I stick my lip out in a fake pout, “Aw, but I like starting my days this way.” I take another hit off the joint and hold it out to Hayden in silent offering.
Hayden and I went through an awkward patch, but he’s slowly become another best friend to me. I have really enjoyed living here at the Langley mansion. It doesn’t feel right calling it a house. It’s far too massive. Every day is something new and eventful, which is a vast difference from my life before them.
“I have a surprise for you this evening,” He says hoarsely as he exhales the smoke.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, and don’t ask what it is, it’s a surprise.” He passes the joint back to me, “Wear something comfortable.”
Hayden finally takes the chair beside me instead of standing awkwardly on the top step of the porch, leaning against the railing. He tells me about a classic Camaro SS he wants to buy. Says it runs like a dream, just needs a new interior and a paint job.
“What colors are you gonna go with?”
“What do you think?”
I think about it for a moment. When Dad and I talked about building a car, we always wanted to paint it dark cherry red on the outside with all black leather interior and red stitching. Since my Dad and I haven’t built a car yet, and neither of our schedules aligns to make that dream happen, I tell Hayden that’s what I’d do with the car. He gave me a pinched look of thought, leaning forward with his hands on his knees.
“That’s a good idea, sweetheart.”
“Can I at least have an idea of where you’re taking me?”
“Nope, but wear tennis shoes, not vans.”
“I don’t have tennis shoes.”
He immediately pulls out his phone, sending out a text. “You will soon.”
“You don’t know my size,” I shoot back.
“Why do you always underestimate me?”
My lips purse and eyes thin to slits as I stare at him, trying to read him. I jerk my head away and down, cursing myself when his face is too blank to read. Asshole.
“Alright, alright,” I huff like a defiant child.
I don’t really like surprises, I mean, I do, but the suspense of them eats me alive and makes me nervous. I take two more hits off the joint and pass it off to Hayden to finish, then I plop my feet off the rail and make my way back inside to get ready. I feel his eyes on me the entire time until I toe the door shut behind me.
Feeling the buzz from my disturbed smoke sesh, I giggle from the unexpected anticipation of this evening with Hayden. One thing’s for certain. I have plenty of comfortable clothes to choose from, considering that’s all I wear. Did Hayden know I wouldn’t have enjoyed an upscale evening, and that’s why he chose something like this? But what in the world would he have planned in a small town like this? There is almost nothing to do here, in tennis shoes, much less.
Jessie stopped by my—Ryder’s—room during my outfit change and invited me to lunch, so that’s where we’re heading now. A little barbecue place in downtown that might as well be historical, granted it’s under new ownership. They’ve preserved the original characteristics of the place, for example, the bright ass red roof and all the southern vintage knick-knacks. They have these huge hushpuppies, they’re my favorite, and don’t get me started on their fried pickles. I could live off them.
We take one of the tables in the far back, away from anywindows… Just in case. I keep watch of the entrance while Jessie chats her ass off. I’ve learned how to tune her out ninety percent of the time and snap back into conversation when I hear important words or if she…
“Kelsey, are you even listening to me?” If she does that.
Sighing and drawing my eyes back to hers, “I’m sorry, what were you saying?”
“Nothing.” She huffs and crosses her arms over her chest, plopping back in her booth seat. “So, you really aren’t going back to campus classes?”
“Nope,” I pop the P for emphasis. “Gonna double up on online classes and graduate in half the time.”
She leans forward, elbows on the table, “Good! Because I spoke with the admin this morning and changed to online too.”
My eyes widen, “No way! I thought you wanted to go back?” I can’t believe she switched. She’s always been so social and loved campus life.
Jessie went on to tell me her reasoning for making her decision—me. That filled me with a strange guilt. I don’t want to be her reason for not pursuing something she finds joy in, but I also don’t want to tell her not to. UGH!
“Jess, don’t do something you don’t want to. I know how much campus life means to you.”
