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“It’s all good, we’ll skip the bread. We’ve got hamburger patties, potatoes, and salad. Perfect. Come on. Can’t sweat the small stuff.”
While I admire Jackson at the grill, I haphazardly throw everything into the salad bowl. “I figured we could eat on the screened porch? It’s beautiful out, and the bugs won’t bother us.” I walk behind him, close enough to inhale his scent and admire his biceps as he flips the burgers. With plates and utensils situated, I then add the salad and condiments to the table and turn on a playlist of today’s hits, loud enough to hear through the screens.
“Food is ready. Can you grab the door for me?” he asks.
I open the porch door, and he carries in the plate of juicy burgers. “This looks amazing. Thanks for cooking. I knew you’d be the grilling kind of guy.”
“What exactly does that mean?”
“Mmm, sexy, muscular, good with his hands, can handle fire …” I wink. He smiles with enchanting charm, sets the platter on the table, and walks over to where I’m standing.
“Well, thank you. I’m flattered you think I’m a grilling kind of guy.” He grabs my hips, pulls me closer, and whispers in my ear, “I’m having a very hard time staying away from you.”
My forehead rests against his chest, and I take a deep breath, slurping the drool that is escaping. “Oh, really?”
“Really.” He plays with the fringe on my shorts and slides his hands into my back pockets, leaving no space between our bodies. “But we said we’d eat dinner first.” He traces the sides of my stomach, my arms, my neck, to the back of my head. He kisses my forehead, and the space widens between us. “Let’s eat.”
I’m left frozen and breathless, paralyzed by his touch. I slowly regain my composure and take a seat, acutely aware that he’s glued to my every move.
“How’s it going up here? Are you enjoying living in Meriden?”
“I am, actually. I mean, I’m used to having more people around, but I don’t mind the quiet. I’m discovering I might prefer it. Summer is my favorite season for a multitude of reasons, and being by the lake this time of year is perfect. Being able to rise to a silent, beautiful sunrise each morning, walk to the lake if I want, or take an outdoor shower in the fresh mountain air is amazing. This place isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it.”
“It is beautiful. Some people think we’re crazy for living out here in the ‘boonies,’ that we drive fifteen minutes to a store, or the fact we only have a handful of bars or restaurants. But we think it’s crazy to live on top of each other, crammed in like sardines, with malls and skyscrapers and never-ending traffic. Out here, the beauty of the countryside is invaluable. There’s nothing better …” He trails off, clearly in a daze. Then he shakes his head and looks toward the mountain range off to the east.
I think he loves this place as much as I do, and that is icing on the cake.
Where did this guy come from?
The rest of our conversation flows and before we know it, it’s time to head to the school for the fireworks show.
As we pull into the parking lot, the atmosphere holds everything you’d expect to see at a hometown football game and a high school reunion mixed together. Rows of pickup trucks line the parking lot, athletic fields, and around the back of the school, facing the baseball diamond. Everyone sits in their truck beds on inflatable mattresses or perched on camping chairs. Speakers blast mostly country music every few rows, and girls dance and throw their hair around, enjoying life and celebrating the freedom of the holiday and what it stands for. Kids run around their parents who stand talking with friends and family.
Small towns provide comfort, ease, and laid-back vibes you can’t get anywhere else. I’m loving every minute of this, thinking to myself this could be the first of many traditions I start here in Meriden. I may be an outsider, but this is a community I want to be a member of.
We drive through rows of vehicles, and people honk and shout at Jackson. It seems everyone knows him. A sense of warmth surrounds me, and my excitement for Meriden grows with Jackson at my side.
Jackson reverses his truck into an open spot far in the back. Luckily, the fireworks are visible from anywhere, so there isn’t a bad spot in the lot.
“I’ve got a couple chairs in the back and a blanket if you’re cold. And there’s a beer tent if you want a drink.”
“I’m good for now. Fireworks are enough for me.”
Jackson opens the tailgate and pulls me into the bed of the truck. He pops two green camping chairs side by side and unfolds a soft blue blanket with fish on it and hands it to me.
“Fish? Unique.”
“It’s a Grandma Sylvia special, and it’s clean. I’m not sure you can get better than that.”
Teasing him is too much fun. “Oh, here we go! We got here just in time.”
The first fireworks blast into the sky, displaying every color of the rainbow. The music silences as people settle into their space and clap in approval. Jackson reaches over and holds my hand. Although there are hundreds of people among us, the atmosphere exudes romance, and I can’t stop smiling. I am incredibly lucky.
For a small town, Meriden’s pyrotechnic display is impressive. Fireworks are pricey, and it’s obvious the town invested to give the residents a show they’ll remember. I startle each time a giant boom echoes into the sky, and Jackson squeezes my hand. The crowd oohs and aahs with every sparkle and shower of light. My soul is bursting with happiness—I am exactly where I want to be.
When the show finishes, I turn to Jackson, longing for this night to go on forever.
“Do you want to come back to my place for a fire? I have s’mores, if that entices you.”
