AllFreeNovel
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So I was correct. She is dancing, just not naked this time. Damn!
“You’re done already? Wow, you work fast! That would’ve taken me a bit longer. Thank you so much. Let me get you something to drink.”
I sit in one of the green wooden rocking chairs that adorn the front porch, and she comes out a few moments later holding two glasses of lemonade. She is no longer wearing the wet, white top from before but has changed into a royal blue sports bra, black running shorts, and workout sneakers, looking equally hot. She hands me a glass and sits beside me on the other rocker. She notices me checking her out.
“I know. I look like I’m going to the gym. My goal today was to clean the second floor and stay out of your way. There is so much old junk up there, and most of it is garbage and needs to be tossed, and I cringe at the thought of more trash bags. I’ll be at it for hours.” She lets out a sigh and stares straight ahead.
“I could take the trash to the dump for you.”
“Absolutely not. The waste facility, as I’ve been informed it’s properly called, is a place I need to get used to. But thanks for the offer.”
I join her in silence and follow her gaze into the distance. The view is out of this world. Her dirt driveway curves around the side of the house, and beyond is a thin tree line comprised of pine and birch. Because the cabin sits on a hill, you can easily see above and beyond the trees and into the marshland that stretches for a mile until it meets the edge of the forest. From there, the forest extends for miles to and up the mountain range. A view this beautiful could never get old.
“I could sit here for hours.”
“Sometimes I do. As a kid, I didn’t fully appreciate the beauty of this place like I do now. I remember my parents sitting out here for hours with their blankets, stargazing. I thought it was lame back then, but now it’s amazing, peaceful. Can you imagine letting them sell this?”
I know she isn’t only referring to her parents and the decision to sell. She is concerned Green Breeze will win this battle. “We will figure this out, Solia. I have complete faith in Gerry and Mike. There has to be a way. People are going to come out in big numbers.”
“Don’t I know it? People around here fight for each other. When I was at the last meeting, I thought to myself, most of these people haven’t even met me, yet they showed up to support my piece of property. It’s amazing. I mean, ultimately they are protecting the town they love, but I’m a part of this town now too. If everything works out the way I hope, I will forever be indebted to these residents—especially you.”
She lingers for a moment and then looks from the mountains back to me. Her eyes drift from my face to my chest. “I should give you your shirt back, huh? I forgot.” She puts her glass on the deck and heads back inside.
Upon returning, she places the shirt in my lap. “Here you are.” I set my glass on the porch railing, remove my hat, and pull my shirt over my head. She watches my every move. I know if I stay another minute, I’ll be removing more than my shirt.
“Well, I’m sure you have a lot of cleaning to do. What time are you expecting Mia back?”
“She said eight, but I won’t be surprised if I see her later than that, if you know what I mean.”
“Oh, yes, I know exactly what you mean. I’ve known Tyler my whole life.”
“He’s a good guy, right? I mean, Mia is Mia. She’s a man magnet, but she’s my best friend.”
“Well, they have that in common. I can honestly say Tyler is a chick magnet. But he’s a decent guy. He loves his family and has been one of my best friends since I was little. We’ve been through hell this past year, and he has never left my side. So, that says a lot. But does he love women? Definitely.”
“Two peas in a pod. Thank you. Now I can stop worrying.”
“Mia is lucky to have you looking out for her,” I say and retreat down the steps, turning back to take one last long look, trying to imprint the image of her body in my mind for later. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“You sure will. See you then. And Jackson, thank you again.”
Every time I leave this cabin, I’m reminded that it could be for the last time. I want to hold on to the delicate string that ties me to Solia.
Sitting at the stop sign at the bottom of her road, I have the urge to drive east around the lake again. I flip my blinker on and take a right. Every little step toward healing is another piece chipping off the boulder sitting on my shoulder, weighing me down a little less than before.
* * *
Iwalk through the front door, pull out my phone, and see several messages.
SHANNON
Where are you? I drove by your place earlier, and you weren’t there. You’re always home around this time.
SHANNON
Jackson? Call me when you get this.
DAD
