Page 63 of Keeping it Local

A few hours later, I walked up the steps that I had been to several times before, but this time with a new purpose. I knocked, knowing Beth would be home close to seven.

Footsteps thumped on the hardwood, making their way to the door, and my heart pounded as the old front door opened. I let out a breath when it was Megan that opened it though.

“She home yet?” I asked.

“You know she’s still upset, right?”

“That’s why I’m here.”

Megan opened the screen door, nodding into the living room. “Take a seat. She’s just showering off. I’ll let her know you’re here.”

“Appreciate it.”

I’d texted Beth a few times about the festival, and I had apologized in the messages again for intruding on sharing her news with her parents, but she hadn’t said much in response. I didn’t know what she was thinking, and it scared me. I cared for her more than I ever thought I would, but I wasn’t sure if she was on the same page. It felt right. But if it was right, why did I feel like I was in this on my own?

I heard footsteps coming down the planked hallway, and Beth appeared. Her hair was damp from the shower, and her freckles were on full display without makeup. She had sweatpants and a tank top on, and I felt my skin prickle looking at her. She did it for me. I’d said I didn’t want anything serious, but this woman was changing things I hadn’t realized needed to change.

“Hey.” She stood there.

I walked up to her and guided her to the couch. “I know you’ve been avoiding me.”

“I haven’t been avoiding you. I’ve been busy.” She crossed her arms, looking off to the side.

“Okay, you’re always busy though.” I ran my hands down my jeans. I was sweating. “Look, I messed up. I’m so sorry that I told your parents about the bike shop. I had no right, and it absolutely wasn’t my place.”

She raised her eyebrows at me, watching me go on.

“I just… blanked. I wasn’t thinking, and then, I got really nervous because they’re your parents, and I just kept talking. I couldn’t stop. I started rambling. Probably like I am now. Gah. Anyway, I’m just so sorry. And you were right.”

“About what?”

“About how I have no right to tell your parents your news.” I looked down at the floor, remembering the conversation with my dad. “It got me thinking about my own relationship with my dad. I talked to him, actually. I called him, and well, we had a really good talk. I really should thank you. It was long overdue.”

“Well, I should apologize too.”

My jaw dropped as I listened.

“I probably overreacted. Actually, I know I overreacted,” she said. “My parents had just shared some other news about the farm with me, and let’s just say, it was pretty clear how needed I am back home.”

“Oh, Beth, I’m sorry.” My stomach sank.

“I appreciate that.” She paused, tilting her head at me and smirked. The Beth I knew and loved was looking back at me. “Call it even?”

I rubbed her back, glad to finally see her again.

She leaned into me, letting me hold her before glancing up at me. “What do you mean ‘because they were my parents?’”

“What?”

“You said you were really nervous ‘because they were my parents.’ Why would that matter?”

“I know we’re just doing this… casually, but I care about you, Beth. You have to know that.”

“Yeah, and I care about you too.” She looked up at me. “Maybe more than I should.”

“Maybe I want you to care more than you should.” I leaned into her ear, kissing her neck.

She lightly moaned, leaning into my lips.