AllFreeNovel
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12
The case of innocently revealing my nipples aside, it’s a relief hanging out with Reid and not having him give me attitude.
While he purchases popcorn and snow cones from the little food shack nearby, I spread the large towel on the grass and sit down.
Quite a few people are out for the movie. Looking around the crowded lawn, I note how it’s mostly groups of two chilling in the grass, like couples on dates. To the outside view, Reid and I probably look like a couple too.
As he saunters over and sets everything down, I beam at the fact that he remembered my favorite flavor.
“Thank you,” I gush at the sugary iced treat. “You remember I like it in strawberry.”
He smirks. “I remember everything about you, Cassie.” His affirmation creates a hot spring inside my tummy, making me smile at him.
“I remember things too, Reid. Even if you think I don’t.”
With a slow bob, he turns and stares ahead while enjoying his grape flavor snow cone.
“You do this often?” I ask after a spoonful, adding teasingly, “With girlfriends?”
That prompts a snort. “No. This is the organizers’ launch night. I worked with the volunteer group to clear the area two weeks ago. It was overgrown.”
I stare at him in admiration. “So you’re here to see the results of your efforts. Good job. The area looks great.” I bump his arm, almost causing the crushed ice to spill from his spoon. “Oops. Sorry.”
Reid sputters a calm breath and shrugs it off. “It’s cool, and thanks. It was a team effort, though.”
We fall quiet while we snack, leaving the chatter to everyone else.
“I was mad that you weren’t here to lean on,” he expresses after a moment, voice soft. “It wasn’t easy with Grandfather. Everything I did, he made sure to tell me how a Radcliff would do it better. He pushed me hard, and I felt alone without you, especially when he became ill.”
My whole body slumps from a load of guilt, barreling down on me at max speed. “Reid, I’m sorry. It wasn’t—”
“I know,” he rasps, looking at me. “I know.” He expels a razor-sharp breath. “You probably would have had your share of it had you been here. So it’s unfair to hold it against you. We both have our own lives. I had to learn to get through without you.” He continues eating his snow cone.
After a minute or two, I ask softly, “Can we agree that we both should have done better to keep in touch?”
He meets my gaze and nods. “Yeah. You’re right.”
“So, can I have my favorite cousin back then?” I wiggle my brows.
My silly remark scores a genuine laugh, sparking ripples throughout my body. His deep and raspy sounds are pleasing to my ears. It’s so good to hear him laugh.
“Good thing I’m your only cousin.” Settling down, he adds, “But yeah, let’s pick up from here. Start fresh.”
“Cool.” I set aside my popcorn and extend my hand to him. “Friends?”
As Reid shakes my hand, I’m amazed by the tingle that spurts from his touch.
“Friends,” he agrees.
Playing it off, I turn and continue snacking.
We chat until the movie starts, and the comedy has everyone exploding into fits of laughter with every scene.
I find myself constantly looking over at Reid. Maybe it’s because I’m not used to his older sounds, or perhaps I’ve just missed him greatly. Either way, whenever he laughs, it triggers a sweet rush in my body.
As the movie continues, Reid and I become more comfortable, leaning back with our legs outstretched. Our shoulders are close, and I like the serenity of being right next to him after so many years apart. Strange, yet it feels like I’m exactly where I belong.
The sky has darkened entirely by the end, awash with a sea of stars and the full silver moon.
