4. Audrey
My alarm buzzed, but after all these years of early mornings, I didn’t feel like groaning when I woke up. I had a routine—one I stuck to well—because if I couldn’t control the different jobs I’d get throughout the year, I could at least control the time I woke up or how I started my day. It helped that I removed a lot of choices out of my pantry, so I didn’t sit and stew over what breakfast I wanted to eat. My morning included three wheat biscuits, a dash of milk, and a whole lot of sugar. Then, when I was ready to look somewhat presentable, I’d find a pair of sturdy jeans with ballet flats and a red sweater, topped off with a trademark beret because I simply couldn’t help myself.
The look wasn’t just to show off my interests. One of Lucy’s sudden hobbies involved learning about astrology, just like every other young woman, according to the magazines marketed to us. And alongside learning about one’s true self, charted in the days, months, and hours of the calendar year, she also developed a knack for manifestation; one that rubbed off on me pretty well. There was just something so beautiful about acting out a lifestyle until it became real, or ‘faking it until you make it’, and you could bet I was putting all my energy into making this ‘costume’ a way to shape my own future. I’d wear a silly beret every day if it meant one day, I’d be able to pick it up off of a Parisian sidewalk, after a strong gust of wind in a December winter. Lucy had a suspicion that if I ended up somewhere cool over the holiday season, I’d be happy staying put wherever that was… but my money was set on France, and that was all there was to it. I grabbed my wallet, phone, and keys, then I was off to work.
The shoreline where Henry’s tour began was quieter than usual, a nice surprise that made me want to leap with joy. It didn’t matter too much if it was a busier day, since it was the same route either way, and somehow the panic of a crowd made the day go faster. Still, this apparent lull did help to ease the stage fright just a little, since after all this time, I battled with imposter syndrome over whether or not I was qualified to work these tours in the first place.
The keys on my lanyard scraped against the rusted tin shed as I unlocked the roller door to Henry’s Hut, an overly simple name representing the town’s tourism industry. I didn’t need to prepare too much, but I brought out a few water bottles to share with those who came along, and to try and fend off any heat exhaustion—or insurance liability, as Lucy and I joked. After all, Henry’s Hut was as cheap on the inside as it looked on the outside, and we doubted the business would even be covered from storm damage despite being so close to the treacherous ocean. As I turned around, seeing a young couple zoning in on the hut with tickets in their hands, my jaw hung low because of who was standing behind them—Theo.
He held a ticket of his own, and a clever little look on his face, too. He knew damn well that I was doing this rotation today. “Hello, stranger,” he said, once he came a little closer. I debated with myself, wondering if he was here to make fun of me, or if he just wanted some company. I did tell him we should hang out again, but I thought that would be something we planned together over text messages, after some polite small talk. I tried not to look annoyed, especially in the workplace, but the truth was, I was embarrassed. Running the tour already made me feel like I had to crack lame jokes to entertain the tourists, but now I had to worry about impressing him as well, which was something I didn’t plan for today. I studied Theo for a moment, looking for any excuse to ban him from our sightseeing before we even started… but Theo’s smile was sincere, and he almost looked excited to be here.
“I didn’t know you’d be joining us today?” I gave off a strained smile, not wanting to lower the energy for the couple who joined us.
“Well, I figured the best way to get to know a place is through a tour like this.” He winked. I resisted groaning, turning my attention to the couple who handed over their tickets to me.
“Macy and Paul?” I read aloud their names on the paper. “It’s lovely to have you join us today.” They were shy, offering a brief “thanks” before finding their way back behind Theo, who seemed more eager to stand with me at the front. I knew exactly what they were feeling; it was just like going to a gym class and trying to hide your yoga mat behind everyone else. I was very familiar with that routine, so I made sure not to draw extra attention to it, even if that meant extra small talk with Theo.
“Let’s get started, shall we?” I grinned enthusiastically, and we began our walk along the esplanade. It was the typical tour guide spiel, talking about which movie was filmed along the beach, way back when; how many people were estimated to live in the area; and my own added detail, how the café Lucy worked at had the best breakfasts in town.
“I can attest to that one,” Theo said, making the shy couple laugh. Each word he spoke dripped with charm, wrapping us around his finger. I became increasingly jealous of the way he lured in Macy and Paul’s attention, without making them feel like they needed to contribute to a pop quiz of the area. He had a certain fluidity in the way he spoke, where you wanted to talk to him about your interests and listen to his own as well. He was captivating, and I just wasn’t.
We then found our way to a certain patch of rock pools, where Macy and Paul took some space from us to look around and take photos on their own. “When I meant let’s hang out again, it was more of an offer for when we both weren’t busy,” I grilled, taking my apprehension out on him.
He smiled softly. “Lucy told me you’re always busy, though. I’m being opportunistic.”
“Did you get breakfast there again today?” I asked, trying to pin down the moment they discussed my work habits, since it certainly wasn’t at the movie night.
“Yeah, I’m starting to realise I practically live there.” He laughed.
Theo stepped closer to me to ensure our chat was private, acknowledging the facade I was trying to keep up on the tour. Maybe it was the way the sun shined on him today, but I felt nervous as he came closer. And before I knew it, I tried to channel that feeling into a tease to clear the air. “While I am biased to Lucy’s…” I drew on. “I’d be a pretty terrible tour guide if I didn’t at least encourage you to try someplace new.”
“If you agree to go out to dinner with me, I might just follow your advice.” I was stunned, and for the first time since we met at the café, I watched him look shy and vulnerable. Was he asking me out on a date? I bit my lip, feeling like I must’ve been misinterpreting his question.
“I could go for a meal,” I said. “I’m sure Lucy would be excited as well.” It was a test, to make sure we were both on the same page, so that I didn’t get ahead of myself. The test worked, because suddenly, I watched the cogs turn in his brain, wondering how to delicately un-invite Lucy from the plan.
My palms became clammy, and my breathing was jagged. Holy shit, he was asking me on a date after all. “I kind of meant just the two of us, if you’re okay with that,” he said.
My world flashed in front of me, and I wondered what something like this would mean for my travel plans. He was certainly my type—looks wise, at least—and I almost got goosebumps every time he came close to me. In fact, the way he was able to irk me this morning was proof that I cared a little too much about what he thought. But to stop me from stressing, I decided to be spontaneous for once. “That would be lovely.”
Theo looked taken aback, as if he didn’t want to get his hopes up before asking—did he actually like me that much? The thought made my heart melt, and suddenly I thought maybe I didn’t need that French Prince after all. Maybe all I needed was someone who actually wanted to be with me, despite my crazy hopes and dreams, my busy schedule, and my often-bad attitude. “Great,” he said, his voice more chipper than usual. “Meet by the esplanade tomorrow night? At 7pm?”
“I can do that.” I nodded. We watched quietly as the couple finished taking photos of the rock pools, before walking to our next destination. “Now let me get to work—no flirting on the job.”
“Yes ma’am,” he jeered, and believe it or not, he actually did what he was told.