Page 199 of Worth the Trip

“I’m glad you did.”

No lesson followed.

No explanation required.

I sang the final line when the chorus returned.

This time, he hummed beneath me badly enough to make me laugh.

“Absolutely not.”

“What?”

“You missed that note on purpose.”

“I need instruction.”

“You need deliverance.”

“So sing it again.”

“Nice try.”

“Had to shoot my shot.”

By the time I reached home, Landon had butchered the melody twice more and defended every incorrect note like a tenured professor arguing before a hostile committee.

“You home?” he asked as I parked.

“Yes.”

“You ending the call?”

I looked toward the book on the passenger seat.

“No.”

“Good.”

That single word carried entirely too much satisfaction.

I took him inside with me.

His T-shirt still rested on the kitchen chair.

I left it there.

“Give me a minute to change.”

“You need privacy?”

“Yes.”

“Aight.”

I smiled.

No pout.