Page 27 of Closer than Ever

“We see you, Barley,” Myla said, affectionately patting his head.

“This is like a picture-perfect country kitchen,” Hayley said, looking amazed.

The dining table was already made with four places set. Myla started pulling out dishes and serving spoons. Hayley sat beside Anna, eyes sparkling as if she was having a great time. That was all Anna wanted for Hayley, for her to be happy and enjoy her trip. Could she be part of that happiness? Could she handle a sapphic Hayley? Seeing how comfortable Hayley was about her sexuality hadn’t really sunk in yet. Twenty-two-year-old Anna would have been ecstatic, but present-day Anna knew better. It had danger written all over it.

“Wine?” Kelly asked.

Hayley accepted while Anna declined. She was driving. Kelly sprung up to help Myla with the plates and brought them over. Anna loved seeing them this happy together. She wanted that type of happiness for herself one day.

“So,” Myla said once they were all settled and eating. “How did you two meet?”

Kelly shot Myla a look, as if that were a poor question. Hopefully Hayley hadn’t seen that.

“We met at college. Sorry, university. I was doing an exchange year. Anna was the very friendly and entertaining international student representative for all the overseas kids.”

“Hayley came up to the stall at the Freshers’ Fair and eavesdropped on my phone conversation.”

“Anna invited me to live with her within ten minutes.”

“What? I did not.”

Hayley laughed. “You did. Technically.”

“You asked me first. You needed a place to stay.”

“I lucked out.”

Kelly and Myla sat quietly, looking between them both. The knowing look on Kelly’s face said it all. Anna would never hear the end of this.

“I love that,” Myla said, putting her fork down. “Sounds like you were instantly drawn to one another.”

Anna took a large drink of water and Hayley reached for her wine at the same time.

Kelly cleared her throat. “You’re visiting here for a while then, Hayley?”

“Yeah,” Hayley said, sounding relieved for the change of topic. “This is my Eat Pray Love moment.”

Everyone laughed, breaking the tension, at least for Anna.

“Except I’m going to travel around in a campervan.”

“Go for it,” Kelly said. “That will be such a cool experience.”

“See, that’s exactly what I think. I’m taking a career break. I realised a year or so ago that I needed to change a few things and now I’m finally doing it.”

“That’s wonderful,” Myla said. “And where do you plan to visit?”

Hayley smiled, Anna knew, at the word ‘plan’.

“Everywhere. I want to see everything. Pack in as much as I can. Anna was a rockstar in helping me buy a campervan. I couldn’t have done it without her. She’s even fixing it up for me.”

Hayley smiled at Anna, causing a warm feeling to spread through Anna’s chest. Sometimes, all Hayley had to do was look at her a certain way and it would reduce Anna to a puddle.

“I moved here just over a year ago. There’s so much to see and do in this area alone,” Myla said.

“I know! The scenery is spectacular. There are so many hikes I want to try around here. But this one is at work all day.”

“I’ll go on a hike with you. I love walking. I can show you some of the good walks, if you like?” Myla said.

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