Bittersweet Honey

19. Delicate

Toni.

"Is it cool that I said all that?
Is it chill that you're in my head?
Cause I know that it's delicate.
Is it cool that I said all that?
Is it too soon to do this yet?
Cause I know that it's delicate. "

- Taylor Swift

     Time flies during lunch with Daniel's family, and I am enjoying it deeply, not only the food is great, the beer is refreshing and the chat is delightful, but they really make me feel like I belong here, and we've only just met.

     Joe and Daniel's uncles tell funny stories about their youths, Grace and Michelle tell me stories about Daniel's childhood, and he just laughs and helps Isaac color in the kid's menu.

     Suddenly, by chance I check my phone after hours of not even looking at it and it's already 7:30. I know I don't have work to do for tonight, but I should really start preparing for tomorrow, since it's race day, my first race day on the field. So I lean in to whisper into Daniel's ear.

     "Hey um...I think I need to start heading back to the hotel. I have to get ready for tomorrow." I say to him while everyone else is finishing their desserts.

     "Oh, okay then." He answers without complaining, then he gives my hand a quick squeeze.

     "Well, family I hate to leave the party but we have to get ready for tomorrow's race. And I shouldn't even be eating cheesecake now." Daniel announces as he stands up and I follow after him.

     Everyone protests and groans at us leaving, and I understand because I've honestly had an amazing time with them.

     "But thank you so much for having me, really thank you." I say. And I mean it.

     Joe is the first to stand up to say goodbye and Grace is next.

     "Good luck tomorrow, son. We'll be there early okay? Don't forget to come say hello before the race." Joe tells Daniel as he hugs him.

     "I will dad, take care okay?" Daniel says.

     "And good luck to you too, Toni. I bet the first race can be a little nerve-wracking, but from what I heard today, you're going to kick ass at your job." Joe says to me as he gives me a quick goodbye hug. Everyone, including myself, lets out a short laugh at his comment, but I really like the way he's so laid back, just like Daniel.

     "Thanks Joe, I hope so." I respond.

     Then Grace comes up to hug me and I feel that motherly vibe from her all over again. It would definitely be nice to have her around since my mom can't be here.

     "It was lovely meeting you, Toni. You'll be great tomorrow." She reassures.

     "Thank you so much, Grace. For everything." I say to her as I lean in for another hug and she gladly accepts. Then Michelle brings Isaac to say goodbye to me and they also wish me well for tomorrow. It is so sweet and a little emotional to see Daniel saying goodbye to Isaac, but I know he will be there tomorrow to see his uncle race.

     "Goodbye everyone!" I say one last time before heading out. They all wave at us and we walk out of the restaurant.

     The sun is setting and the sky is a mixture of orange and pink. It's unlike any other sunset I've ever seen, since I'm so used to gloomy London, but Melbourne's sky definitely has a bit of magic in it. Daniel and I start to walk on the sand on the same road we came from so we can get back to the car. He's oddly quiet, so I break the silence.