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“Yeah, yeah, I’m going.” I keep my iced coffee, head to my tractor, and remember I have a question I wanted to ask him. I jog back to the porch. “Hey, Grandpa, do you know anything about Green Breeze Enterprises? Driving around the lake the other day, I saw a sign with that company on it. Any idea what that’s about?”
My grandpa looks at me above the rim of his glasses. “Sure do, son. Ain’t nothing you need to be worried about. You just take care of the farm and leave town stuff to me.”
His answer makes me hesitate, and a wave of worry washes through me. I’m fairly certain my grandfather would confide in me if there was something I should be informed of, but his words aren’t sitting right in my stomach. I’ll try to take his response at face value and shove any worry aside.
Sitting high on my tractor, I survey the fields and get to work harvesting. I have a few hours until the orchard opens to the public, so the more harvesting I accomplish before the crowds arrive, the better. I peel my T-shirt over my head. Working in jeans and boots is a hell of a lot cooler, and besides, there’s no one else around.
As I take one bushel after another, my thoughts find their way back to Solia. A reel plays of the best moments we’ve had since I first checked her out in the parking lot. Those ice-blue eyes, the bootie shorts, the baby blue bottoms, and the way she laid a heavy, sensual kiss on me as we sat on the side of the road. I want more. She has the wires wrapped around my hesitations loosening their grip. My chest feels roomier, more open, and it’s easier to breathe.
I need to see her again. Another date may prove this is just a blip on the radar, nothing more than a couple magical dates. It isn’t practical to establish a genuine connection without more time. One more date might be what I need to get my headspace back, to forge ahead with my move out of this town, to put everything behind me once and for all.
Jackson
Hi, Solia. I had a great time and was wondering if you were free on Friday? It’s the Fourth, so you may have plans.
Solia
I was just thinking about you. I had a great time too. I’m the new girl in town, remember? No plans here. I’d love to hang out.
Awesome. The town is having its annual fireworks display at the high school. We could do that?
That used to be one of my favorite parts of the summer. I could make dinner here before. Do they still have the boat parade during the day?
They do, but I can’t be there for that. Anyway, I’m in. What time?
Seven?
See you then.
Terrific! Hope you have a great day. ??
You too, Solia.
Perfect. With our next (and probably final) date in the books, I’ll attempt to stop stressing about understanding these sudden emotions. If this next date is a disaster, so be it. If the date goes well, I need to come clean with Solia and tell her I plan on moving. I don’t want to lead her on if I’m not staying.
My bones ache from only stopping for a quick lunch. I’m beat but proud of the day’s work. My muscles are sore and sweat covers every inch of me, but I’m done and the farm is in tiptop shape.
I retire the tractor behind the barn and walk to the front porch where I predict I’ll find my grandparents rocking away. Trudging through the tall green grass that desperately needs to be cut, I hear their predictable banter. As I approach, they stop midsentence and smile lovingly in my direction. “Based on all that dirt you’re caked in, it appears you got a workout today, boy.”
“Always, Grandpa.”
“Don’t you think you’re going to miss this place when you leave?” My grandmother looks at me with an abundance of hope that would make any grandson sick with guilt.
“You can’t be serious Grandma. Of course I will, especially the two of you, but it’s for the best. You don’t want me moping around here every freaking day. That kind of energy isn’t good for anybody.”
“Seems to me you’ve been pretty upbeat the last couple times I’ve seen you. Something, or should I say someone, has recently given you a reason to smile.” Grandma Sylvia always has a way of noticing the slightest emotional changes.
I feel my cheeks flush, and my grandparents laugh and shake their heads. There’s no saving myself. I adjust my baseball hat, smile at the two people I love most in the world, and head for my truck.
* * *
The rest of the week flows in the predictable pattern of sleep, work, and shower. Thursday rolls around and instead of driving home after work, I have the urge to swing by the Binn to see if the guys are doing the usual Thursday night dinner.
Lo and behold, I spot their trucks in the parking lot. “Whoa, man, two times in the last two weeks? Awesome! Pull up a stool. Get this man a drink,” Tyler calls out to Cindy.
“Coming right up, gentlemen.”
“So, what’s up, man? Great to see you.” Tyler turns and looks at me expectantly.
