Cast the Cards

Making his way through the water, he headed for the shore. Carey had opted to hang back at the house and sleep in, allowing them time to relearn each other. She loved his selflessness. It made her feel better about the decision to extend their love out to Clark, even if it was only for a short time. Her heart protested the thought of his departure, and she held him closer.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.” He paused to kiss her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“Better than I’ve been in years.”

“Same here.” His breath tickled her ear and she giggled.

“Ready to go back to the cabin?”

“Sure, we’ve been out here for a few hours. Time to go in and get some lunch.” He continued walking until they were on the shore. After fixing her bottoms he set her down, and she gathered their towels, handing him one and wrapping the other around her waist. They slipped on their flip flops, linked hands, and walked back to the cabin.

“I never imagined I’d get to do this with you, even before.” Once the truth started she was unable to stop. Confession is good for the soul, right?

“Why not?”

“I’m not sure. I guess because we’d been best friends for so long, and you didn’t show any interest in me.”

“Because I didn’t want to upset you or sour your relationship, How long did you know?”

“Since the summer we spent here before sophomore year.”

He whistled. “I got you beat—twelfth grade.”

She gasped. “No way!”

“Yes way. I’ve spent a good chunk of my life masturbating with your image in my head.”

Her cheeks grew hot, but she loved it.

“I guess we have a lot to live up to.”

“You holding my hands and looking at me with those come hither eyes fulfills my fantasies.” He lifted their joined hands and kissed them.

“You’re going to spoil me for all men.”

“As long as that statement doesn’t include Carey, we’re good.”

She laughed. When was the last time I was this happy?

“What should we do today?”

A knowing smirk lined his lips.

“Other than that.”

“I thought we’d take a trip on the lake, have a picnic?”

“Like we used to?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Let’s go get Carey out of bed and pack a lunch.” Excited, she grabbed his hand and hastened the rest of the way to the cabin. Their shoes slapped on the front porch, and she opened the front door feeling like a small child promised ice cream.

“Carey.” She called out in a sing-song voice.

“Oooh that’s the voice of a woman who wants something.” They followed the voice to the couch where he laid watching television. Clark untangled their fingers and she sat on the edge of the couch beside Carey.