“Yeah, they are!” Georgia says in a bubbly voice, her voice higher than usual. I observe that everyone else chooses to stick with whiskey.
As I head for the cooler, I try to maneuver around AJ without touching him, only for him to step back on purpose and bump into me. He whirls around, catching my arm. “I’m sorry about that,” he says, devoid of any emotion.
Goosebumps flare along my arms, and I fix my eyes on his. Standing this close to him, they look lifeless. I ignore it, blaming the amount of alcohol I’ve had tonight.
Instead, I say in a friendly voice, “Good catch, I’m pretty clumsy, and the chances of me falling on my face are high.”
It’s like he was aching to touch me. He seems more clever than he lets on. Typically, I have a good read on people, and Ryan wants to see the best in them. He has a way of assuming that any mean-spirited behavior, especially from strangers, is just a misunderstanding or harmless. He’s naïve.
On the other hand, uncertainty is something I’ve always led with from a young age. After being bullied in high school, it changed the way I see people.
Digging for my seltzer in the cooler full of ice, I find a black cherry flavor and head back to the table.
In between mouthfuls, Ryan, ever the conversationalist, asks to no one in particular, “So are you guys just staying here for the rest of winter break and then heading back to school?”
Georgia nods. “That’s the plan.”
“Ugh, I’m not looking forward to classes,” Cora whines, throwing her head back.
“What year are you guys?” Ryan asks, tilting his head.
“We are all seniors, so this will be our last semester. All around the same age, 21 and 22,” Jared says, stealing a glance in my direction.
“Awesome, any plans after that?” Ryan questions, intrigued.
“Nah, man, I think we are going to travel over the summer and take the RV to different campsites, finding odd jobs here and there. We all agreed we want to go out west and see the sights,” AJ pipes in without missing a beat.
“That’s cool, no rush to sit in an office job.” Ryan chuckles under his breath.
“No rush whatsoever,” AJ agrees, scrunching his face in revulsion at the idea.
“What about you guys? How long are you staying?” Cora probes.
“We’ve got five more days before we have to head back to reality, aka our jobs,” Ryan sighs, obviously not looking forward to it.
“What do you guys do for work?” AJ asks, clearly interested in the answer.
“I’m a graphic designer, so I work from home mostly, and Ryan is an accountant for an outdoors company,” I answer.
“How long have you guys been together?” Georgia wonders aloud.
“Oh wow, let me think. We met during our junior year in college, so almost ten years now.” I smile affectionately over at Ryan.
“And you guys aren’t married?” Georgia questions, seeking clarification.
My eyes still lingering over Ryan, I smile with one eyebrow cocked, quietly waiting for an answer.
“I have plans. Marley is it for me. I just want to be in a better place financially.” Ryan’s eyes find mine.
“Aww, you guys are so cute, and really cool to be in your thirties,” Cora gushes.
We finish up eating and talk about how great it’s been being so far away from the community center and other campers.
After helping clean up when everyone finishes, Ryan cracks his back and yawns. “Well, guys, I think we’re going to call it a night. I’m wiped out.”
“That sun will wear you out, man,” Jared replies.
Letting out a yawn too, I tell Ryan, “Yeah, I’m ready to call it a night.”
