Page 24 of Friends Rucked Up

“Hey! I didn’t judge your apartment so leave mine alone. We’re not dating, so there is no need to take an interest in how I live.” She puts her hands on her hips giving me some sass.

“If we were dating, I might end up with a knitting needle up my ass from trying to seduce you on the sofa.” I run the cloth over the cup before placing it on the draining board to dry.

“It’s a good job that’s not going to happen then.” She gives me a look of certainty, and I want to wipe the pout right off her face.

I can’t fight her on that, so instead I answer with a flippant comment. “My ass is safe for another day.”

She pushes me out of the kitchen area and away from her dirty pots. “So, what are we doing today?”

“I thought we could visit one of the National Trusts and take a scenic stroll. East Riddlesden Hall looks picturesque.”

“I’m down for that.” She smiles looking impressed with my idea.

I spent way too long researching places to go so I’m happy she likes my idea. I don’t want today to feel like a date, but I want it to be perfect. It won’t be long until I have to share her with Harlan again, and I’d like some alone time with her before then.

“Great.”

She puts on some old trainers and combs her hair back before tying it up in a ponytail. After grabbing her fleecy jacket, we set off to Keighley. It’s an hour and half drive to the National Trust property which is located on the other side of Leeds. I drive while Saylor takes control of the car music.

***

“I think we should stop for a coffee,” Saylor says as we walk down the main path through the beautiful gardens towards the seventeenth century house.

“Don’t you want to save that for the way back to the car?” We’ve not been here long and I’m enjoying the gentle exercise.

“I need a caffeine boost, and I’ll happily take another one later.” We queue and get our drinks in paper cups before taking our walk towards the Airedale Barn and gardens. It’s so peaceful out here and just like I hoped, there’s no one in sight. “You should get a dog.”

“Why would I do that?” I frown, wondering where that idea came from.

“They would love doing this sort of thing with you.” She gestures to our surroundings.

Did I misjudge how fun she would find a trip to the open countryside? “What are you trying to say? Is this too much for you?”

“I just meant you’d have a dedicated walking partner.” She sips her coffee.

“Did you just call yourself a flake?” I take a drink of my coffee.

She scoffs. “Well, that was rude.”

“You love me really.” I’m messing with her, but I’m disappointed my efforts to impress her didn’t work.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m having a great time outdoors and with your good company. Dogs like exercise and you like running around so I was just trying to make the pieces fit. I’d do this again with you as long as there’s coffee,” she says, reading me perfectly—it’s exactly what I needed to hear.

We follow the gardens through the longest route. Saylor doesn’t complain about the distance, and she stops a few times to read about the types of flowers.

“Have you had an update from Harlan yet?” I ask.

“No. He’s being evasive with his travel plans.”

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, although I’m hoping he’ll drag his feet rather than just showing up unannounced. I want Saylor to myself for as long as possible before we slip back into complete normalness.

She trips on an uneven pathing stone sending her lying forward. Instantly, I thrust my arm out trying to catch her. Pain shoots through my forehead as we collide.

“Ouch,” she says, as I apologise.

“Sorry, I only meant to stop you from falling.”

“Luckily my coffee was empty.” She looks to where it’s lying on the floor at the edge of the path.