“Edmund.”
“I like that. It’s nice to meet you, Edmund. I’m Tanya.” She holds her delicate hand out to me. Her nails are painted deep red, and I can’t stop thinking about how good her fingers feel against mine as I slip my hand into hers for a handshake. Those thoughts almost distract me from the fact that she just called me Edmund, not Spade.
“Likewise, but I prefer Spade,” I barely get out, fumbling for words.
Tanya flashes me a stunning smile. “But I still like Edmund better.”
Is it me or did it get warmer in here? Damn, the sun must be really getting to me.
The guy who isn’t romantically involved with her, like I assumed first, introduces himself next. “I’m Josh, and these two lovebirds are Sally and Ash. It’s great to meet you, man.”
“Back at you. I overheard you mentioning Parmalee. I can’t wait to see them live.”
Tanya’s eyes brighten next to Josh. “I’m so freaking excited. I hope they play “Carolina.” That’s one of my all-time favorite songs!”
“I knew you would say that, Tan,” the woman I now know is called Sally quips.
“Tan?” The question leaves my lips instantly.
Tanya waves her hand dismissively. “My brother and friends call me Tan, but I actually like Tanya just fine.”
“Then I’ll keep calling you Tanya until I come up with another nickname.”
“I would like that.”
Her friends see someone they know further down the line and leave us two alone. We stand there in silence before I ask, “Are you local? I couldn’t help but notice that sweet-as-pie accent.”
She blushes and plays with her dress. “I surely am. Born and raised here in Gatlinburg. And I bet you’ve already been called a Yankee by someone around here.”
I can’t help but laugh aloud at her comment, thinking back to what happened two hours ago. “Yeah, I was called that when I went to the local market to get snacks.”
“Where’s home for you? I can only tell that you aren’t from God’s country.”
“I’m a city boy through and through, from Staten Island, New York.”
Her beautiful blue eyes shine with excitement, making them pop even more, if possible. “Oh wow, I’ve never been to the Big Apple! How exciting.”
“Only tourists call our city that,” I tease her in a light-hearted manner.
“Well, I’m a country girl from many states away, so I guess that makes me one.”
I bite my lower lip, trying not to laugh. “If you ever find yourself in theBig Apple, let me know.”
“But I don’t even have your number.” Tanya playfully pouts.
“The night is young,” I remind her with a wink just before her friends come back. She offers me a knowing smile in return and then turns her attention to something Sally says. Standing alone, I stay where I am while others around me chat with their companions.
Thinking back to the moment we just shared, it’s like someone created a bubble around Tanya and me, and there was no one else but us right then. I don’t know how else to describe the instant connection we just had. But one moment with her and everything else seems to disappear. Something in her manner soothes me, and I feel this new lurch of excitement when with her. It’s totally bonkers, but I can’t deny how I feel. Now I can only hope she feels the same.
3
SPADE
The chilly AC whirls against my skin as I step inside the old yellow school bus that will take us to the festival area. A local radio show plays country music from the overhead speakers at a medium volume, and it makes me smile to myself. I truly am close to the capital of country music. When Jason Aldean’s “Big Green Tractor” begins, I sing along silently, trying not to hit my head against the vehicle's roof.
After considering my limited options, I position myself in a seat in the back of the bus and start scrolling on my phone to pass the time before our ride leaves toward its destination. I’m about to comment on the latest holiday photo the owner of King Tattoo and close friend of mine, King, posted when I hear the melodious voice of Tanya coming from the right side of me.
“Is this seat taken?”
