I also played photographer for Hayley and Jackie. We stopped multiple times to take photos. Some were off the side of the road,others were at actual destination spots. There was a watering hole where several teenagers were spending a hot, summer weekend. We didn't stop, but that had us reminiscing about our carefree days, when the most we had to deal with was finals and who was dating who. Granted, I still have to deal with finals and at the high school, it was a thing for the teachers to keep up with who was with who. Teachers definitely keep tabs and instigate some dating drama through group projects or seating charts.
When I step out of the shower, I let the lingering thoughts of the past fade away and focus on tonight. I walk out of the bathroom with just the towel wrapped around my waist. I'm living in a one bedroom apartment, which means I can easily see the two of them on the couch as I cross to my bedroom. Jackie is out cold, a hand on her round belly, head resting on Hayley's shoulder. The sight is warm and I know I'm going to miss having someone around when they leave tomorrow morning. I'm dropping them off at the airport before I go to class.
Three outfits later, I'm finally ready to go out. I text Nelson a confirmation that we'll be heading out soon and we'll see him there. I walk out of my room and sit carefully on the other side of Hayley. She lays her hand on my thigh.
"You have that goofy grin on your face," she whispers. "I haven't seen it in a long time."
"Shut up." I know I'm blushing but I don't know what else to say. I'm in my thirties now and Nelson is in his forties, but I swear our texts could read like we're twenty all over again. We ask random questions about each other: hobbies, likes, dislikes, favorite things. Every now and then he'll throw in an actual business related question. I'll ask him for updates on the farm and he sends pictures. They're not the kind I wish he would send, but I get to see his smile in some of them so I'll take it for now.
Jackie sleeps for another half an hour before we have to get going. I watch with a smile on my face as Hayley helps her put her shoes on and holds both her hands to pull her up from the couch. I've loved watching them the past two days. They truly love each other and I can't wait to see them as moms. They're going to be the best parents.
There's a bit of a crowd at the place when we pull into the parking lot. It's one of those places that offers indoor or outdoor seating. I hope we can get a table outside with how nice it is. I smile when I see Nelson's truck already parked. He's just getting out, too, but I'm not sure he sees us. We park the next row over and as much as I want to go greet him, I hold back and wait for the girls before locking the car.
"Even if you hadn't shown me a picture, I wouldn't need you to point him out at all." Hayley lightly punches the back of my shoulder. I turn around to see her hand-in-hand with her wife and give her a glare.
"Go to him," Jackie says. "I'll waddle my way to you soon enough. Just make sure we're not at a booth so I don't have to squeeze this between the table and seat.
I nod at them in acknowledgement for the table request and quicken my pace to get around the cars. Nelson is standing with his face down, phone in hand. I see him typing something and my phone vibrates just as I reach him.
"Hey there," I say. Lamely. Oh, so lamely. Worst greeting in the world award goes to me.
Still, he looks up and a smile breaks out on his face. It's a genuine one and I know I'm mirroring it. "I just texted you to let you know I'm here. Place is kind of busy, isn't it?"
I take in his look while he talks. He's wearing boots that look newer than the ones he works in. Jeans that cover his boots but also are quite form fitting as they hug his thighs. He's wearing aflannel shirt half buttoned with a white tee underneath. It's his usual look for class as well.
"Bennett?" I hear Hayley's voice behind me and I turn to look at her. "Dude, you got some drool on your chin. Do we need to get you a bib?"
I raise a hand to my chin in mild embarrassment. Of course, there's nothing there. I roll my eyes as her and Jackie both laugh. I scrunch up my face toward her before turning back to Nelson.
"Nelson, this is Hayley and her wife, Jackie. Hayley is my best friend from college."
Nelson is polite, calls both of them ma'am while he shakes their hands. I most definitely do not swoon at the way he's putting on that southern boy charm. "I take it you survived the weekend without totally freaking out, then?" Nelson's eyes find mine and I nod once, lips pressed tightly together.
"Freaking out?" Hayley says. "Why were you freaking out about us coming?"
"Not about you," Nelson says before I can explain. "He called me a couple days ago asking what food or supplies he should have at the house and if his place smelling too much like bleach would be a problem."
"Aww, you do love us!" Hayley says. She wraps her arms around my neck, hugging me from behind. "And now you love us enough to treat us to a nice dinner before we leave tomorrow."
"Who said I was paying?" I totally planned on paying, but she doesn't need to know that. We give our name to the hostess and I'm surprised that we're directed to a table immediately. It isn't outside, but that's okay to not have to wait. The waitress stops by and takes our drink orders.
"So, Nelson, tell me the truth. Is he actually a good teacher?" Hayley starts on the questions as soon as the waitress is gone. We're sitting at a square table, her and Jackie on one side andNelson and I on the other side against the wall. I look over at him and smile.
"Be honest," I say. I lean in a bit closer. "Just know we have class tomorrow and I do hold your grade in my hand."
"Stop that!" Hayley says. She reaches across the table and swats at my hand I'm holding up, mimicking holding a theoretical grade in my hand. "Nelson, don't listen to him. If anything, the way he's talked about you non-stop this weekend, I'm sure he'll give you an A."
I turn to my best friend, eyes wide and shocked. "I have not talked about him all weekend. I mentioned him once or twice because you were asking questions about my classes."
"Bennett." Jackie speaks up this time. She fixes me with what I'm deeming her mom stare in progress. "I don't think you were even aware that you were including him in your conversation, but you definitely mentioned him more than twice."
I stare at the table, grateful for the woman coming back with our drinks. We ask for a few more minutes to look at the menu. I take the opportunity to look over the options, weighing the pros and cons of a seafood dish versus a burger or chicken. I can feel Nelson's warmth press against me and I tilt my head ever-so-slightly to look at him. He's taken his hat off and his hair is pushed back, like he's run his fingers through it a few times.
"If it makes you feel any better, I talked about you this weekend too."
"You did? What about?" I'm still holding the menu, but I turn my head fully to face him now.
"We told my nephew about the farm and it didn't go very well. He ended up staying with me last night and we talked for a while about a lot of things."
