“We’re going to get caught,” I continue.
“Definitely,” Boone nods.
“Our families will never forgive us.”
“Most likely,” they say in unison.
“So why?” I ask, genuinely trying to understand. “Why risk everything?”
Jesse and Boone exchange a look, then Jesse grins.
“Because, brother,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder, “some things are worth burning shit down for.”
“And Callie Thompson,” Boone adds, “may be one of those things.”
I want to argue more, want to list all the reasons these guys are bad news. But then I remember the way Callie looked last night, wild and free and… bold. I remember the way she challenged her father this morning, turning his anger into absurdity.
“We’re idiots,” I mutter.
“The biggest,” Jesse agrees cheerfully.
“Complete morons,” Boone adds with a grin.
“Dad’s going to kill us.”
“Slowly and painfully.” Jesse nods.
“Hank Thompson might help,” Boone suggests.
“Mrs. Delaney will live-stream it,” I add, and despite everything, I’m fighting a smile.
“So?” Jesse asks. “Are you in or out?”
I think about being responsible, about doing the smart thing, about protecting everyone from heartbreak.
Then I think about Callie.
“I’m in,” I say. “God help me, I’m in.”
“Thank fuck,” Boone exhales. “I already told her we’d see her tonight.”
“You what?” I ask.
“Get over it. You know I’m an optimist!”
The Cedar RidgeFacebook page is having the best day of its existence.
We’re huddled around Boone’s phone, watching our mess unfold in real time. The original post from Mrs. Delaney has over 300 comments and counting.
“About time someone tamed those wild McCoy boys,” Jesse reads aloud. “I’m not wild. I’m civilized. Mostly.”
“Poor Hank Thompson, betrayed by his own daughter’” Boone continues scrolling. “Betrayed seems a bit dramatic.”
“Look at this one.” I point to a comment. “‘I always knew that Callie girl was trouble. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’”
“What tree?” Jesse asks. “The Thompson family tree is more like a shrub. Or a well-maintained hedge.”
“Someone made a poll,” Boone announces. “Who’s Team Callie vs Team Tradition?We’re losing, by the way.”
