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“Are you unwell? You’re uneasy.”
“I’m fine,” I lie again.
I think I’m doing a pretty good job of acting normal, and I don’t know how he can see through me so easily.
Truthfully, a couple things are bothering me.
One, I don’t know when Ellister is going to leave. I keep waiting for him to say his goodbyes, but he just doesn’t.
He saw everything he needed to make a good pitch to his boss. I’d assumed he’d want to hightail it out of here after he got done cleaning the barn. Instead, he rode back with me to the cabins where we went our separate ways to clean up and change clothes.
Which leads to my second concern. I had one hell of an illness-related episode in my shower. I haven’t told anyone about it because I don’t want to cause needless worry, but it really freaked me out.
At first, the hot spray was relaxing, but after I’d gotten done rinsing my conditioner, I could tell I was going to lose consciousness. My vision started to go. My head was swimming with pain and dizziness, so I sat down in the tub before I could fall and injure myself. Then everything went black.
By the time I woke, the water coming down on me had gone cold, and the heel of my foot was plugging the drain. The tub had filled up to my chin. I’m guessing I was out for at least twenty minutes, the longest I’ve been unconscious during one of these spells.
I could’ve drowned.
So, yeah, other than that, I’m peachy. I’m pleasantly full from a leftover dinner of pancakes, and I’m comfy in my favorite black joggers and a worn sweatshirt from my old high school.
Ellister is clean and changed, too. He’s wearing more of my dad’s clothes. A red-and-black flannel shirt and jeans.
“You just seem very… melancholy,” he prods. “Did I—did I do something to upset you?”
“No.” I make eye contact so he knows I’m being honest. “Why would you think that?”
“I crossed a line this afternoon. I took liberties.”
My face flushes, and my lips twitch with a smile at how politely he phrased ‘humped like wild beasts.’
“No, you didn’t. I wanted it.”
“Then what’s happening with you?” He’s not reading the fact that I don’t want to talk about it.
Not my illness, not what we did, and not how I’m never going to see him again after tonight.
Instead, I take a page from his book and redirect the conversation by offering him the bucket of popcorn. “Movie night is on the last Saturday of every month, weather permitting. We always choose a family friendly film. As you can see, it’s a popular event. Everyone likes to come sprawl out on the grass. The movie is free, but the snacks are not. We make serious bank at the concession stand.”
“Don’t you ever get tired of people?”
“Which ones?”
“Any of them. It seems like there are always so many here.”
I shrug. “It’s just the way it’s always been. At least I’m never bored. Plus, people are interesting to watch.”
Peering down his nose, he surveys the crowd with unfiltered distaste that causes his adorable wrinkle to deepen. “What do you find so fascinating about them?”
“I guess just recognizing familiar faces. Learning their habits or knowing about their lives. Like that family in the front?” I nod my head to all the kids huddled on the giant quilt. “They always sneak in their own food.”
“Is that allowed?”
“It’s not supposed to be, but they’ve got six kids. We just pretend not to notice. And then there’s Jack.” My eyes follow the older man being flagged down by some hungry teenagers. “He was a drifter, but he found his place here. He showed up before I was born, so he’s basically family.”
Nodding slowly, Ellister looks at me with understanding. “I can see why he wanted to stay. What you have here… it’s a refuge. It’s the closest thing to paradise I’ve ever seen. I’m sorry, Hannah. I’m so sorry you’re being forced from this place.” His voice is rough with sincerity, and his genuine sympathy triggers my own reaction.
Eyes stinging, I glance away as my throat gets tight.
