“Thank you.” She smooths out her top, looking down at her bare feet.
After she puts her shoes on and I put the blanket away, we make our way to the lobby. We don’t say anything. There’s nothing but the sounds of crickets, the breeze, and rustling tree branches. If I had it in me, I’d ask herto stop and soak in the moment. But I don’t.
“Thanks for everything.” We’re right outside the lobby door. She turns to me and waves. “Really—the boxes, the cider, tonight in general, everything with Royce…” Her voice fades away and she’s back to looking at the ground. “I wouldn’t have seen the stars if it wasn’t for you,” she says as her eyes catch mine.
The lights reflect off her eyes but they remind me of the sky we spent tonight staring at.
“Don’t mention it.” I can tell how uncomfortable she is bringing up Royce.Dick. “Also, quit with the thank-yous,” I say jokingly… but I mean it.
Before we go in our separate directions, I decide to say what I’ve thought about since I saw her earlier. “Listen, do what you want with this, but anything that could go wrong isn’t automatically your fault.” Am I crossing a boundary? Probably. But I feel like she needs to hear this from someone. “Even if you’ve picked the wrong Spider-Man to defend.” I attempt to lighten the mood and stick out my hand for a handshake.
“I appreciate the ability to look past my flaws with superhero preference.” She laughs. She shakes my hand. Her skin is like velvet.
We stay here, for a few seconds too long, but neither of us seems eager to let go. My pulse quickens and I pull away.
“Good night, Ivy. Safe travels tomorrow.” I put my hands in my pockets.
“Night, Holland-not-Tom.” She waves.
“That is a terrible nickname.” I turn in fake exasperation and walk towards my truck.
The lobby door shuts and I look back to make sure she’s safely inside. A few steps in, she stops and glances over her shoulder. She smiles at me. And as much as I don’t want to go, I make my way to my truck.
I feel a little weird thinking this is the last I’ll see of her. We didn’t exchange phone numbers. I don’t know her last name. I could get it from Bea, but I wouldn’t.
Would I?
Chapter Fifteen
HOLLAND AND I are back on the swings. No one else is outside. I’m not sure how we got here. This time, the swing is really getting some air. We are flying. Like I’m afraid we’re going to make a full circle. My belly flips as we go back and forth. Each time we’re getting closer to the stars. They glint and shimmer across the black night sky.
All I can do is laugh. Kind of like when you’re riding a rollercoaster and it finally drops. Holland and I are both laughing. He seems to have more joy in his eyes.
The swing finally loses momentum and comes to a stop. Our gazes meet. We’re both breathless. Then he makes a decision. I can see it in his face. He reaches his hand for the back of my neck, hesitant at first, and then pulls my head towards his.
I can feel his breath. His somewhat rough fingers on my skin.
My phone chimes repeatedly, waking me up from a damn good dream.
It’s not even 6 a.m. The only notifications allowed to come through this early are from the airline app.
“Your flight has successfully been rescheduled.” The notification reads.
Huh? That’s not right.
I read the email to see that my flight for today has been rescheduled fora week from today. I’m dialing the number for the airline when I get a text from Jack.
JACK
Need you stay at the lodge for a few more days.
Royce wants a meeting and the cheapest option is to have you fly home a few days later. Call me if you want to discuss.
I lay my head back on my pillow and curse past Ivy who had no problem dating a colleague.What was wrong with her?Before I can get too deep into the scolding, my brain catches up and reminds me of my trip to Salem. Jack must’ve forgotten. I immediately dial his number.
“Hey, Ivy. What’s up?”
“What’s up is a few days is not a week. And I can’t stay either. I’m on vacation starting tomorrow.”
