“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Was the radio out to get him? He knew that wasn’t true, and it was hardly a coincidence the announcer shared those facts since they were common to the day, but it didn’t help his brooding mood. He’d have no one to kiss at midnight because he only wanted to kiss one person and he’d blown it with her.
He pulled into Archer’s driveway, jumped out of the car, and marched to the door, knocked more frantically than the situation called for. “Archer, are you home?”
Footsteps approached quickly, and Madison opened the door. Her face registered surprise, then concern. “Are you okay, Landon?”
“I’m fine. Is my brother home?”
“Yes, he’s in the basement.” Her gaze traveled over him. “Have you been drinking?”
“You know I don’t drink.”
“Okay.” She drew the word out, while still appraising him. “Come on in and have a seat in the living room. I’ll get Archer.”
He walked inside and caught sight of himself in the foyer mirror. No wonder Madison eyed him strangely. He looked exactly as he had twenty minutes ago when he’d stared at his reflection. He’d rushed out of the house before changing out of his sweatpants and faded t-shirt, his hair pointing in every direction, and he wore no shoes.
Of all things, how did he make it there and not realize he didn’t have shoes on? Further proof that he needed help and lots of it. He ran a hand through his hair, combing it the best he could. There wasn’t much he could do about the remainder of his appearance.
Archer entered the room at a brisk walk. His face showed the same reaction as Madison’s. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.”
“What’s going on?” Archer sat in the recliner.
“I met someone.”
Interest flared on Archer’s face, but he didn’t probe for details on the specific girl. “I can assume by your disheveled self that it’s not going so well?”
“There’s a pretty good chance I blew it before it had a chance to take off.” He leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “I want to fix it, but I don’t know how.”
“This girl must be special. I’ve never seen you lose sleep over a girl.”
“She is.” All his feelings for her welded together to form a lump in his throat.
“Where’d you meet her?”
“Jasper Lake.”
Archer tilted his head to the side. “The place you took Gran? Is that when you met her?”
“I met her in the summer on a detour.” He delved into the story, telling his brother every detail from the beginning to the current situation. “What do I do?”
His brother emitted a low whoosh. “I’m surprised she didn’t smack you.”
“Gee, thanks.” He tossed a throw pillow at him. “I know I messed up, but is it hopeless?”
“Not at all, in my opinion. If it were, she wouldn’t still be talking to you.”
“But only as a friend.”
“Could you be any denser?” Archer threw the pillow back at him. “No girl is going to stay friends with you after all that when you don’t even live near each other. Except if she’s still interested.”
“You think?” Hope flared.
“Positive.”
“What’s next then?”
