Page 73 of Coming Home to Wishington Bay
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
For a moment, he hesitated, and then obviously changed his mind. ‘Nothing. I’ll see you later.’
‘No, wait. Tell me what you meant,’ I said, determination in my voice as I quickly stepped in front of him, blocking the exit. The action was, in reality, a little pointless. If he’d wanted to, Gabe McKinley could have picked me up with one arm, deposited me out of his path, and wandered merrily on his way. But I made the stand anyway.
He looked down, amusement showing in his eyes for the first time since we’d come back downstairs. ‘You know you’re not the most effective blockade for me, don’t you?’
‘I realise that, but don’t get too cocky. I have a backup plan if this doesn’t work.’
‘Which is?’
‘I can’t tell you. It relies on an element of surprise.’
‘If I promise to let this particular strategy work now, will you tell me? I have to admit, I’m kind of intrigued.’
I thought about it. ‘I’m not sure. I might need it in future.’
‘I’ll give you my word you won’t.’ He saw me hesitate. ‘Come on. Humour me. Look, I’ll even sit down.’
‘Will you tell me what you meant?’
He nodded. ‘I will. Now, come on, tell me this strategy.’
‘Rugby tackle. At your ankles.’
The boom of laughter that rumbled from his chest caused Bryan, who was now settling on his lap, to turn and give him an indignant look.
‘You think you could tackle me?’
I sat straighter, a little affronted. ‘Definitely.’
Gabe began laughing even harder and Bryan gave up, hopped down and wandered off onto the beach and began snuffling about in the sand, chasing the odd bird that thought about landing near him.
‘I don’t know what you think is so funny.’
‘You’ve seen me, right?’
‘You’re kind of hard to miss.’
In all sorts of ways.
‘Exactly. And you’ve seen you, right?’
‘I’m not that small.’
‘You’re not that big.’
‘My dad always said, when he was watching the rugby, it doesn’t matter how big they are, they can’t run if you’re got their ankles.’
‘Wise man.’
‘He also said that the bigger they are, the harder they fall, so you might want to think about that while you’re up there being all tall and broad and cocky.’
‘God, you’re adorable. No wonder my parents are crazy about you.’
‘They are?’
‘Yep.’
