“I like that plan,” Aaron agrees.
Secretly, I do as well. I don’t need them hounding me for checking my phone every five seconds. Then again, this was supposed to be a distraction, so I don’t do that. Not that it would’ve stopped me, but that was the idea going into this.
Grabbing my gear, I head toward the north end, the farthest away. Setting up my chair, I place the cooler next to it, my fishing bag on the other side. I make quick work of getting my pole ready to cast and take a seat. It’s a little early to be fishing, the water’s still pretty cold, but we do it anyway, because it’s a nice warm sunny spring day and this is what we do. It’s nice to escape to nature after being cooped up all winter.
My pole is propped up on its stand in the grass, right by my feet, and my phone is in my hands. I look around and see how everyone else is going. I haven’t heard any yells of excitement, so I’m guessing they’re waiting for a bite as well. David is texting on his phone, or at least that’s what it looks like. I’m sure it’s my sister. Dad has his hat down over his eyes and I’m certain he’s napping, enjoying the quiet. Aaron’s looking out over the water, a goofy happy grin on his face. It’s so big I can see it from across the pond. He’s marrying the love of his life, my cousin Whitney, in a few weeks and he’s riding the high.
Swiping the screen, I see it’s a little after eight. Jamie should be home by now, even with the stops she made. I know last time she ran into traffic, so I don’t want to freak out yet. Who am I kidding? I’ve been freaking out since she pulled out of my parents’ driveway.
I jump when her face lights up my screen. “Hey,” I whisper.
“Did I wake you?”
“No, not at all. No way could I sleep until I knew you were home safe. Dad, Evan, Aaron, David and I are fishing. You make it home?” I ask, keeping my voice soft so as not to disturb the fish or my fellow fishermen.
“Yeah, traffic again. But I’m home. I’m going to unpack and start a load of laundry, maybe grab something to eat.”
“I need you do to me a favor.”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I need you to talk to your boss or look at your calendar, whatever it is you need to do, and give me some dates before the wedding. I need to see you.”
“Mike, it’s only six weeks away.”
“That’s too long. Can you get them to me? I was thinking if I drove up on a Friday night, I could leave Sunday, or if you’re able to get Monday off, I could stay until Tuesday morning. If I leave when you do for work, I could be back to open the bar that night. Olivia can handle it until then, and Dad will be there to help her if she needs it.” I’ve done nothing but think while sitting out here watching my bobber float in the water.
“You sure? I know you hate being away from the bar.”
I don’t even think before I say, “I hate being away from you even more.”
“I’ll talk to him tomorrow and get back with you.”
“Don’t worry about when. You tell me when to be there and I’ll make it happen.”
“I miss you,” she says quietly.
My chest tightens. “You have no idea, Jamie.” Although, as soon as I say the words, I feel like she does know. This connection we have is more than just an instant attraction, but I can’t explain it. But I know it’s more. So much more.
“I need to call my parents and Whit and let them know I’m home.”
“Okay. Sweet dreams, James.”
“Night, Michael.”
Suddenly, the weight is lifted from my shoulders and I feel like I can take a deep breath, the first since she pulled out of the driveway earlier today. I’ve seen Aaron and Evan—hell, even David with Liv—and I never understood how their happiness would stem from that of the woman in their lives. I get it now. I’ve only had a taste of what they have and I’m a selfish bastard. I want it all.
I’m on cloud nine today. Mike’s coming here, as in he’ll be here in a few hours. I’m taking off early today, and then I’m off Monday as well. That’s three full days with him. To say I’m excited is an understatement.
“Morning, Jamie,” Mr. Warren greets me.
“Good morning. Don’t forget I’m leaving early today and I’ll be off on Monday,” I remind him.
He chuckles. “That’s right, your man friend is coming to town.”
I can’t help but blush. I was honest with why I needed off. “Yeah, he’ll be here in a few hours.”
“Take off whenever. We’re fine here.”