Just then, a stilt walker strolls by followed by roaming carolers singing “Joy to the World.”
“Broom making does sound fun, but I actually saw an antique shop that looked interesting.Care to go in with me?”
“With you?Yes, anywhere.”
Chapter 35
Tate
“That was fun, thankyou.”
The bag below my feet crinkles, the treasures inside seemingly coming to life at mention.The antique shop was stacked with so many interesting things.After over an hour in there, I’m still convinced I didn’t see everything.
Levi hums in agreement.“Yeah, it was fun.Thanks for spending the day with me.”
I smile, studying him.The way he sits back a bit when he drives, one arm on the wheel.He lost the jacket about midday and in its place was a baseball jersey.Its boyish charm teases another side to him.He’s relaxed here.I want to ask him about the show.About Gabriella, and about how Clay took being sent home.I wanted to reach out to him but didn’t know what to say.
“What’s on your mind, Tate?”he asks, taking the turn back towards Nashville.
“Why do you say that?”
He glances over.“You always make that face when you’re thinking.”
“What face?!I do not make a face.”I laugh.
“You do.”His voice is assured.“Your brows tug together until there’s a slight crease at the center.”He reaches his free hand over and with his pointer finger taps once between my brows.
“Someone’s been watching me closely.”I smile at him, leaning back into the crack between the seat and the door.He doesn’t confirm or deny my accusation, but light dances in his eyes.
“Are you going to tell me?”His eyes track to mine for a minute before flipping back to the road.
“It’s just been a minute.I was wondering about the show.Clay, Gabriella, Kim, Jan...It’s hard to live with the same people every day for over a month and then, poof, never talk to or see the same people again.Albeit, by my own design and timing.It’s just weird.”For a minute the sound of the road and the murmur of the radio are the only sounds heard, and just when I think he’s not going to respond at all, he speaks.
“It hasn’t been the same without you.I’m not saying that because I —” He stops and starts again.“Clay got voted off the week before Christmas break.He was upset, in a Clay-like way.We were all upset.I texted him once to see how he was doing.Last I heard, he proposed to his girlfriend and they’re planning a summer wedding.He invited me to attend.”
I’m nodding, all of this corroborates the Instagram stories I saw.
