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I edge closer, and Ranger does the same, following my every step from the other side of the fence.
“Go, Ranger!” I try to convince him, but I learned long ago that there is no negotiating with a border collie. A golden retriever, a bulldog, even a highly motivated chihuahua can be won over.
But a collie’s ethic shall not be moved.
Ranger barks.
“What’s up, boy?” Terence asks. “Let me go see what’s got him worked up.”
Target is headed this way!
I rush into the bushes, paying no attention to the fact that they’re the kind with sharp points at the end of their cardboard-like leaves. The kind of bush specifically designed to keep people out.
And I’m now in.
I’m going to have to invest in some sterilized bandages later.
Ranger is still nearby, but I’m well-hidden in these thick shrubs and, finally, the nighttime is on my side.
“Come back with us, boy.” Ranger whimpers. “He must have seen an animal.” He’s not far off. “Maybe a rat.” Ouch. He couldn’t have picked a mouse?
“You were saying?” Kasia says, “Before we were interrupted by the rat?”
Thanks for reinforcing the point, Kasia.
“Yeah, that I never saw this coming. It feels weird to say that because, in a way, I always knew. But now that it’s real, within reach…” He pauses, and I realize I’m holding my breath. He must be talking about the dream of mountain rescuing… that must be it… “I’m afraid of making the biggest mistake of my life.”
“I understand.” I hear a muffled sound that must be her touching him. Maybe his arm or his shoulder. Ugh. “When the stakes are high, it’s so much harder to be bold.”
“That’s it. You really get it, Kasia.”
I’m going to gag. Kasia gets it? Kasia? They’ve barely spent a couple of hours together, and she’s the one he’s turning to, opening his heart about his insecurities?
“I’ve been there, Terence. But I promise you that it will be worth it.”
“You’re very sweet, Kasia.”
I can’t take this. Not another second. Get me out of this bush!
Turns out rushing into a bush is a lot easier than rushing out. My feet catch on the roots, and even though I’m doing everything in my power to prevent it from happening…
I’m going down.
I land with a loud and painful thud, half in the bush, half out.
Ranger is the first one on the scene, barking from the other side of the fence. Next comes Terence, rushing over. “What’s happening here, boy? What’s… Alli?”
“Oh!” My feigned surprise is right on point. “Hi! I was just…”
“What are you doing, Alli?” Terence climbs over the fence and helps me out of the evil bush. “You’re all cut up. Are you okay? Did you hit your head?”
I must have, because why else would I be spying on my best friend while he’s on a date with my roller derby teammate?
“I’m okay. Was just strolling and thought we’d meet up later to hear about how things finished with the investor. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” That part is true. “Hi, Kasia.”
Kasia waves meekly from behind the fence.
Terence lifts me onto my feet. He again has a look on his face that I don’t recognize, and I’m getting a little tired of not being able to read him. This has never happened before. Only ever since these feelings came along.
