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"I'm sorry you lost them. How old were you when they died?"
"I had just turned nineteen and was a few months into my first semester at NYU when my parents called me. It was one of the worst days of my life."
"I can't imagine how hard that phone call was. The whole town was pretty upset when we heard they passed."
"Yeah, it was horrible. After they died, I didn't think I’d ever come back here, but they left me their house, and, for some reason, it made me feel like I could always come back if I needed to. It was a comfort while I was in school."
"What made you move here now?"
"Well, I was living the dream of being a big city lawyer, making stupid amounts of money and working nonstop?because I had no other choice?when I suddenly realized I was no longer happy. I have no idea what my dream is now, but it doesn't involve being a family lawyer anymore. Some of those people are horrible."
"I bet you've got some great stories."
"Oh, I have some doozies. I once had a client fight tooth and nail for this 5x7 photo frame that wasn’t worth ten bucks, but I have to say, there were some great moments too. My favorites were adoptions. Helping couples begin the families they'd always wanted was the best part."
"I bet that was rewarding."
"It was incredibly rewarding, but those moments were few and far between. Which led me here."
"I'm glad it did," Cooper says, seemingly hesitant by his own words. I can feel the heat rising up into my cheeks as his eyes meet mine for a second before turning back to the road.
"I am too." Maybe this isn't just a friendly interaction like I thought. Maybe Cooper shares my feelings that this could lead to something bigger. I've never wanted something like this before, but right now, with him, it seems like a possibility.
In New York, I didn’t have the desire to be in a relationship. I'd go out on dates if I was asked or had the time, but they didn't go anywhere past dinner. Usually, it was because I was never interested enough to pursue a relationship.
I already want to go on another date with Cooper, and we haven't even finished the first one. For the first time in my adult life, I actually like a guy, and I am scared shitless. I don't know how to be in a relationship. I don't know what it's like to have another person be a permanent fixture in my life on an intimate level.
I’m going to pause right there. I'm getting ahead of myself. We've barely even left for this first date. Who's to say he will even want a second date by the end of the night, but god, do I want that with him. We've spent a grand total of a few hours together, and I already know one evening will not be enough for me. I just hope he feels the same way.
10
QUINN
We pull into the parking lot of the lake and I jump out of the truck before Cooper can open my door. I need a minute of fresh air before my senses are invaded by his delicious smell again. I swear it makes my brain fry and the stupid come out of my mouth.
I look around and am hit by a wave of memories flooding my mind. The lake stretches out for miles, and leafy green trees surround the perimeter. The noise of beach goers splashing in the lake along with the smell of fresh air and a hint of gasoline brings a smile to my face.
On the far left is the tackle shop that sells everything from sunscreen and snacks to wakeboards and fishing supplies. The sandy beach extends out from the tackle shop and is lined with picnic tables and umbrellas. The dock sits farther off to the right so people can load and unload their boats safely, and behind the dock are rows upon rows of slips holding boats of every shape and size.
"It's just as pretty as I remember," I say as Cooper comes around the truck.
"I love this place. We'd come on Saturdays when my dad wasn't working and stay the whole day skiing and fishing. I still come out here to fish when I can." He reaches in the bed of his truck and grabs a cooler and tote bag holding various items I can't quite make out.
"Can I help you carry those?" I ask as Cooper turns towards me with his hands full.
"Nah, I got everything," he says and takes off towards the marina.
"Are we getting on a boat?"
"Yeah, my favorite spot can only be accessed from the lake. Is that okay? I guess I should've asked first."
"It’s fine. I haven't been on a boat since I was little. We usually stayed on the beach and spent the day swimming," I tell Cooper as he walks onto the platform that leads to the boats lined up in the marina. I follow along behind him, giving myself a little pep talk so I don’t freak out when I have to get in the boat.
Cooper leads us to one of the boat slips and sets down the items he was carrying. He starts to take the cover off of one, and as he does a sparkling blue motorboat comes into view.
It's not huge by any means, but it's definitely not a tiny boat either. The front is V-shaped and has cushioned benches. The captain's chair is on the right side, a co-captain's is on the left, and the back has an L-shaped bench seat with storage underneath. It's the perfect size for four or five people to be comfortable with room for more if you don't mind sitting close.
"You want to jump in and I'll hand over the stuff?" Cooper asks.
