“Trust me, with my Pips wearing that shirt today, the anticipation is already there.”
My Pips.
Did he really just say “my Pips”?
I think he did.
And why do I love it so much?
Maybe because my ex never claimed me the way Wilder so easily does.
“Come on.” Wilder loops his arm over me. “We have a day to plan.”
“Babe, we have to do the tandem bike.”
“Have you ever ridden a tandem bike?” I ask as I stare down at the pamphlet.
“No, but how hard can it be?”
“Uh, hard.”
I turn to the receptionist and ask, “Is it hard?”
“No. Once you get the hang of it, it’s quite enjoyable. You just need to communicate well.”
“Oh, we have excellent communication,” Wilder says.
There’s a snort from the corner, and that’s when I see Chad, sitting in a chair with a Diet Coke in hand, looking none too pleased.
“Do you have something you want to say?” Wilder asks.
“Nope, just enjoying my drink,” he answers. “Going to rate it in my Soda Tracker when I’m done. Camp Haven, flat Cokes, lukewarm at best.”
Did he just say Soda Tracker?
From the way Wilder just stilled next to me, I’m going to say he did.
Does Chad know?
Is he going to expose us?
“Then I’d keep your derisive snorts to yourself,” Wilder says.
Not wanting to have this break into a fight, because Wilder really doesn’t like Chad—like actually hates him—I say, “You know, the tandem bike into town with the picnic and floats later sounds great.”
“Great. Since you already signed waivers when you came here, you can fit yourself with a helmet out back and then take the bike when you’re ready.”
“Okay, thanks,” I say and then tug on Wilder’s hand as he stares Chad down for a few more seconds. “Come on.”
We head out of the main building toward a green-and-white shed.
“That fuck is testing me,” Wilder mutters under his breath. “I’m a chill guy, but don’t fuck with me, and don’t fuck with the people in my life.”
I smooth my hand over his chest. “Just like you tell me not to let Matt live in my head, don’t let Chad live in your head.”
“Yeah, but he’s disrespecting you, and I don’t fucking like that. You deserve better.”
I smile and stand on my toes to press a kiss to his chin. “Thank you.”
