Embracing Change by Debbie Roome

in just as Sarah was washing the last of the dishes, the plates sliding through soapy water like shells in a foamy sea. He took a tea towel and started drying up. “How’s your day been?”
    “Good, thanks. I’ve almost finished the Kaikoura brochure I’ve been working on. Would you like to see it?”
    “Love to.”
    Sarah slipped the last dishes from the water and handed them to Joel, watching his hands as he dried up, firm and strong with square-tipped fingers and short nails. She thought back to how those hands had held hers and infused strength and comfort when she’d been sick.
    “Where’re the girls tonight?”
    “Mandy’s got a dance class, Jade’s working and Trisha’s gone to see a movie.” She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel. “Go and sit and I’ll make some coffee.”
    Joel dropped into a comfortable chair and flipped through the television channels before turning it off again.
    “Anything interesting on?” Sarah asked from the kitchen.
    “Just the usual stuff.” He made a space on the table as Sarah came over carrying two mugs of coffee. “Looks so creamy.”
    “The art is in frothing up the milk.”
    “You’re obviously an expert.”
    Sarah laughed. “I worked in a coffee shop when I was a student.”
    “How long ago was that?”
    “Feels like a lifetime.”
    Joel took a deep swallow from his mug. “Perfect.” He patted the seat next to him. “Come and tell me about work.”
    She sat down. “The job’s working out really well. I pop into the town office once a week and communicate by e-mail the rest of the time.”
    “Is it all brochure work?”
    “Pretty much. They’re working on South Island at the moment. I’m doing the east coast while others are covering the west coast and interior.” She put her mug down. “I’ll get the latest draft for you to look at.”
    Joel took the papers from her a minute later and examined them carefully. “You’re very good at what you do.”
    “It’s a team effort. They have writers who visit the area and delve into the history and visit the popular tourist sites. Some of them double up as photographers, but otherwise a photographer will accompany them. I’m given the text and photos and follow a prescribed formula so the brochures all have the same look.”
    Joel nodded. “I’ve done photographic work for tourism projects. It’s interesting to see the next stage in the process.”
    Sarah pointed to the front of the brochure. “The information is all laid out in boxes which pick up on the colours in the photos. I love matching them up and getting the best effect possible.”
    Joel studied the brochure a little longer and when he looked up, Sarah saw uncertainty written in his features. That’s unusual. He’s normally so casual and confident.
    “I came here to ask you something.”
    “Sure, go ahead.” What in the world can it be?
    “I’ve been asked to do a photographic feature on the ferry that runs between Picton and Wellington. It’s a wonderful trip and very scenic ... ”
    “And …?”
    “I have tickets for two with all expenses paid. I wondered if you’d like to come along.” He paused. “It involves an overnight stay but we’d obviously have separate motel rooms … I thought you’d enjoy it and we’ll pass through Kaikoura and all the small towns you’ve been working on ... ”
    You’re nervous , Sarah thought. You’re not sure how I’m going to respond . “When are you going—and how long is the ferry trip?”
    The tickets are open for any day in the next fortnight—I’ll be watching the weather forecasts as I’ll need a clear calm day. It takes three hours to cross to North Island, and the drive from here to Picton is about five hours.”
    Sarah rested her chin in her hands, looking thoughtful but already knowing what her reply was going to be. “I think I’d enjoy that. Thank you for asking me.”
    The atmosphere relaxed as Joel smiled, regaining his normal easy-going attitude. “Sweet as.