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Jace surprises me by shaking his head. He puts a hand on my shoulder and begins to steer me back outside like he’s giving me permission to get back in the truck and head on to Gatlinburg.
“No way. I think it’s a good idea. And I’m sure Ellie will enjoy seeing more people. I should really go to see her more myself.”
“You?”
Jace smiles.
“Oh yeah. I spent almost as much time over at the Walkers’ place growing up as I did my own. And my sister took dance lessons with Ellie. We were all close.”
He frowns as we step outside, and I’m not sure if he’s feeling awkward or just squinting in the sunshine. Bored of waiting for us, Caleb has gotten out of the truck and is leaning against its door, his arms and ankles crossed. He’s watching us with a scowl painted across his face.
“It’s just hard to see her that way, you know?” Jace explains, lowering his voice as we draw closer. “She was so full of life. Always dolled up, hair and nails done. Ellie was all about that old-school glamor. Now she’s kinda, well, she just looks old.” He hurries to correct himself. “Not that that’s a bad thing, of course it’s just…”
“…not Ellie?” I try to finish for him.
Jace grins at me. “Yeah, that sounds about right.”
“What sounds about right?” Caleb calls.
His eyes are fixed on me. Or, more specifically, upon my back. Jace’s hand has naturally fallen from my shoulder to down my spine. But a look from Caleb and Jace is removing the appendage like I’ve suddenly caught fire.
“Just talking about old times,” Jace says cryptically. Caleb’s frown only deepens. “No harm no foul, big man. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
This last is shot at me, my next shift being tomorrow afternoon.
“Sure,” I say without much attention. I’m more focused on Caleb, whose eyes are darting back and forth between the two of us.
“Come on,” I tell him, shoving at his colossal form. “We’re gonna be late. Let’s go.”
