I never saw anyone looking happier.

You two at the motel. Like newlyweds, looking in each other’s eyes, and holding hands, and laughing. I was jealous.

THAT HOT LONG WEEKEND BY LINDSAY SMITH 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 124

Rosie bumps into Natalie at the baked beans. Excuse me.

Rosie!! It’s you.

Hello Nat. I wanted the baked beans.

Rosie grabs a can. Last time I saw you was at that motel.

Huh?

Yeah, you know, the motel down the coast. Must be like, maybe six months ago.

The motel down the coast? You were at the motel? Hey, we need to catch up.

I waved to you.

Did you?

We had a work dinner.

You waved?

We were late for the dinner. I waved to you at the pool and you waved back. You and Harry seemed to be enjoying yourselves. Anyway Nat, I’ve been meaning to catch up.

Oh, I know, so have I.

But I got all taken up with the new baby, you know how it is.

Another one?

Oh yeah, and don’t look at me like that, as if I’m Catholic or something, although I must say this one wasn’t expected, but there she is, little Zoey.

And you’re looking good Rosie, you must thrive on it.

I wouldn’t say that exactly. You know, three mouths to feed, all yelling.

Three?

There’s Ron.

Oh right, how’s he going Rosie?

He got a promotion the other week, branch manager. Next thing he’ll be division manager, in a few years.

How long has it been Rosie, you and Ron?

Seven years, seven in September.

And how’s the painting?

What, the rumpus room?

Nah, you know what.

Are you kidding me? I never sold any paintings, only a few landscapes. To my mum.

But you’re happy?

I’m all right. What about you?

Rosie moves closer to Natalie. You happy? I never saw anyone looking happier. You two, you and Harry at the motel. She grabs another baked beans and clenches it and seems to be looking deep into it. You and Harry like newlyweds, looking in each other’s eyes, and holding hands, and laughing. I was jealous.