Page 85 of The Weight Of It All
“You got this, Henry,” Dave chimed in.
Emily clapped me on the back. “See you on the other side.”
I wasn’t sure if she meant the other side of mortality. “I’ll be the one walking into the light.”
She burst out laughing. “Not that other side.”
“Shame. I was looking forward to seeing my two childhood pet cats again. Andy and Robin really understood me.”
“Andy and Robin?” Emily asked, amused. “From Winnie the Pooh?”
“No. The Bee Gees.”God, didn’t these people know anything?
Everyone within hearing distance laughed just as Reed came over with a bottle of water in his hand. He seemed to pick up on my discomfort and quickly came to stand by my side. “You ready for this?”
“Not at all. And just so you know, I want “Staying Alive” played at my funeral. You know, for irony and laughs.”
Reed chuckled and took my hand, pulling me out the door, and when we were outside, he put his arm around my shoulders. If anyone in the gym had wondered about him being a little chummier with me than his other clients, they wouldn’t be wondering now. It gave me a thrill that he was open to public displays of affection. Not that I expected him to snog me in the car park, but it also told me he wasn’t embarrassed to be seen with me.
And for a guy like me, that meant a lot.
“You’re not going to die, Henry. I promise. I’ll be running with you, and I know CPR.”
I unlocked my car and was just about to speak when he cut me off. “And no, you can’t fake unconsciousness so I’ll give you mouth-to-mouth.”
My shoulders sagged. I had no clue how he knew what I was about to ask. “Oh.”
He laughed as he got into my car, and when I pulled the car into the easy Sunday traffic, he held my hand all the way to Drummoyne. It was a shame it was only a five-minute drive, because I really liked the feeling.
I found a parking spot near the rowing club and was met by a crazy woman madly waving from the park. “Oh, there’s Anika,” I said. I shot Reed a nervous look. “You ready for this?”
He snorted. “I am.”
With my heart in my mouth, we crossed the street and headed toward where it appeared that Anika had set up a picnic setting worthy of a photo shoot. She had blankets spread out, several picnic baskets, cushions, and a soft-looking throw rug. And as always, she looked gorgeous. “Jeez, did you spare anything?”
Anika kissed my cheek. “There are benefits to workingfor Myer, dear.”
Sean appeared, carrying more things from the car. “Tell me about it. Do you know how many trips to the car I’ve had to do?” He put down what looked a small, portable fridge. He straightened up and took a better look at me. “Shit, Henry. You look good.”
“Oh, thanks,” I said. I swear, taking compliments would never get easier. “Um, guys, this is Reed. Reed, this is Anika and Sean.”
Anika’s face was priceless. She looked at his chest then up to his face, and there might have been eyelash fluttering. “Hello,” she said meekly, holding out her hand. Dear God, what was wrong with her?
Sean looked at Anika like he was thinking the same thing I was thinking, then he shook Reed’s hand. “G’day. How’s it going?”
“Good, thanks,” Reed answered with a smile.
“Sorry about Anika. It’s not often she’s rendered speechless.”
Anika seemed to snap out of whatever daze she was in and lightly whacked Sean’s arm. “Shut up.”
He just laughed. “No wait, there she is.”
She sighed indignantly and seemed to gather her composure. She looked up at Reed. “So, you’re the one who has Henry looking like a million dollars?”
“Oh God,” I mumbled.
Reed chuckled. “Not sure I can take all the credit.”
