He was glad she’d moved from tears to anger, and now seemingly, acceptance. Would she be ready to move on with him? Would she even want him? Mason may be an asshole, but he was a pretty asshole. He obviously had the words and moves to woo women, while Shane had only shyness and a grumpy exterior. He wasn’t like that with Anna though. She brought out his warmth and his empathy. In fact, he was no longer even a bit angry at Mason for messing with April. He could have her, no hard feelings. In fact, he’d be happy to buy the man a drink. His anger at that pathetic dickhead was attributable solely to how he’d hurt Anna. He’d never hurt Anna like that, and he wouldn’t let Mason continue to either.
_____________________
Shane: Room booked. Right next door. I owe a case of beer to Scotty. Looks like we’re headed to warm weather!
Tinkerbell: Yay, I need some sun. Flying or driving?
Shane: Driving. I’ll pick you up at 6 pm Friday. She’s leaving at 4 pm for “Tina’s”
Shane: Btw, they’re booked in as Mr. and Mrs. Quinn. We’re booked in as Mr. & Mrs. Morgan.
Tinkerbell: That doesn’t hurt as much as it should. I guess I was never going to be Mrs. Quinn. Will I need fake ID, ha ha?
No, you could just marry me for real on the way, he thought.
Shane: Nah, all booked under my ID and card.
________________
Friday afternoon arrived and Shane pulled in at Anna’s address. The door opened and Anna moved out with a suitcase and a smaller cosmetic case on the top. He walked up the path and took her luggage from her.
“Ready to go?”
“Rooooaddd trrippp,” Anna squealed. “I call DJ!”
She opened her purse wide so he could see inside. She had a heap of snacks, including Snickers bars. He was pleased to see her happy. Really, it could have been a very depressing few hours on the road. Who celebrated a weekend that they knew would end in the implosion of two relationships? The two of them apparently.
He opened her door before putting her luggage in the back, smiling when he saw the embroidered Smurfs on her cosmetic case. Settling into the driver’s seat, he reached into the backseat and pulled out a cooler bag filled with beer, offering her one.
“I’m driving but thought you could do with one for the road,” he offered.
Tink clapped her hands together and reached into the cooler bag. He took the beer from her, twisting the hard top off so she wouldn’t hurt her soft hands.
“Thanks! This is going to be fun, GI Joe. I haven’t had a weekend away in ages,” she said with a smile.
He started the car and began the long drive.
“So, what’s the game plan?” he asked.
“We mess with them tonight and tomorrow. On Sunday morning, we bust them. And in between those times, we have fun! We’ll have to stay hidden though. I don’t want to get busted out and about in the hotel before we’re ready,” she stated seriously.
“I’m sure we can have plenty of fun in our room,” he offered.
Anna looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
“Hmm, I forgot to ask. How many beds?”
“One,” he said simply. “If we wanted to be next to them, our only option was one bed.”
“That’s good with me. I’ve always shared beds at interstate dance comps, with female friends usually, but whatever. Do you snore or steal blankets?”
“I snore if I’m full of beer, but otherwise no,” he responded.
Anna bit her lip in concentration as she paired her phone to his stereo. “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith blared through his speakers.
“I’ve got a whole cheating and revenge playlist. I left “Jolene” off because I actually want her to take my man at this stage,” Anna explained, like it was logical.
“Yeah, Jolene can fuck right off with him,” he laughed.
