Page 39 of Blue Jeans in Low Beams

Something that can’t happen. Because it shouldn’t have happened the first time. Even if kissing her again is something I’ve thought about pretty much nonstop since that night.

“More important than tug—Hayes Games. We ready to try log rolling again?” Hux asks.

“Only if you want to be disowned, son,” Auggie replies.

“Or castrated,” I offer, earning a few laughs.

Hux knows better. Log rolling was banned from Hayes Games—the series of competitions that the six of us boys do every year after we win tug-o-war—after I broke my ankle five years ago. The tradition started when I was in high school, thinking it would be more fun than the town picnic. Ewan, the baby of us boys, was just ten, but was still all in. We all were. None of us cared one bit about eggs on a spoon or a water balloon toss. So we created something better. The events have changed over the years as we got older, but it’s still a highlight of our year.

Just the thought of bringing back log rolling makes my ankle hurt, and I flex it under the table, trying to make the ache disappear.

“Fine, standard lineup then. I’ve got the axe throwing course all set. Ewan, if you want to bring the Tannerite for us to shoot, and Milo, you still got the toilet seats for horseshoes?”

I freeze. Well, my body freezes. My brain, however? That goes into a tailspin.

For the first time since I created the Hayes Games, I’m not going to be attending.

There’s a part of me that is sad. I invented this tradition. But there’s another part of me—the bigger part, if I’m honest—that is excited because I get to spend the day with Brenna. All day, just us. Okay, just us and the entire town. But still, us, with no agenda other than enjoying each other’s company.

“Yeah, they’re in storage at Pour Decisions. But I’ll have to bring them to you, since I’m not going to make the games this year.”

Everything in the room comes to a screeching halt, all eyes on me. Even Willa, who doesn't partake in the games. It’s like one of those scenes in a movie where the record scratches and bewilderment takes over. Can’t blame them really. I’d be the same way if the roles were reversed. Which means it’s time to come clean.

I mean, explain.

“I’m taking Brenna to the Fourth picnic.”

“Why?” Hux asks.

“Can’t she go with Mell?” Anton follows up.

“You’ve never missed Hayes Games,” Gus tosses in for good measure.

Thanks, dude, I know…

I swallow hard, trying to find the best way to explain this. I don’t want to betray Brenna’s secret. She confided in me because she trusts me. I can’t break that trust. I do need to find a way to help them all understand why this is so important though. Without betraying both her and the feelings I don’t quite understand—and that I certainly won’t be admitting to.

“Wait, is this…a date?” Willa asks. Her eyes go wide, like she’s suddenly discovered that secret vault of treasure in the desert like Aladdin. Actually, to Willa, this information might be more valuable than anything found in the cave. “It is, isn’t it?”

I nod. I’m a man; I can admit it. “Yes, I’m taking Brenna on a date to the Fourth of July picnic.”

Chaos erupts. Everyone talks at once, spouting off…well, it’s hard to tell with so many voices talking at once. Had I known that such a simple statement was going to make all hell break loose, I would have…you know, I don’t know what I would have done. But something different.

“Hold on, hold on,” Auggie says, calming everyone down. “Let him explain.”

Grateful as I am that our father put a stop to the ruckus, I didn’t realize that I would have to explain myself. Gosh.

“Figured that statement was pretty self-explanatory.”

“You’re dating Brenna?” Hux tries to clarify.

“I’m taking her on a date.”

“What’s the difference?” Anton chides.

Ummm…good question. I don’t have the answer, but I do know there is a difference. Because of course I’m not dating her. That would imply there’s a future in this. Which there isn’t. It’s finite. Just the two dates.

“None of your damn business, is what it is,” I try.