With a huff, I climbed down the ladder. I’d have to go and buy some tarps this week. I went inside and showered. I began to get dressed, ignoring the constant pull in my chest. I looked in the mirror, staring at my reflection. I could see the yearning on my face, feel the need building inside me. For a moment, I didn’t move, then I groaned.
Fuck it.
* * *
Ava
I set out the two huge platters of appetizers, knowing they would be cleared in a flash. We had tons more inside. I sniffed the air, smelling the chickens on the spit and the large roast beef Van had been cooking since eight o’clock. The air was rich with the scents of the cooking meat. The rec center fridges held platters of burgers and sausages. Up at the Hub were massive bowls of salads and tables of desserts. Buns and all the condiments were in coolers. When we were ready to grill, the golf carts would be loaded and the food transported here in quick succession.
There was a large bar set up, coolers of iced beer, wine, and soft drinks cold and ready to drink. Lots of alcohol and mixers on hand. We had spiked iced tea and lemonade, as well as plain variations available, the tall glass beverage holders glinting with moisture in the heat.
It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze. The sun was out, with only a handful of puffy clouds visible in the sky. But it wasn’t too hot yet, which was great. The men had erected canopies, so there were lots of places to sit and get out of the sun if it got too much. The glass doors to the rec center were all pushed open, and you could sit inside and still be part of the party.
It was one of my favorite get-togethers of the year. Most of us tried to make it, so the place was usually jumping. I always enjoyed it.
But today, my smile was more forced than usual. My laughter not as easily found. As I looked around at my family, I felt slightly cut off. Not everyone had a partner, but most did. A few not-married had boyfriends or girlfriends with them. I was the oldest one without a partner. It had never bothered me before.
But that was before Hunter Owens entered my life.
I hated leaving him yesterday. He didn’t say it, but there was a desolate look in his eyes as he waved me off, pretending to be cheerful. Once again, he chose to be alone. It didn’t have to be that way, but it was what he thought was needed.
He’d texted me once last night, saying he hoped I was having a good time. I’d texted him back, telling him I was but was thinking of him. He never responded.
I had hoped to hear from him this morning. Hoped that somehow, the scent of the meat roasting would drift to his bluff, and he would regret his decision and join us. Relax and discover my family were awesome people. That perhaps he would unwind a little and see how he could fit in—that maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to leave. I hoped in vain since my phone never rang, and eventually, I stopped feeling anticipation when a vehicle would pull into the compound. He wouldn’t change his mind.
I went inside to apply some more sunscreen and, if I was being honest, hide for a few moments. I looked in the mirror, grateful for sunglasses and the hat I was going to wear. I looked dejected, which was silly. He had to live his life the way he saw fit, and I had promised not to push. He wouldn’t be comfortable here, and that was the end of the story. I had to put him out of my mind and enjoy the day.
Determined, I finished applying the sunscreen, fixed a smile on my face, and headed outside. I went to the bar, pouring one of Maddox’s spiked iced teas. They were delicious and refreshing and, if you weren’t careful, would knock you off your feet. I took a sip of the cold beverage, turning around to call out to my dad.
I froze at what I saw, a small gasp escaping my mouth. From the direction of my house, Hunter was walking slowly toward the rec center, Cash trotting beside him, his tail wagging furiously. Hunter was dressed in a pair of cargo shorts, with a tight gray T-shirt stretched across his torso, showing off his arms and pecs. He wore a baseball hat and sunglasses, and in his free hand, he carried a case of Creemore. Cash barked excitedly at seeing me, and everyone turned in the direction of the sound.
“Who the hell is that?” someone muttered.
My mom appeared at my elbow. “Go and welcome him, Ava. He must be second-guessing his decision already with this lot staring him down.”