The clink of cutlery against our empty plates marked the end of breakfast. I wiped my mouth with a napkin as I caught River’s gaze.
“Let’s take a walk by the river,” he suggested.
“It’s like you know my master plan for today. Let’s grab the check.”
We crossed the road to the Riverwalk, walking side by side.
I reached into my pocket, pulling out my old iPod, scratched and worn from years of use. I offered one earbud to River.
As the first notes of one of our songs passed my eardrums, I closed my eyes for a second and breathed in the morning air. I let the music transport me back to those carefree college days when the future was a distant concern and our only worry was scoring the next hookup and passing exams.
When the first chords of the next song played, we both stopped and looked at each other, grinning. Europe’s “The Final Countdown” had been the song that always brought a smile toour faces. The infectious cadence had brought us out of many funks. We couldn’t not sing along.
People walking past stared at us with a smile. Even our out-of-tune performance was enough to make the world a better place. When the song ended, we were doubled over laughing, our voices hoarse from the strain.
“Fuck, I needed that,” River said.
“Yeah, that was fun. Are you ready for the next stage of our hooky day?” I asked.
“Again. I’m not playing hooky. You are.”
“Details.” I shrugged.
We crossed the bridge and headed back toward the car.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” he asked.
“We’re going to the Star Finders Foundation.”
River stopped abruptly.
“Why?”
“They need help.”
“They always need help. Why today?”
What was going on? River was always ready to spend time at the foundation helping out. Why was he being weird today?
“Well, we have time today. Unless you have other plans. I mean, you didn’t mention anything.”
“No…I don’t have plans. It’s just…never mind. Let’s go.”
He resumed walking, so I had to take a couple of quick steps to catch up.
“What’s up? I can call West and cancel if you want.”
“West?”
“Yeah, he’s there all day today. Drew is working, which you should know because he works for you.”
“Oh. Um…okay. Sorry, that was probably a little weird.”
I chuckled. “If you agree you’re playing hooky with me today, I’ll let it slide.”
River laughed and put his arm over my shoulder. “Fine. I’m playing hooky. Even though it’s my day off,” he muttered under his breath.
“Come on. We don’t want to be late.”
