15
Harrison
“Be right back, George,”I called into the living room.
“I’ll man the ship!” He was being swarmed, lifting the box of chocolates above their grasping hands.
That should give me a few minutes before they tie him to the chair and riot.
Ice in hand, I chased Frankie down the garden path, through the back gate to where she briskly walked away, hands clenched at her sides.
“Frankie!” I yelled.
She didn’t stop. I understood she wanted to be alone, but I needed to fix this. I couldn’t stand the thought of her being mad at me or thinking I couldn’t handle things.
“You know, walking this fast, I get the impression you don’t want to talk!”
She stomped with more vigor. The setting sun cast the surrounding hills in shadow. The sky was a glorious shade of pink.
“I’m removing myself from the situation,” she called over her shoulder. “I need to think.”
“This is a great place for it. Gorgeous out,” I panted, catching up. “The sky is amazing. You know, I’m pretty tired from entertaining the kids. Christ, you’re so fast.”
She stopped suddenly and turned. “I would like to be alone.”
“Okay.” I followed to jog after her when she started again. “I’ll join you.”
She flicked a glare at me. “I don’t think you understand whatalonemeans.”
“You won’t even notice me.” I smiled.
“Oh my God.” She laughed but without humor.
“I mean, I wouldn’t complain if you walked slower. I just quit smoking, and this is high altitude.”
Her jaw dropped. “Are you for real right now?”
“About the altitude? No. It’s much higher than sea level. If you can’t slow down, I guess I can jog.”
“Harrison,” she growled.
“You seem frustrated.”
“I can’t imagine why,” she said, walking again but noticeably slower.
“So. What’s new with you?” I asked, panting.
“Harrison. I don’t want to talk. I’m so mad right now,” she said with admirable calmness. Emma was constantly telling me I tended to push people’s buttons without meaning to.
“Rightly so. Should we wrestle about it?” I asked.
She coughed a laugh and quickly tried to cover it. She stopped and threw out her arms. “This is serious!”
I stopped, too, and nodded. “I can tell you’re upset.”
“Then why are you laughing?” She gestured to my face.
I tried to relax my features, but I think I might have just smiled bigger. “I’m nervous.” I shrugged. “I don’t know why I’m like this. When I get nervous, I make jokes. Let me shake it out.” I bent over like a rag doll to shake myself, arms out, and shuddered my whole body. I did that until I was stood upright, but when my head popped back up, my grin pulled wider. “I literally cannot stop smiling. You know how dogs sneeze when they want to show submission in play? This is a submission smile.” I flashed a very disarming and cheeky smile.
