My hands reach out for a hug, but I pull back. I don’t think we’re quite at the hugging stage yet. Even if he did cradle me in his arms as he carried me to his car. “Do you, um, have an extra toothbrush I can use?”
There. A change of subject to hide any awkwardness he may have seen.
His shoulders deflate the tiniest bit. I guess he noticed my gesture after all. “Yeah, if you look in the second drawer in the guest bathroom, there should be some in there. I always keep the ones the dentist gives me even though it’s not the kind I like.”
“Smart.”
“It helps when people come over unprepared. I have a strict no driving rule when people are drinking at my house.” He sighs and leads me down the hall toward the bathroom. “I’ve seen too many lose their lives to stupidity. It’s also why I cut people off at the bar, even if they get pissed at me.”
There’s no way he’s this good of a guy. I mean, my ex was a good guy but he wasn’t a saint. What the hell kind of trauma did Eric go through to be so cautious of those around him.
“That’s sound advice.” Maybe he’s just seen the news stories of people being over-served and horrible things happening as a result.
“I’ll go get ready while you’re brushing your teeth,” he points at the drawer holding the toothbrush. “Then we can get your car, and phone.”
Well, so much for the small talk. It took me all of two seconds to ruin whatever it was that passed between us in the kitchen. At least I have that date to look forward to. Unless, of course he’s second guessing that as well.
9
Eric
The roads are practicallyempty as we make our way to Lisa’s house. Most people are at church, or sleeping off last night’s fun. Joan is sitting in the passenger seat, watching the scenery pass by. I honestly don’t know if she’s seen the town in the daylight. At least not all of it.
“Where do they hold this carnival you were talking about?” She asks as with her eyes glued to the window. “There doesn’t seem to be much space to have it.”
“Well, they shut down the street two streets over from the bar. But they shut down multiple streets in the downtown area.” I point out a few of them as we pass them. “There’s an empty lot to the side where they put a lot of the bigger rides, and then the barricaded roads hold the smaller attractions and vendors. It’s seriously the best time to get fair food without having to go to the fair.”
“I love fair food,” her voice is soft and wistful. “I haven’t been to the fair in ages. The kids get off for school, but I usually have to work and can’t take them.”
“Then it’s settled.” I slide my arm on the console until it brushes against hers. “We’re going to the carnival. The fair isn’t for a couple of months, and this happens to take place at the same time you don’t have the kids.”
Her shoulders relax, and I wonder why she had so much tension. Did she think pulling away from the hug she was initiating would make me not want to date her? That’s completely absurd, but I don’t know how to bring it up.
“How is that a surprise?” She glances over at me with a smirk. “I don't know what we’re doing.”
“Don’t worry, I might have a few things up my sleeve.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” She notices we’re already leaving the town limits and getting closer to Lisa’s house. “It seemed to take a lot longer last night when I was following you here.”
“I was going slow. I didn’t want to lose you and have you turn around before you gave us small town folks a chance.”
“Excuse me.” Out of the corner of my eye I can see her hand over her chest, as if she’s offended. “Just because I live in the city doesn’t mean I look at people in a small town any differently. You’d be surprised to know I happen to like the vibe here. It’s much different than home.”
“I bet.” I chuckle and turn up the radio. It’s loud enough to be heard, but not so loud we can’t talk. “I mean, we barely have five red lights. Half the town still uses stop signs for traffic control. Oh, and all the major stores are on the central strip in town.”
“You could always sit in traffic for twenty minutes to get to the grocery store.”
“No thank you.” Pressing on the brakes I slow and pull into Lisa’s driveway. “Do you want to grab your car now and follow me to the house?”
“Shit.” I think that might be the first time I’ve ever heard her cuss. It reminds me of Dylan’s friends trying, and failing, to keep their language on a PG level for the kids. “I don’t even know where my keys are.”
“Open the glove box.” I point toward it. “I threw them in there when they fell out of your pocket getting into the car last night.”
“You are a lifesaver.” She does as I say, and scoops the keys out of the compartment. I come to a stop beside her car. She opens the door and hot air flows into the car. “I’ll meet you at the porch.”
“Want me to wait?”
“I think I can make it to the front of the house without a guide.” She laughs as she turns to close the door. “I mean the driveway leads straight to the front porch. It’s not that hard to miss.”
