Page 97 of Everything That Kills Me
“It’s fun.”
“Swimming at night?”
“I dare you.”
“Well, maybe, but only when the moon is full. And when there’s a Z in the month.”
Jack raised his eyebrows.
“Fine,” Zeph grumbled. “I’m not going in above my knees. And not at all if either of us have any cuts because…”
“Sharks don’t feed at night.”
“Oh no. That is a big fat lie. Many species of sharks are nocturnal so they feed primarily at night. The only time we’d be safe if it was the mating season for Grey Nurse Sharks because during that period, the females don’t eat at all, but sadly they’re only found off the coast of Australia, and that’s only the females so…”
Jack grinned. “There’s a freshwater lake not far away if you prefer. I promise no sharks.”
“Maybe, but there’d be a whole load of other stuff. I like the sea, I just want nothing in it but me. And you… Hey, how did you know these chairs were here?”
“I didn’t. I spotted the boardwalk and thought it must lead to something, if only the beach.”
“We could sit here and read. Maybe under a beach umbrella if it’s too hot. Did you see one?”
“In the garage along with surfboards, bikes, citronella candles and other paraphernalia.”
“I’d love to try surfing.”
“Despite your shark expertise?”
“If we avoid dawn and dusk, we’ll be fine. Oh God. I didn’t mention surfing in that list, did I? Can you surf? Do I even need to ask? Seriously though, what can’t you do? Suck your own dick?”
Jack chuckled.
“That’s not an answer. Have you ever tried?”
“I tried. I’m not that bendy.”
“Nor me. What else is there to do around here apart from sun, sex, sand, sex…?”
“Now it’s summer, there’s a daily market in the village square. There are cycle paths through the forest and one follows an old train line. Plus, a nature reserve connecting Lake Léon to the Atlantic. We can take picnics and explore.”
“I can’t ride a bike.”
“What?” Jack was shocked. “You’re at Cambridge. Everyone rides a bike.”
“Everyone except me.”
“I’ll teach you.”
“Okay. I’m sorry I fell asleep when it was my turn to drive. I’m exhausted and I don’t know why. You ended up doing most of the driving.”
Jack rose to his feet. “Let’s go back before I have to carry you.”
Zeph stayed where he was. Jack smiled and pulled him to his feet.
“Hungry?” Jack asked.
“Not very. I fancy a dip in the pool and bed.”
