Operation Fake Relationship

The very moment that thought passed through his mind, a shaft of late afternoon sunlight lit the canvas as the sun emerged from beneath the blanket of cloud that had covered the sky all day. Suddenly the picture seemed more alive, the colours brighter and more vibrant, beckoning to him like a sign from the universe.

If they were quick, they’d get there before it was dark.

He went to find Jackson. “I fancy another walk. Do you want to come?”

“Sure. Especially as I missed out earlier.”

“Hurry then, before it gets dark. We should probably both take our phones today, just in case.” Nick didn’t ask if anyone else wanted to join them, and luckily nobody suggested it.

They wrapped up warm and let themselves out of the back door.

Nick set a brisk pace through the woods as the sun dropped lower in the sky, the yellow light slanting through the bare branches.

“How did the conversation go with your dad?” Jackson asked as he followed close behind Nick along the narrow path.

“It was good,” Nick said. “Surprisingly good in the end.”

“Yeah? That’s awesome. So did you make up with him?”

“Yes. I suppose I did. He apologised a bit, and I yelled at him. Then he apologised again… for the things that actually mattered.” He rounded on Jackson. “Did you talk to him while I was out earlier? About me, I mean.”

Jackson’s expression told Nick everything he needed even before he answered. “Yes. I hope you’re not mad with me? I know I shouldn’t have interfered, but—”

“Hey.” Nick put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay. I know you were trying to help, and look. It worked.” He smiled. “You were right about me giving him a chance. I’m glad I did. I think things are going to be all right between the two of us going forward, and that means I get my family back.”

He threw his arms around Jackson and hugged him, holding on until Jackson brought his arms up and hugged Nick back.

“Thank you,” Nick said softly. His face was pressed into the skin of Jackson’s neck just above his scarf. He inhaled the sweet musky scent, and his heart swelled with affection and gratitude. “Thank you so much for everything. For being here. For helping me sort things out with my dad. You’re the best.”

“It’s nothing,” Jackson said gruffly. He squeezed Nick a little tighter. “I know you’d do the same for me.”

“In a heartbeat.” Nick released him, reluctant to leave the comforting warmth of his arms. But the light was starting to fade, and they had a tree to find. “I love you, man.” He’d said the same thing to Jackson often enough over the course of their friendship that it shouldn’t have felt strange. But somehow today the words took on new resonance, hanging between them in the twilight as Jackson hesitated for a moment before replying.

“I love you too.”

As they continued through the woods, Nick said, “How would you feel about staying here an extra night? I was thinking about asking Mum and Dad if that’s okay. There’s nothing you have to get back for tomorrow, is there? I know Maria and Adrian are here until the twenty-ninth, and it would be nice to have more time with them… and Pete too, I think he’s staying tomorrow night.” It would also be good to have more time to get to know his dad again, and help to build their new tenuous connection.

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Are you sure?” The path was wider here, and he glanced sideways so he could see Jackson beside him.

“Yeah. There’s nothing I need to get back for—apart from the gym. And I can live without that for another day.”

“You could go running with Adrian and Pete, while I keep your spot on the sofa warm.”

Jackson laughed. “You’re so kind.”

Nick had never been a runner. He still preferred dancing over any other exercise, but he kept himself fit by swimming a couple of times a week and walking or cycling rather than driving wherever possible.

“Here we are.” Nick stopped at the base of the Pirate Tree. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Yes.” Jackson stared up into the branches. “It’s pretty awesome.”

Nick took his gloves off and put his hands on the gnarled trunk. “How old do you think it is?”

“I dunno. Must be close to a hundred years old, given the size of it. Maybe more?”

It was strange to think that there was so much more of it beneath the surface, the roots growing and spreading through a secret subterranean world, invisible anchors that had held the tree strong and steady through countless storms. The thought sent a strange tingle up Nick’s spine, as though he was absorbing some ancient energy from the earth.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah I’m good.” Nick shook off the strange feeling. “Let’s climb. Do you want to go first this time?”