“It’s not like the weather would be any better two weeks from now, either. If anything, it might actually be worse.”
“True. At least you made it without any trouble. You guys enjoy and give Morgan and Breah a giant hug when they get there. Oh, remind me again what your girlfriend’s name is.”
I hesitate for a moment then say her name out loud. “Sierra.”
I end the call, a feeling of guilt suddenly washing over me. I know it’s wrong to pretend she’s anything other than an acquaintance, but if it’ll keep Mason off my back, I’ll play along.
“Did you need something? I thought I heard my name.”
I jerk my head around, surprised to see her standing in the hallway. “That was quick.”
Instead of having her hair pulled back, it falls nicely over her shoulders. She’s dressed in jeans and a chunky multi-colored sweater that falls just below her waistline.
“No long showers for me. The water,” she says through chattering teeth. “It’s not all that warm. I stayed in there as long as I could.”
“That’s not good. I may need to have someone come and take a look at it.”
“Just giving you a heads up so don’t say I didn’t warn you. I could’ve sworn I heard you call my name.”
“My brother was just asking what your name was. I’m pretty sure I told him yesterday, but I guess he forgot. It doesn’t look like they’re going to make it after all. The airline company is really jerking him and his wife around. and they still can’t guarantee they’ll even make it here. The only other option is for them to head back home.”
“Oh, no.” She walks over and sits on the end of the sofa. “I know how much you wanted to spend this week with him. It’s all you’ve talked about.”
“Sometimes things just can’t be helped.” I try not to let the sadness show in my voice. “I’m still waiting to hear back from Morgan so there’s still hope they’ll eventually make it but I’m not holding my breath either. In the meantime, why don’t we get ready and head into town. I still need to swing by and pick up a few things. Those leftover slices of pizza aren’t going to get us very far.”
CHAPTER SIX
“So you liked that carriage, eh? That was pretty cool, wasn’t it?” Earlier, while we were in town picking up a few things, Sierra pointed out a horse drawn carriage headed down one of the side streets. She’d oohed and ahhed, as most girls would’ve probably done, seeing as to how the carriage was decorated and covered in lights. The horses were nothing less than stunning as they trotted down the street.
“We should see how much it costs,” she casually mentioned.
I’d have to be completely oblivious not to see that she was dropping hints about going for a ride. As soon as I got a chance, I looked up to see about getting tickets. There were a few slots still available for this evening, so I made sure to grab them before it sold out.
“I guess the horses are pretty used to the cold, huh?” she asks inquisitively.
“I would imagine. Animals tend to handle the weather better than we do. They did have those blankets over them, so I’m guessing they were fine. What would you say if I told you I got tickets?”
“Seriously? When?” Sierra could hardly contain her excitement and she jumped up and down excitedly.
“Tonight.”
“Oh, my God. Miles, I’d love to. Wait, you’re coming too, aren’t you?”
“I’m going to need ten layers of clothes to stay warm, but yes, I’m coming too.”
“It’s going to be so much fun,” she squeals. “Now to figure out what I’m going to wear.”
We decide to head back into town early and have dinner at a local steakhouse. The place it packed but we don’t have to wait long to be seated. It’s crazy how this feels so much like a real date, but I tell myself not to get too worked up. At the end of the week, Sierra will head back to check on her car and after that, I probably won’t hear from her again. Come graduation time, she won’t even remember my name. Still, it’s nice to think about having her across the table from me. Had I stopped for anyone else, I don’t feel they would’ve been as fun as her.
“Well, are you ready to go?” I look down at my watch, noting the time. We may as well walk the two blocks instead of trying to find someplace else to park. Who would’ve thought this many people would be out and about in the middle of the week.
The carriage is waiting on us and a gentleman wearing a fur-lined leather coat assists us in climbing in. I’m thankful it’s pretty calm out and there’s no wind. He hands us two thick wool blankets then waits for us to be seated. Rather than using one blanket each, I suggest placing one on top of the together. “Double the warmth, right?”
“I like the way you think,” she says, and brings her hands to her mouth. A cloud of vapor circles her face as she blows warm air into them.
I try not to make a big deal when she scoots up beside me. She smells of warm vanilla, an aroma that’s actually pleasant.I don’t know if I could handle any more of that stinky apple or cinnamon. I spread both blankets so that we’re completely covered, then lean back to enjoy the ride. The carriage is a little unstable at first as it rocks back and forth, until the horses find their rhythm on the old cobblestone path. She slides her hands underneath the blankets then rests one of them against my leg.
The ride lasts about forty-five minutes, long enough for both our noses to turn painfully red. I pull the toboggan lower on my forehead but it’s no use. It’s probably the coldest I’ve ever been in my whole life. And if I’m cold, I know she has to be too.
