Page 49 of Night and Day
She wondered if that time would ever come. Soon, she’d be on her way back to Finland. Who would she play her songs for? Who would show her how to choose the right chords? She’d miss him so much. She already knew that. The pain of that thought weaved itself into every beautiful idea, every touch and every moment they spent together, giving them a bittersweet taste.
Mia hung her head, barely understanding her own thoughts. She’d known him for three days. She couldn’t feel this way.
“I’ll miss this place,” she whispered, staring out to his backyard.
Izzy followed her gaze, his eyes wide. “You’ve only just arrived. You’ve seen nothing yet.”
“I don’t mean New Zealand. I mean being here, with you. I’ll miss this.” The words floated out before she could stop them. She held her breath, letting her shoulders drop, watching his face like a roulette wheel, waiting for the inevitable.
He returned her gaze, square and honest. “Would you consider moving here?” He rubbed his forehead. “I mean, if you found a job or another good reason... in different circumstances.” He flashed her a self-effacing grin.
Mia smiled back, regret piercing her heart. “I’d love to say I would, but honestly... my sister is having a baby any day now. I promised I’d be back before the baby comes, but she hasn’t replied to my email. Maybe she’s already in labour. Babies can come early.”
Mia hugged the guitar, forcing herself to think about the unthinkable – going back. She had to get that temporary passport. Could she ask Izzy to chauffeur her to Wellington? According to Google maps, it was a 6.5-hour drive, one way.
“I was thinking I could take the bus to Wellington tomorrow? I have to get the passport thing sorted. I’ll just need to borrow some money...”
Izzy smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, I’ve already kind of... planned the trip.”
“Really?” Mia stared back at him. “When?”
Izzy grinned. “Tomorrow morning. I have some work to finish, but I can do that tonight and then I’m free to go.”
“That sounds amazing, but can you really just take off like that? Don’t you have to deal with clients and emails and stuff?”
“I can earn my pittance another day.” He winked at her. “Besides, I’ve already planned something on the way I don’t want you to miss.”
Mia nodded, her stomach fizzing with anticipation. “Well, I’ll stay out of your way so you can get your work done.” She headed for the stairs.
***
“WAIT! I NEED COFFEE.” Izzy followed Mia, thinking on his feet. Work was the last thing he wanted to do tonight, and he felt awful for leaving her at a loose end. “Can I make you a cup?” He asked, catching her at the kitchen doorway.
“Sure.” Mia’s lips twitched as she sat at the dining table and browsed her phone. “But after that, go straight to work. Don’t let me distract you. I can hang out with Deke and Casanova.”
As if summoned by her words, Deke burst into the kitchen. “Good evening everyone!” he sang, rummaging the pantry for something. “What are you up to tonight?” He asked, opening a box of crackers and popping one in his mouth. “It’s beautiful out there.”
Izzy looked out the window, frowning at the golden sunshine. He had to make those changes to the suicide prevention video and send it away. “Yeah. I kind of need to get some work done...”
“You don’t have to entertain me!” Mia waved her hand, accepting the coffee Izzy placed in her hand. “Or be my barista. But thank you.”
“I’ll take you surfing!” Deke announced.
“Youcan’t even surf.” Izzy grimaced. “And we don’t have a wetsuit for Mia.”
Mia shook her head, smiling. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t go anyway. I’m terrified of sharks.” She turned to Deke. “But I’d love to see the gardens. I looked up what I should do in Hamilton and apparently that’s one thing you can’t miss.”
“Yeah, I suppose that’s true,” Izzy conceded, trying to accept the idea of Mia spending time with Deke. The gardens were within a walking distance, which eliminated the risks of driving.
“Do you want to go now?” Mia drained her cup in record time. “I’ll get my bag.”
Deke shoved another cracker in his mouth. “Sure.”
As Mia hurried downstairs, Izzy turned to Deke, lowering his voice. “Keep your hands off her, okay?”
Deke dropped his toast, raising both hands in the air. “Chill! I know she’s yours. I’m only being friendly.”
Mia stepped through the kitchen doorway, carrying her minty green backpack, her blonde bob ruffled and her white tennis shoes neatly tied. “I’m ready!”
