Damien spotted Grace in a field, edging closer to a pair of wild horses. He headed in their direction, watching as she ran her hand lightly over one horse’s brown coat. It glistened in the morning sun. The horse watched her with a careful black eye. Damien reached the edge of the field and the other horse bolted. Its friend moved a second later, leaving Grace to shoot him a disappointed stare.
He thought of what to say as he approached her. She didn’t turn away, which was a good sign. She was wearing a Bob Marley T-shirt and faded blue jeans tucked into brown hiking boots. He stopped five meters short. She didn’t say anything. It looked like she was still deciding whether to talk to him.
‘Hi,’ he said, slightly out of breath.
‘Is socially awkward your default setting?’ she asked.
He sh
