“Uh.” I croak a sound. “Is that really a good idea? I mean, hockey McHottie is there.”
She reaches across the table to touch my hand resting in the middle. “I think… if this is the first sprinkle of normalcy with a guy in a long time, then… explore that.” Her sincerity punches me in the gut because she’s been through it all with me, more an observer of my aftermath, so maybe she has a point from a different lens.
“I don’t want to treat him like some experiment, you know? Oh, Harlow can finally take a step, let's use him to explore.” I mock my own words. “He… surprised me in Seattle.”
Flo brings her arms into the air with shock on her face. “What the hell? You were keeping this news from me? Holy cow, that is just… you have to go to Lake Spark.” Now she pleads and looks like a jumping bean in her seat.
“I’ll think about it.”
He’s in my head. He touches me even when he isn’t present. Wild thoughts enter my mind and an inkling has me wanting to make a move.
“Don’t think. Just do it,” Flo insists.
I can only flash a weak smile.
* * *
Finishingup at the smoothie bar, I take a stroll into town. I’m lucky it’s tourist central here, which means everything is near to one another to make it easy. It’s quieter than normal because it’s low season. I don’t need anything at the grocery store, but I buy an avocado and a bag of dinosaur crackers anyway.
On my walk back, a realization hits me.
I’ve been scared, but that doesn’t have to be me anymore, which is why I open my laptop to write as soon as I get home.
Stone,
It’s been a week since I’ve emailed. I was contemplating, but it’s over.
It seems the thoughts swirling in my head won’t give up. Apparently, it’s been confirmed that my recent inspiration has come from… Lake Spark. Or you. But let’s not make a big deal about that, and don’t get cocky either. So, Lake Spark is where I will go.
Damn it, now I need to rummage for a hat and gloves in the back of my closet. They’re behind my flip-flops and sun hats because winter isn’t that exciting here, except for a lower ocean temperature.
You don’t happen to know a place where I can stay? The Dizzy Duck doesn’t seem to be my calling this time around. Plus, I’m watching my chocolate chip cookie intake. Totally not cool.
-Harlow
* * *
Harlow,
You already know my answer but how polite of you to ask. My home needs its first guest to get my five-star review. Breakfast is included, with non-frozen bread and no coffee offered. If you’re lucky, I might even carry your suitcase up the stairs to…
…my room? Only if you want. To sleep is fine.
-Stone
* * *
I snorta laugh at what I hope is sarcasm in his email. I want more. The thoughts in my head of his lips trailing my body and his fingers guiding my jaw to ensure I look at him are something that I can no longer ignore. A flicker of hope and a push of courage for a safe haven that involves his body is apparent that I can follow through. My lips tuck into my mouth as I repeat in my head the sentiment that I’ve felt as the days go by.
Letting out a deep exhale, I type.
Stone,
Please make my reservation. I would like to book your room. I just don’t know if we will need the do-not-disturb sign or not. I’m sorry. I just…
Something tells me that it doesn’t matter. We both want to see one another anyway.
I’ll send you my flight info and times when I will visit. Does my reservation include airport pickup? I’m not a great driver. Those duck and deer crossing signs along the winding road scare the hell out of me. Are warnings every quarter of a mile really necessary?
