Chapter 12
Nate spent the next weeks planning the trip he wanted to take and driving Kelly insane with the details. The more he talked about what fun they were going to have, the more she worried she’d jumped into this too fast. Technically, she hadn’t even told him she’d go with him. They’d just agreed to play it by ear since Nate still had a job until the end of the year.
“Do you want to spend more time in Asia or in Europe?” he asked her one morning as he pored over his copy of a Lonely Planet guide. Several fat guides sat on the table now. Nate ordered a new one every time a new country took his fancy.
“Don’t care,” she answered as she poured milk into her cereal and took the bowl to the table.
“Well, Asia seems much cheaper, but Europe has all those famous landmarks you’ve heard about your whole life.”
“I’ve love to see the Eiffel Tower.”
“You’re keen on France? Why didn’t you say?”
“It’s a bit hard to get a word in around here, nowadays.” She took a mouthful of cereal and chewed. “I was supposed to spend a month in France as a graduation present from my parents after high school. They wanted me to go there so I wouldn’t go to the usual school leaver celebrations.”
“Why didn’t you go?”
“I got a modelling job and chose that instead. They were happy since I still missed the Schoolies celebrations. I even got my passport before the trip was cancelled.”
“Is it still current?”
“Yep. I renewed it last year. It seemed smart since I might model overseas at some point.”
“Perfect. My passport is current, too.” He grinned and went back to the page he’d been studying. “I need some input from you so I can plan the Paris part.”
“Right.” She frowned and pushed her bowl away.
“What’s wrong?” Nate closed the book and sat next to her at the table. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Tell me.”
“It’s just that,” she bit her lip, something she did a lot of lately. “How safe is it for us to go? There’s so much on the news these days.”
“I think bad things happen anywhere. I’d rather have something happen to me in Paris or in London, than be crushed by a falling roof in my office at work.”
Kelly laughed and squeezed his hand. “You would not have said that a few weeks ago.”
“I know.” He leaned in and kissed her, a gentle action that had her heart racing. “I’m turning over a new leaf.”
“It suits you. I’m just not sure that I’m ready to do the same. I had so many plans that will all be pushed aside if I go with you. My job. The renovations that I want to start. The longer you leave those things, the more they cost.”
“Well, we could start them straight away if you want. Then they’ll be done before we leave.”
She laughed at his immediate enthusiasm. “Yeah, remind me to show you the list of what I want to do to that place.”
“I can manage it. What else has you worried?”
“Well, I hate to state the obvious, but we only met a few weeks ago. We barely know what the other likes and enjoys.”
“I know quite a few things you enjoy!” His suggestive tone and warm hand on her thigh made her smile.
“You know what I mean. It’s sudden.”
“When we leave we’ll have been together for six months. How long do you need before you’ll feel confident?”
“It’s not that. It’s just… what if we run out of money?”
“We won’t. I have a nice buffer, plus we’ll be renting out our homes.” He squeezed her knee. “I’ll look after you, don’t worry.”
She wrinkled up her nose. “I’m not sure I want to be looked after. What if we can’t find jobs when we come back?”
“Then we’ll go again.” He grinned. “Or we’ll live on love. I don’t know. Can’t we worry about all these problems when and if they happen?”
“I guess.” She plastered a smile on her face and planted a kiss on his lips. “Don’t mind me, I’m just worrying for nothing.”
“Great!” He jumped up, pleased they’d sorted out the details. “Let’s go to the bag shop and see what backpacks we should buy. I’d like to shop around a bit before we choose. Then Ruben has invited everyone for a barbecue tonight.”
***
“Thanks for letting me bring Fang along, Ruben.”
“No problem. He’s been here before so we know he can’t get out of the yard. I hear he’s a runner.”
“Definitely.”
“I also hear that Nate, here, shouldn’t become a dog catcher anytime soon.”
“Oh, you’re too funny.” Nate handed Kelly a drink as he spoke to Ruben. “You should take up comedy. Your talents are wasted in a fire station.”
“I know.” Ruben gave them a small bow and backed away. “It’s a shame to deny the world such a great skill, but you can’t be everywhere.”
“Plus,” Jasper chimed in. “He hates the late-night shift. He could never survive all those late stand-up gigs to make himself a name. Much better to keep teasing and torturing all of us.”
“Fang. Here boy.” Dean called the dog over and to Kelly’s utter amazement he trotted straight over to him. Dean produced a harness from behind his back and suddenly Fang found himself being led around the yard.
Kelly’s mouth hung open. “How are you getting him to do that? I’ve tried walking him on the lead and it’s a nightmare.”
“You need one of these harnesses that goes over his head. They work like magic once the dog gets used to them.” Dean continued to lead him around the yard before he sat down on a seat and made Fang sit quietly beside him.
“That’s amazing. Nate, did you see that?” She turned back to Dean. “Where did you learn that?”
“I helped out at a dog obedience school for two years, two nights a week. I watched and learned everything the owner did. It wasn’t so hard. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this harness to you before.”
“You did that as a school job?”
“Yeah, but I only ever went there in summer. In winter, it was too cold and dark and I always said I had school.” Dean laughed at the memory. “In reality, I had a winter job in a cafe which always had the heater on. You couldn’t beat it.”
“Model, stripper, dog whisperer. What other skills are you hiding Deano?” Jasper asked.
“Ladies’ man. Don’t forget that one.” Nate threw in.
“I’m like Ruben. A man of many talents. We like to keep our skills close to our chest, so no more questions from the public, I’m afraid.”
Jasper laughed and turned to Nate. “Hey, Nathan sent a message for you. He can’t come tonight but he’ll move your furniture to storage when you’re ready. He said he’s emailed you a quote.”
“Furniture removals. You’re really getting serious.” Kelly smiled at Nate but it didn’t reach all the way to her eyes.
“I’m just getting organised. It’s handy to know a removalist. He can do your stuff too when the time comes, as long as his rates are still reasonable.” He took a drink of his beer. “It’s a long time since I’ve had to move any furniture, so I’m sure I’m in for a rude shock.”
“Dean, did Kelly ask you about dog sitting Fang while we’re away?”
“No, but I’d be happy to do that for you, Kel.”
“There you go. Now you know he’ll be safe and loved while we’re away.”
“Hmm… " she watched Dean play with Fang and chewed on her lip until it was sore.