Page 29 of No Strings

“Bubble-o-bill?” I question turning to look at him.

I watch as his eyes dart to me, “What?”

“As in the ice-cream?”

“Yeah.” He draws the word out almost making it sound like a question.

“Why?”

“Before my time here. You’ll have to ask Brent.”

I turn back to face the front.

“So does this mean you’re talking to me again?”

“Appears so.” I still look out the window though, watching as the mangroves change into gum trees.

“Morgan.”

“Rhys.” I look at him and he looks at me.

He opens his mouth to say something, but he hits a rock or something. The buggy jumps, and we hear the telltale signs of a flat tyre.

“Fuck.”

“That’s what you get for not looking where you’re driving.” I fold my hands over my chest and sit back in the seat, as he comes to a complete stop.

He pushes open the door. “Don’t fucking start.”

As soon as he is out, I lean over the centre to watch him kick the tyre while he lets out a string of curse words.

“I thought you were a cowboy, not a sailor?” I laugh at my stupid joke. He does not. I roll my eyes. “Just change it?”

“Wow, thank you for that sound advice, that never crossed my mind.”

He looks in the direction of where the spare isn’t. “How have I not noticed it wasn’t fucking there?” He points to where it should be. “Here, it should be right fucking here.”

“Are you sure you're cut out for living out here?”

He turns on me. “I have had enough of your smart mouth.”

I shrug and sit back down. Enough of my smart mouth? Fine. I won’t talk. Again.

Rhys then grabs the phone and calls someone, explaining what happened. I can hear the laughter before he ends the call.

I let Esky out and lean against the car while she wanders around. She’s stopping every few steps to check if I’m still there. The poor thing must have been a pet and then abandoned. My heart aches for her. But she has me now.

Rhys comes and leans next to me. “Look, I’m sorry I snapped.”

I turn to face him, and the shock must be plastered on my face because he asks “What?”

“You apologised.” He looks equally taken back and puzzled, “No it’s just, I’m not used to hearing that word”

“Your ex is a real cunt, you know.”

I trace where the bruises once lived.

“Hey.” He grabs my hand pulling it away from myself and stands in front of me. Something passes through us. I find myself both wanting to kiss him and wanting to push him away. My head is a mess, and I don’t want or needanyone. He might be attractive, but he is also Shane’s best friend. And he's super annoying.