It was one of those few days I had the privilege of being off on weekend, at the same time at Regan. Maybe the first one in a week. I am excited because we have to go shopping to get him dress pants to match his Steve Madden dress shoes, floral button-up, and navy suit jacket. He's under the impression that he is magically going to find the exact navy suit pants to match his jacket. I know that they are going to be grey.
No specific songs come to mind but I know the playlist is perfect because he has the second-best taste in music. It's early and the sun is low over the ocean. The sky is nearly cloudless and bright light blue. We get there before the weekend rush and have our pick of any car park.
Regan is so efficient and decisive that he finds what he's looking for in the first store (typical guy). The sales associate at Rodd & Gunn is a tall Maori man, excited at the challenge of finding Regan the perfect fit. He confirms the pants will be grey but surprises both of us by presenting a pair of grey jean-looking dress pants. When Regan walks out of the dressing room in all his items, the world stops. He is so handsome and I am the luckiest girl in the world.
We go to the Onehunga Café for brunch and the excitement of the day is perforated by missed calls from my psycho manager. All I remember is the way his hand felt over mine. The way his car felt like an armored car, transporting me safely home. Danger was lurking outside, but inside I was safe with him and the music.
We were not home long before he told me to put on my swimsuit and get in the car. I had no idea where we are going but I was safe with him. Swan Beach at high tide is perfect. Sharp stones pricked at the pads of my feet as we walked barefoot along the trail to the rope swing. We had to climb along a ledge, holding roots so that we do not fall fully dressed into the ocean. Disrobing as soon as we had space to, we sprang into the water. It was freezing, the kind that is refreshing; stealing the stale air from your lungs, cooling the skin you were unaware of being too warm. From my perspective floating in the ocean, surrounded by cliff and greenery, the sky was spotless vibrant blue; the sun streaming down to caress us. Laughter is sweet on my tongue and the smile will not leave my lips. I am filled with calm and bliss. Regan watches me from the shore, a silent smile on his lips. For the second time today, I am the luckiest girl in the world, I have everything I ever wanted.
I can sit in this moment, I can feel it. The sun, the saltwater, the floating, the smiles and laughter, and bliss. I am safe.