Page 10 of Electric Kiss

His mum’s voice could be heard in the background.

“Yes, I’m talking to Nate... no, I haven’t used the easel for the phone. The coffee jar is perfectly fine...” Then his father let out a sigh. The phone jostled and then was placed a little higher than before.

“Our son looks fine. Proof of life confirmed,” his father shouted.

Then there was quiet and a loving, exasperated glance over his dad’s shoulder, and then he returned his focus to Nate.

His father’s eyes crinkled at the sides, and his hair was dark with grey streaked through, cropped short, parted just off centre and combed neatly to the side.

“Hello, Son. As you can hear, nothing has changed at this end. We’re busy as ever. I thought I’d give you a call to see how you are.”

“I’d like to say I’m busy too, but it’s slow going.”

“You’d make quicker work of that, but if you used both hands,” his dad quipped, nodding to Nate’s bike.

Nate sighed, wishing he hadn’t accepted the video call. It wouldn’t be long before his mum was on the call asking why he wasn’t using both hands. He decided to be straight.

“I got hit yesterday. My wrist is a little swollen.”

“Rowing, I bet. I swear you get more injuries doing that sport than getting past the winning post.”

His father was laughing. It was Hill lore that Nate wasn’t great at rowing, but he stayed on the team to keep fit when they trained. He was never in the boat when they competed.

“I’ll get it looked at. Let Mum know I’m not at death’s door.”

“Will do, Son. Do you have any bookings?”

“None. I’m doing more business shifting boxes around the island on the truck than I am fixing boats. I called the financial tax helpline, and they said I could request not to pay next year’s advance payments. The woman said to be sure business wouldn’t pick up and make me look like I was trying to pull a fast one with the tax man.”

His father’s face dropped its joviality and turned serious. “What do you think the chances are over there?”

“There is definitely potential. Archer Turner seems to be making some changes. Their business always has events booked in, meaning knock on business for the town, but not many come by boat.”

“If the events increase, then the ferry boats will increase, and you know how often they break down and need fixing before they head back out again. My advice is to give it another year. Then if things don’t pick up, you’ll have more than the tax bill to consider. If you decide to come to the mainland, you will always have a job with me. You know that, right?”

His dad had his arms folded across his chest, dropping his chin to illustrate he meant every word. Nate felt the love and support through the phone. His parents had always given him their unwavering support and encouragement. Nate’s dad meant everything he was saying and had demonstrated it his entire life.

He tried not to sound defeatist, but it was hard.

“Yeah, Dad, but I love living on Copper Island, even if it isn’t the same as it used to be.”

“I get that, and I’m proud you’re giving it your all. What are you doing to pass the time?” his dad asked.

“I bet he spends his nights reading,” Nate’s mum chipped in.

“Hi, Mum. Yeah, have been doing some reading.”

“I knew it. Don’t forget to invite us over soon. I miss your face,” she said.

Nate rolled to his side and switched to give her his full face on the video.

“It’s not very pretty at the moment,” Nate said, grinning, knowing he had oil smears across his cheek.

“My handsome son. Why hasn’t someone snapped you up yet?” she asked, giving him a cheesy smile.

“I’m choosy,” he replied.

“Don’t be a stranger. The ferry goes both ways,” his mum chastened and then blew him a kiss. “Gotta check on dinner.”

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