Cast the Cards

“When do you want to go?”

“Tonight. I mean it is a Friday and I’d rather not seem like a loser with no life.”

His words made her cringe. The days had begun to blur together. Without Amy to drag her out to do non-work related things she’d gone into workaholic mode.

“Seven okay?” he asked.

“Perfect. Are we eating there?”

“Of course, how could I pass up the best hot dogs in the county?” His face twisted into an expression of mock-offense and she laughed.

“I was always partial to the nachos myself.”

“I remember.” His voice turned solemn.

She smiled as memories flooded back. The three of them had whiled away many nights at the Hole in One growing up. It was a rite of passage being able to go there parentless. When she’d shut the vault door on her time growing up in Dale, she’d lost a lot of the good things as well. Her chest tightened and he pushed the sullen thoughts into the back of her mind. They wouldn’t help her or Clark.

“I guess I’ll see you there then?”

“Definitely.”

They headed in opposite directions from the entryway, and she got into her SUV. She pulled out of the parking lot. Clark appeared. She jumped, swerved, and regained control.

“Jesus, Clark, are you trying to kill me?” Her heart raced and she placed a hand on her chest as she caught her breath.

?

??No, sorry, I thought now would be a good time to chat.”

“Next time show up before the car is in motion, okay?”

“Okay.” The gentle, subdued tone stole her ire.

She shook he head. I’ve never been able to stay mad at him. “You haven’t been around lately.”

“I needed time to process.”

“Boy, can I relate to that.”

“I’m not sorry I told you how I felt. I spent years in anguish over that. I am sorry for storming off like a sulky child. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy.” The contemplative tone seemed more for him than her. “Still, the reality differed vastly from the way I envisioned it in my head.”

“It always does. I should apologize for leading you on. I got caught up in the moment and the excitement of knowing you felt the same way. That night at the carnival I planned on telling you how I felt. Not getting that opportunity gutted me.” She risked a glance out of her peripheral in his direction. The reverent expression on his face brought pain, and comfort. For so long she’d wondered if her love had been unrequited, or the figment of a very young and active imagination. “We both know this can’t go anywhere.”

“I know.” A rueful smile tipped up the corner of his mouth. “Doesn’t mean I don’t wish it could though.”

She placed a hand over his. “Me too.” She squeezed and released his hand, returning hers to the shifter. “Are we good now?”

“I think so.” The low hum of wheels on the road filled the car. “How’s the case coming?”

“Slower than I’d like.” She huffed. Cases never fell into your lap the way they did on television. It took a lot of work and digging. Usually by now she’d have something solid. Flying blind didn’t sit well with her.

“They want to make a grand entrance,” he scoffed.

“Do you know that for sure?” Images of random acts of violence filled her head: fires, bombings, and personal attacks on innocent people. Her throat clogged and her chest ached.

“I sense it. But I have no more knowledge than you.”

“They sent you down here without any intel?” It didn’t make any sense.