Page 44 of Things We Do for Love and Science
“Are you sure you don’twant to race ahead?” Delia asked. She was trotting through the park beside Gabriel, the large stone bulk of Renwood Hall just behind them. “Renoir’s disgusted by our slow progress.” Inclining her head, she studied the wolfhound. “Huh, Renoir, what do you think? Chase Gabriel around the park for a few rounds so I can stick to my leisurely pace without holding back either of you?”
“Don’t worry about our speed,” Gabriel said. “Renoir will have plenty of opportunity to run around the park at full tilt this afternoon when Liam and I take down the old oak behind the stables.”
“You’re felling a tree? Just the two of you?” She couldn’t suppress a quiver of apprehension. The thought of Gabriel stuck in the crown of a tree wielding a chainsaw, made her stomach turn over.
“It’s old and beginning to rot on the inside, and there’s real danger it’ll come crashing down on the stables below one of these days.” He opened his arms, palms facing outward. “So, unfortunately, it has to go.”
“Isn’t that kind of a big and dangerous job?” She peered at him. “Why don’t you get professionals to do it for you?”
He rubbed his jaw. “I’ve cut trees before; it’s not that hard. I’ll climb up wearing a harness and saw the tree off limb by limb from the top down, and Liam will be there to keep an eye on me.”
“Still, you, high up in an old and rotten tree, swinging a chainsaw about.” She paused to catch her breath. “I don’t like the sound of it.”
“I’ll be wearing a pair of safety trousers to protect me from cuts.”
He was being a bit cavalier about the risk. The tree was rotten, which meant unstable. All sorts of things could go wrong. “Do you have a helmet?”
“No,” he chuckled, “that I don’t have.”
“Please, as your friend, let me get you a helmet, nice, big, and bright orange. With a visor and ear protectors.”
He lifted his chin and soaked up the weak rays of sunlight that poked through the lime trees’ branches. “I appreciate your concern for my safety, but you don’t need to rush out and buy a helmet. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll buy it, and you’ll wear it. Deal?” Her stance was wide and determined. There would be no getting out of this for him.
“Deal.” His laugh was low and warm. “Now, how many laps around the park today?”
“Three will do. I’ve got exams to mark and a lecture to prepare.” With her anxious worry appeased, she geared up to enjoy the rest of the run.
“Three it is then.” He threw a stick for Renoir, and the wolfhound raced toward the horizon.
“I love this spot,” she said when they reached the copse of silver birches, their leaves rustling and their slender branches swaying in the breeze. “Of all the trees your ancestors collected for this park, I like these birches the best. Whatever about the house, I can understand you not wanting to let go of the park. It’s a magical place, so tranquil and peaceful.”
He was silent for a moment, as if he didn’t mean to answer, but then he said, “My father planted these when I was born.”
“Oh, Gabriel.” She stopped running, and he halted beside her. Taking his hands in hers, she met his clear blue gaze. “It must be hard, every day, to pass these landmarks, to walk through these rooms, to see these objects that remind you of him.”
He folded her in an embrace, and they stood together in silence. She caught the faint scent of his fresh sweat and leaned closer to breathe it in. Beautiful pheromones to go with his terrific telomeres. She sighed into his cotton T-shirt.
“Thank you,” he whispered, “for being here for me. You have no idea how much our friendship means to me.”
“I think the world of you, Gabriel Kirwan,” she said. Then she gently disengaged herself and fell into a slow trot. “Are you going to catch up with me sometime today?” she shouted and beckoned him with a smile.
Taking the hint, he picked up the pace until he was once again level with her.
~ * ~
Tom and Anjali’s kitchenwas warm, cozy, and filled with the delicious aroma of freshly ground basil. Delia luxuriated in the nurturing atmosphere, ready to spend the evening in the company of the people she loved most.
“How’s work going now that you’re tenured?” Anjali put a bowl of pasta in front of Delia. “You’re so brainy, it’s unreal. How are you even Tommy’s sister?”
“Hey. What’s that supposed to mean?” Tom narrowed his eyes in mock-outrage.
“Just, you know, you’re more normal.” She put her hands around his waist and squeezed.
He coughed. “Excuseme. The Normal One would like to get dinner started, so Jamie and Rubina won’t be too late going to bed.” He wriggled out of Anjali’s grip then placed the plates on the kitchen table.
“I don’t need to be in bed as early as Jamie.” Rubina pouted and glared at her father with the full authority of her five years. “I’m already in school, and he’s still a baby.”
