When we reach the barn, I rush to help her put the gear away. “I’m going to run to the house and shower. You’re going to wait on me, right?” I ask her.
“You sure you don’t want to go to the party?”
“I want to be where you are.” Unable to resist the pull she has over me, I lean in and press my lips to her temple. “I’ll be quick.” Turning, I take off in a run to the house.
The house is empty, so I use the key the Anthonys gave me to use while I’m here. Grateful for their hospitality, I feel guilty that I’m glad they’re not home. I don’t want to stop and make small talk. All I want to do is wash my rank ass and get back to Shayne. Grabbing some clothes, I toss them on the vanity and send Chad a message.
Me: Hanging with Shayne tonight.
Chad: Loser.
Me: She’s prettier than you are.
Chad: I’ll give you that.
Setting my phone on the counter, I turn on the water and strip out of my clothes. The water is barely warm before I step under the spray. Every moment of today replays in my mind. Who would have thought sitting in the hot sun, fishing would end up being the best date I’ve ever been on? Today was definitely good for this country boy’s heart. The weather, the scenery, and the company. I just hope that in the next two days, I can convince her to give this a go. Distance be damned, I want to see where this crazy ride takes us.
Chapter 10
Shayne
Me: I need help. Ford wants to hang out tonight. What should we do?
Cassie: Grab a box of condoms since the ones you have probably expired a year ago and get freaky with him! *insert eggplant emoji*
Me: STOP! I’m not sleeping with him. He’s leaving in less than 48 hours.
Cassie: You’re so boring in your old age, Shay. All I heard when I read that was he’s leaving in less than 2 days. 2 days of getting freaky.
Me: There’s something wrong with you.
Cassie: I’m staying at the house tonight. Make sure he stays with you.
Me: UGH! You’re such a brat.
Cassie: So I’ve been told. But… if you’re really looking for something to do, you can take him to the bonfire. I’m sure everyone we know will be there.
I groan out loud, wishing she hadn’t suggested that. Even though she’s underage, I know she’ll be going tonight. When you’re young, you don’t care if it’s a Monday night. Get-togethers like that happen every night of the week here. Except, I never go. I don’t need to sit around, drinking cheap beer, and talking about how cool I am to everyone else.
Me: You know that’s not my thing.
Cassie: I do know. What about camping? Rumor has it you guys have been back at the pond all day.
Me: It’s already getting dark.
Cassie: Fine, then what about roller skating or bowling? Since everyone’s headed to the bonfire, you know Finnegan’s will be dead.
She has a point. Finnegan’s is the local “hangout,” offering a twelve-lane bowling alley, arcade room, pizzeria, and skating rink. If it were a weekend, that place would be packed, but since it’s only a Monday night, I’m sure there’s not a lot of activity, outside the men’s bowling league.
Me: Good idea.
Cassie: Have fun. We’re just finishing up dinner and are getting ready to head back home. Chad said Ford just texted him and told him he’s hanging out with you. I think that boy has it bad!!
Me: I don’t know about that, but he was pretty insistent. I feel bad he’s not even spending much time with Chad this week.
Cassie: They’re in the service together and have been overseas for months. I think they’ve spent enough time together. Plus, it’s been great having Chad here and catching up with him.
A pang of sadness sweeps through me as I think about Chad and the time I’m missing with him. Sure I’ve seen him, but I feel guilty he’s been home for a few days, and we’ve spent such a small amount of time together. He’s leaving at the same time Ford is, heading to his friend’s hometown before returning to his life in the military.
I make a mental note to spend tomorrow with my cousin.
Me: I want to hang out with Chad tomorrow. Maybe we can all go bowling in the afternoon before I go to work at five?
Cassie: I just ran it by Chad. It’s a plan. All four of us can go and hang out. We’ll meet you at the bowling alley at one.
Me: See you then!
I slip my phone into my pocket just as Ford comes out of the house, making sure the door is locked behind him. He’s carrying a duffle bag with him, his hair still wet and glistening as he approaches.