Page 15 of Closer than Ever

“When it comes to setting you up with this van, I think I’m just being sensible.” Anna nudged Hayley’s shin. “You’re too chill about the whole thing.”

Hayley laughed. “If that’s how you see it.”

Anna was only teasing. She knew Hayley was clever and that her breezy, easy-going nature also came with a quick mind and bags of intelligence. She just acted like an enthusiastic golden retriever most of the time. Anna really liked the easy-going side of Hayley. It balanced out her own more sceptical, anxiety-tinged view of the world.

Hayley lay back on the wooden base of the bed. Anna glanced at her body and looked away. It was totally wrong to think that way about Hayley. Wrong but so hard not to when she was sprawled out like this. Was Hayley flirting with her? Anna looked up and allowed her eyes to roam over Hayley’s body. It was okay to look, right?

“I can just imagine lying here at night under the stars in the middle of nowhere looking through the little windows.” Hayley’s voice was soft. Wistful. She spoke towards the roof. “Or cruising around the mountains all day. Doing whatever I want, when I want.”

Anna cleared her throat, looking away. “Everything you ever wanted.”

Hayley sat up. “Man, I can’t wait to hit the road.”

Anna couldn’t help but feel sad at the idea of Hayley leaving again. She picked up her screwdriver and began to fix the wonky cabinet door. She had to get a grip of herself. Hayley was a wild, dangerous creature. A thrill-seeker at heart, revving up for the time of her life, while Anna wanted to find a wife, settle down, and maybe think about starting a family. Anna wanted safety while Hayley wanted danger. There was no way Anna was going to let herself believe there was something between them again. No. Way. Especially not after all this time.

“Hey. Why don’t you leave this for the day, and we can go get dinner? You’ve been at this for hours, and I want to spend time with my friend. You did promise me fish and chips, lady.”

Anna stopped adjusting the cabinet doors. “But I wanted to get this fin?”

Hayley put her hand on Anna’s shoulder. “There’s no rush. We’ve been so focused on the campervan the last few days when we’re supposed to be spending time together. We need to relax.”

The feel of Hayley’s fingers softly resting on her shoulder caused a warm buzz to ring through her. “Er. Okay.”

Within twenty minutes, Anna was showered and changed and they were walking down her little street towards the chip shop.

When they turned onto the main street, Hayley gasped. “Would you look at that! It’s so pretty.”

The fading light cast warm golden rays against the old stone buildings. Anna liked Hayley’s excitement. She liked it a lot. “There’s probably a nice sunset over the loch right now.”

“Can we go?”

Anna smiled. “Sure.”

The loch was particularly beautiful as they approached its banks. The mountains were reflected in the water. Hayley’s eyes were lit up in wonder. Seeing her like this, being with her in Anna’s hometown felt so good.

“This place is stunning. I love Balbuinidh. It’s so sweet. I see why you love it here.”

Anna looked at Hayley and smiled. They always did like the same things. It was comforting knowing they still did. “I sit out here and watch the sunset when I’m anxious. It soothes me.”

“Do you still get anxious sometimes then?” Hayley turned to her, the sunset reflecting in her eyes.

“I do, yes. I’m still a bit of an overthinker. I don’t sleep that well. So, not that different from before, really.” Anna pressed her lips together.

Hayley reached out and squeezed her arm. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

They watched the sunset over the loch in a comfortable silence. It was so peaceful spending time in Hayley’s company again. She’d forgotten how relaxed Hayley could make her. She’d missed this. Anna shivered as a gust of air swept past them. Hayley must have been freezing. It was interesting that she hadn’t mentioned how cold it was. Anna turned to her, with her curiosity piqued. “Hungry?”

“Starving.”

In the bright neon light of the chip shop, Moira was serving tonight. She wore a pale blue apron and a determined expression. The distinctive smell of the deep fat fryer, vegetable oil and vinegar whetted Anna’s appetite. It could never be explained.

“Hi, Anna,” Moira said, plunging some cut potatoes into the chip fryer. “Be with you in a second.”

Hayley stood tall and majestic by the hot counter of battered fish, sausage and black pudding. She looked so out of place but totally at ease with herself and at one with the situation, as usual. Anna took a picture because it amused her to do so. It was hard to take her eyes off Hayley.

“Did you just take a picture of me?”

“I did. Yes.”

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