"Dad..." he says, and I can imagine him grinning and rolling his eyes.
"This mean you're livin' the dream then?" Red asks.
“You know it,” Wy replies. “What about you two? How’s the trip been so far? Get into any trouble yet?”
We both laugh at that. “Not our style, kid.” He shoots me a grin. “I did worry I was goin’ to start likin’ pink though.”
“What? You’re goin’ to have to explain that one,” Wy says.
“Long story. We’ll fill you in next time we see you, how about that?”
“Look forward to it. Hey, Dad, could I talk to Mags for a moment, you know,noton speakerphone." Red's brows pinch. "Sure thing, kid. Doin’ it now. Before I let you go, be safe out there for me, will ya? And check in whenever you can.”
“Will do, Dad. I love you. Take care of yourselfandMags, yeah?”
Red scoffs. “Who’s the father and who’s the son here?”
“Well, Iamalmost eighteen…” Just from the tone of his voice, I can tell he’s grinning.
“You’ll always be a kid to me no matter how old you are.”
“Yeah,” his son sighs. “I know.” Funnily enough, he sounds far from disappointed about that fact.
“Your dad’s right, Wy. Char isstillmy Charlie Bear and that willneverchange,” I add, reaching over to grab the phone just as Red does the same thing. This time I expect the tingle when Red’s hand brushes against mine. I don’t shy away from it this time, I watch Red’s face for any sign that he feels it too.
After starting to read Aster’s unnamed book with unnamed characters in it—thanks,friend—all I can think about is the damn Call and trying to work out whether I’m losing my mind in thinking it could be about me and Red.
If heismy One, does that mean I’m histwo? I mean… has anyone ever hadtwosoulmates in their lifetime?
“Look after yourself, son. Talk to you soon. Love you, kid,” Red says gruffly.
“Love you too, Dad,” Wy replies warmly. “Mags, are you there?”
Red hands the phone to me and I shoot him a quizzical look, one which he answers with a shrug.
I take the call off speakerphone and lift the handset to my ear. "Hey. It’s just me now.”
“Good. I just wanted to ask how Dad’s doin’. Is he OK?”
I smile, meeting Red’s questioning eyes across the truck. “He’s good. Some might even say he’s relaxed.”
“Really? Are you sure we’re talkin’ about the same Red Grayson here? He’s actually havin’ some downtime for once?"
I can’t stop the snort that escapes me. “Yep.”
“And how about you two? Anythin’ happened?” he asks. The question is so unexpected that I start choking and spluttering.
“What?”
“Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me. Have there been anymoments? Believe me, I don’t want details, but at least tell me that my instincts aren’t wrong?”
My mouth opens and shuts like a gaping fish. “Um…”
“I get it. You can’t talk cause he’s right there, but seriously. Give me the gossip. I want to head out to sea knowin’ that you two have finally pulled your heads out of your butts.”
“Wyatt!” I splutter, this time doing it with shocked laughter. “It’s not?—”
“Don’t tell me it’s not like that because I’m young, but I’m not dumb, and definitely not blind. I’m not the only one who sees it either. We’ve all been wonderin’ when the Call would hit you both. It’s not a case ofifit’ll happen, butwhen, and I was kinda hopin’ this road trip would be when the mountain spirit would shoot her arrow or whatever she does.”.
