“Thank you, I’m pretty proud of it.” A shy yet proud smile appears on his face as he shuts the driver's side door.
“You should be, this is… I’m just happy for you. This must be what parents feel when they see their children accomplish something,” I walk toward him and see him side eyeing me. “I know you hate hugs but you’re getting one anyway.” I give him a genuine hug and to my surprise, he slaps me on the back, his equivalent to a hug.
“No more of that unless you want to sleep outside with the coyotes on the first night?”
I laugh and we make our way inside.
Stepping through the front door I take it all in while also thinking about my lackluster apartment back at school. It was stereotypical—plain comforter and matching bed sheets, a nightstand with a lamp on it, a TV that I spent too much time watching instead of studying, no decorations. Maybe if I put more effort into that space like Miles has here, I would’ve enjoyed living there more.
Miles’ home is cozy, everything opposite of the home he grew up in with his parents which makes me wonder if that’s on purpose. His house growing up was bland and lacked the “lived in” feel that he has here. He has photos on the wall, half lit candles scattered around, blankets, dishes that all match. Everything has its place, he’s made this househishome.
“Before I moved in, I made sure to hire someone. I knew I'd need help with decorating.” I’m sure Miles saw my eyes looking around the house wondering how he has everything matching so… effortlessly.
“Ah.” I nod. “That makes a lot more sense. This is totally you though.” I wave my hands around the space, "I can't picture you figuring out what throw pillows to buy.”
“I should be mad at you for that but unfortunately, you’re right.” He snaps his head to me and points a finger in my direction. “But don’t let it get to your head that I said that.”
I chuckle and grab my bags, following him to what will be my room for the summer.
I’ve never had my own space before and though this is technically Miles’, it is still the farthest I’ve been from having random college roommates or parents where I live.
“Did you purposely have my room across the house from yours because you want me as far away as possible?” I say with a smart ass grin, mostly joking. We were inseparable as kids, always sleeping side by side. Even when we became teenagers, we still stayed in the same room. We'd stay up all night chatting, playing video games or sneaking out to the docks at night.
Miles calls over his shoulder as we head down the hallway and stops outside the bedroom door. “Didn’t feel like hearing random girls yelling your name in the late hours of the night.”
“If anything,Ishould be the one worried aboutyouand your lady endeavors,” I raise my brows at him, “considering you let some random one stay here for a weekend.”
All I get in response is a grunt.
“Bed, nightstand, closet,” Miles says as he opens the bedroom door, pointing to the few things in this room. It’s not a lot but I didn’t expect much. This is just enough to be comfortable for the summer. “If you need something else… don’t.”
“As long as I have a bed and pillow, I think I’ll be good to go.” I walk over to said bed which is accompanied by a white comforter and matching pillow set. I set my stuff down and turn back to Miles. “Is this where your mystery lady stayed?”
No response is needed as he turns around to leave. I start unpacking my belongings, ready to take a nap after the drive to Ruby Lake.
Yesterday,after an easy afternoon unpacking and catching up over dinner, I went to my room and promptly fell asleep. What I thought was going to be a quick power nap ended up being about nine hours of rest which I clearly needed. I don’t remember actuallyfallingasleep until just now when I hear a bang on my door..
“Rise and shine,” Miles hollers from the other side of the door with another bang on the wood, “we’re leaving in ten.”
“Let me get dressed, I’ll be right down!” I yell at him even though his footsteps are already echoing down the hallway. Glancing at the window and the curtains I left open last night, it’s clear it’s going to be a good day. The sun is already shining bright and there’s not a single cloud in the sky.
Sitting up, I check my phone to see if there’s anything from an unknown number that might belong to a particular freckled blonde but to my dismay, I see nothing. I sigh, stuffing my feelings away. I throw on my shirt and jeans and head to the living room.
There’s no way someone as angelic asherwould come into my life so easily, but maybe the sun will shine bright for her today too and bring her back to me.
“Good morning, sunshine!” I smile brightly walking down the hallway to see Miles putting on his shoes. I grab my baseball hat I left on the coffee table last night, tossing it on to cover my mess of hair.
“Why are you like this?” He grunts.
“A man can’t be happy to wake up?” I nudge his shoulder with my knuckle as I pass him on my way to the front door to grab my shoes.
In response, I get another grunt and a mumbled, “let’s go,” and we head out to his truck.
Clearly someone isn’t a morning person.
Making our way into town, I’m still mesmerized by the way the sun makes the waves on the lake glisten.
We pull up to the empty parking lot outside of the Inn. When I think of my memories here, the Dew Drop Inn is always a highlight. It’s a staple to Ruby Lake. I’m happy to be a part of its revamp.
