with his.‘And yes, I do, actually.Right now would be great.Maybe with your lips.’He pulls me to him and kisses me.
