Page 126 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

“The principle is the same.”

“It’s really not.”

“Oh my god.” He throws his hands up. “Just come out, will you? We’ll miss the ferry.” Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing. He’s not sure how Ellis will handle spending the whole day with Mum.

Nope. They’re going. Gabe wants to see dolphins and whales, and he won’t let his twisted mother and secretly emotionally sensitive boyfriend ruin that.

Finally, fucking finally, Ellis drags himself out of bed, starting to put on his clothes. Gabe uses the time to text his mum.

Gabe:Not a word about you-know-what or you won’t be invited to the wedding.

Mum:OMG THERE’S GONNA BE A WEDDING?!?!?!

Gabe:There could be, but you won’t be there if you don’t behave.

Mum:I’ll behave, I promise!

Mum:What’s the date?

Gabe pockets his phone, sighing. His life is hard.

True to her word, Mum keeps her big mouth shut, though Gabe can tell it’s taking all her willpower. Whenever he feels her resolve cracking, he shoots her a warning glare. It works like a charm, exhausting as it is. Parents really do become children at some point in life.

When he’s not keeping an eye on his unpredictable mother, he focuses on sending soothing energy in Ellis’ direction. His boyfriend has been tense all the way to the island. It’s not until they’ve disembarked and taken a short drive to Main Beach that he finally starts to relax.

Gabe hops out of the car, short of vibrating with excitement. “Is this where the dolphins are?”

Ellis seems amused by the enthusiasm. “We might spot some, but that’s not why I took us here.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll go see them before we have to head back. There’s a better chance to spot them in the late afternoon, or at sunset. Whales too.”

“Ah, okay! Good plan.” Gabe looks at the vast expanse of the beach. “Are we going to swim?” The water is insanely blue, the kind that you see in Instagram pics after they’ve been put through a filter or photoshopped, and the waves are big enough to make him want to both jump in and steer clear.

“You can swim. Or…” Ellis opens the trunk and pulls out a pair of bodyboards.

Gabe’s mum squeals when Ellis offers her one.

“Gabriel told me you like bodyboarding.”

“I love it!” Squealing again, she grabs the board, hugging it to her chest like it’s a cute animal. “Gosh, I haven’t done this in a while. Cairns is shit when it comes to beaches.”

“I know. Well, go crazy.”

Mum takes it literally, running toward the waves without another word.

Gabe rolls his eyes, pretending his heart isn’t melting like chocolate fondue. He already knew Ellis is thoughtful and caring, but this? Why does the man have to be so damn perfect? He’s going to give Gabe a complex.

“I didn’t know you owned bodyboards.”

“I didn’t. I picked them up yesterday, when you went to see Ash.”

So. Damn. Perfect.

“Where’s yours?” Gabe questions when Ellis hands him the other board.

“Yeah, no. I don’t do that.” He shakes his head resolutely.