I’m sure you’ll miss me but as long as
You’re safe and soft and sometimes strong
Oh, oh, oh
I’ll find you sometime soon
It won’t be long now, honey
The tide took the coast,
But it can’t take what I love most
8
Afew hours later, I’m debating between my sneakers or snow boots when there’s a knock on my door. The sneakers would match my long-sleeved black dress better, but I’m determined not to get wet feet, or even cold feet, literally, before the concert. There’s a second knock, and I rush to the door to open it.
“Sorry,” I say to Dean, who is standing there patiently, his eyes looking particularly dark and charming. His coat, hat and scarf are in his arms, and he’s dressed in black jeans and a black shirt. I bet girls would describe him as scrumptious—and I don’t disagree.
“The van was ready. I went and picked it up,” His nose is tinged cherry red, like he was just out in the cold, and he stands in the doorway.
“Thanks.” I say. “What do I owe you?”
“Nothing,” He replies.
“Oh, you sure?” I ask.
“Yes. I’ve got the van. It’s rented under my name anyhow.”
“Do you want to come in?” I open the door wider for him, and he steps inside my room. “Should we book the rooms for anothernight?” I ask. The next concert isn’t until Thursday. “The options in Caribou are limited.”
Dean clears his throat. “That’s fine.”
“I’ll pay.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
He looks around at my belongings strewn about the room, from my shoes to sweaters and tote bag. Dean’s eyes finally make their way back to me, watching me.
“Should I wear sneakers or boots?” I ask.
“Does it matter?” He replies.
“How much do you want to hear me complain about my feet hurting?” I ask.
“Is there a right answer?”
“No.”
“I’m sure I’ll regret this later. Sneakers.”
His eyes don’t leave me as I tie my sneakers on while I sit on the edge of the bed.
“You look really nice,” He compliments me, his voice a little strained, like he’s not saying the whole sentence.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing. I just said you look really nice. Take the compliment, McKinney,” He sounds defensive now, like I caught him with his pants down. He looks nice too, but I don’t dare tell him that.
