Once we get to Gastro's, situated on Thesen Island just of the mainland of Knysna, we all head to the deck overlooking the Knysna lagoon. We're regulars at Gastro's and Keith reserved two long tables for us outside on the deck. I make sure I take a seat next to Cassy with Ruan and Keith sitting opposite us.
"So Jared how long have you been riding bike?" Ruan wants to know once we've been seated.
"Since I was fifteen. Keith helped me buy my first proper bike when I turned sixteen, a Kawa ZX-R6. Loved that bike. I guess it's in my blood," I reply.
"I can see that. You ride well for someone your age," he says, while taking a sip of his beer.
"Thank you," I acknowledge his compliment.
"Cassy said you stay on a farm?" I ask, keeping the conversation going.
"Yeh, but I don't farm. My dad and brother are the farmers. I've been working on an oil rig for the last almost five years. It's hard work, but it pays well," Ruan replies.
"How long are you staying this time?" Keith wants to know.
"Six weeks," Ruan says and then he and Keith start discussing the high oil price and it's impact on Keith's business. He's got two long distance trucks which he contracts out to different companies.
Not interested in long distance trucking I turn to Cassy, who up to now hasn't said a word.
"So how have you been?" I ask, suddenly feeling nervous.
"Ok and you?" she asks.
"You probably saw I wasn't doing so well this past week," I reply.
"Yes, I did see you were walking around with a bit of a dark cloud over your head," she says teasingly.
"Yeh, well a certain someone was making it difficult to speak to her," I say, looking meaningfully at Cassy.
Blushing a little she says, "I'm sorry that someone was so difficult." she says, smiling at me.
"It's ok. It gave me time to figure out how I feel about her," I say, holding her eyes.
"Oh!" she says, her eyes widening slightly.
Just then our waiter brings our food and for a while we eat in silence. I'm hyper aware of Cassy's arm brushing against mine every so often while we eat.
When I'm done I ask Keith, "What time are we leaving?"
"We need to be on the road by 12h30. Be back here at 12h00." he says.
Looking at Cassy I ask, "You want to walk around a bit?"
"Sure," she says getting up and following me outside.
In Gr 11, I did an oral about Thesen Island, so I know the history quite well.
"Have you been to Thesen Island before?" I ask Cassy as we walk out of Gastro's.
"Never," she says, "It's beautiful here." she continues.
"Thesen Island used to be a timber processing plant" I tell her, "In the early 1980s the site was sold and work on the marina development began shortly there after. The marina consists of 19 man-made islands linked by 21 arched bridges, and is surrounded by 25 hectares of tidal canals. That's why it is known as Thesen Islands. This part where we are now, is known as Thesen Harbour Town. It's the commercial section which comprises of boutique shops, offices, gyms, restaurants, bars, art galleries and two hotels." I continue while we stroll through the area.
"How come you know so much about the island?" Cassy wants to know.
"I did a oral on it last year, so I became a bit of an expert," I say smiling at her.
YOU ARE READING
The Boy Next Door.
RomanceMoving to a new town is difficult, but when it happens in your final year of school it's even more difficult. To make matters worse Cassy also immediately dislikes their new neighbor's son. With his long hair, tattoos and whoring ways, he's definite...
