Page 66 of Only After We Met
Wish your parents and your sister a Merry Christmas from me. When I was there, I got so distracted with everything else, I forgot to say it. They were really nice. I hope you enjoy the holidays, Ginger. Here’s the song.
I start my new job tomorrow.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: Ginger’s song
How was it? Your coworkers cool?
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: RE: RE: Ginger’s song
Yeah, all good. It’s summer here, so there’s a lot going on. The place isn’t that big. It’s close to the beach. It’s called Byron Bay. It’s touristy and full of people at this time of year. Can you believe there are people who go to the supermarket and walk down the street barefoot? It’s different from anything you and I are familiar with. I don’t know, I’ve got this feeling I’ll end up staying here longer than I thought.
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: A new beginning
Happy New Year, Ginger Snap. I don’t remember if you told me what plans you have today, but I hope you have fun. Here, we’re the first people to wish everyone a happy New Year. I like starting it off knowing you’re there on the other end of the ocean and the screen, on the other end of everything, basically, although that doesn’t mean you feel far away. Sometimes I think it’s the opposite. Maybe miles aren’t what really separates people or brings them together.
I didn’t do much, honestly. Just worked late and drank a little with some guys who were at the bar and live nearby. I walked home looking at the moon. Asking myself what this new beginning will bring us.
Maybe nothing will change.
Or maybe this year will be very different.
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Rhys
“The number you are dialing cannot be reached at this time. Leave a message when you hear the beep.”Beeeeeeep.
“Hey, Mom. Happy New Year. I just wanted…you know, to tell you that and see how you were doing. I remember you told me you were going on a cruise with Dad for Christmas. I guess you still can’t get a signal out there. Be careful, okay? And enjoy the trip as much as you can. Tell me all about it when you get back. Love you.”
36
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: Happy New Yeeeeear!
Happy New Year, Rhys! I’m so happy you’re enjoying yourself there. I looked for the place on Google, obviously, and you’re right, it looks like one of those dreamlands that don’t exist anymore. Have you met lots of people? My guess is yes. I don’t know how you can hang out with so many people being all closed up and reserved the way you are. How do you do it, Rhys? I don’t think I ever asked.
I didn’t do anything that special last night. After dinner I went to the bar where Donna works, drank a few glasses of wine, and hung out with some friends of hers till her shift ended. Then we went somewhere else. I had a good time, but it also felt weird.
Tomorrow it’s back to the dorms.
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies