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“Well, thank you,” I state, adding a few dollars on the table. “At least let me get the tip.”
“Fine.”
We stand up and head for the door, alcohol buzzing around in my brain. I’m so glad I walked. We’re able to go in the same direction for two blocks before having to separate. The diner is a block to the east and Hallie’s condo is a few blocks to the south.
“Thank you again,” I tell her, throwing my arms over her shoulders and squeezing.
“Thanks for calling. I had fun.”
“Me too.”
She steps back and starts to move in the direction of home. “Oh, and, Ellie? Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. Especially if that’s a tall, dark, and handsome policeman.” She throws me a wink and walks off, leaving me standing on the sidewalk in silence.
Eventually, I turn toward the diner, my mind reeling.
Everyone has noticed the way he looks at me?
If only it were as simple as she suggested, but I know it wouldn’t be. There’s too much friendship, too many years of it between us to risk.
Right?
Why am I suddenly doubting myself for the first time?
And more importantly, why do I really want to know if he has more tattoos I haven’t seen yet?
Chapter Ten
TD
“This is the best day ever,” Brody announces for probably the tenth time. He’s currently on his fourth hot dog, shoveling the food into his mouth like he hasn’t eaten in days. Of course, I do agree, there’s something magical about dinner cooked over an open flame, even hot dogs.
“Glad you’re having fun.”
Night is falling and the light from the warm late-August sun is finally setting. It didn’t take us too long to complete the few minor repairs Logan wanted for the cabin. The porch boards were replaced and will need to be stained, but not right away. The lighting in the kitchen and bathroom were updated to LED, and some new cabinets hung beside the stacked washer and dryer unit. Plus, we cleaned the cabin and made sure the linens and towels are ready to go.
Brody did his part too. He wanted to help every step of the way, absorbing every ounce of knowledge Logan shared as he made the updates. He also didn’t balk when it came to the cleaning either. He jumped right in and dusted the entire cabin, while I vacuumed floors and Logan scrubbed down the bathroom and kitchen.
Now, we’re sitting around the fire, our tent positioned not too far away. Brody’s still insistent we have the whole camping experience, including spending the night in the tent. The air mattresses are blown up and my lightweight sleeping bags ready. He’s even taken our outing a step further and said we’re not able to use the cabin amenities at all, which is all fine and dandy until it comes time to use the bathroom. Then a nice toilet and toilet paper are gonna come in pretty handy.
“How is school going?”
He nods, swallowing the last bite of his hot dog. “Good. I’ve got all the standard senior classes this year, including the dreaded civics class. But Morgan Cooper is in that class with me, and she’s offered to help me if needed.”
Something flashed through his eyes the moment he said her name, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s got a little crush on the girl. “No shame in getting a little extra help if needed, especially from a pretty girl like Morgan,” I say, hoping to draw some info out of him.
He doesn’t reply right away, so I stay quiet, giving him time and space. One thing I know about Brody is if he wants to talk, he will. When he’s ready.
He shifts in the lawn chair we pulled out of the small storage building behind the cabin and stares at the fire. After several minutes, he finally asks, “Hey, TD. Can I ask you something?”
“Always,” I reply, trying to keep my posture casual as I wait him out.
Again, there’s a pause, only this time, a much shorter one. “So, there’s this girl,” he begins nervously, and I know I hit the nail on the head with the Morgan Cooper crush.
“Yeah?”
He nods. “Yeah, I mean, she’s really cool and smart and funny and plays tennis, and I kinda like her. I know it was a really long time ago that you were in high school, but I was just wondering, what would you do if you liked a girl?”
Ouch.
