Cary had a much higher tolerance. You didn’t have to spiralwithShiloh. You could just watch. You could just listen.
Even when she drove him crazy, he didn’t exactly want less of her.
While she talked today, he tried to figure out what was different about her... Besides the hair. Besides the short skirt.
She seemed easier than he remembered her.
Less frustrated.
“You’re happy here,” he said.
Shiloh wrinkled her nose. She swatted at him, almost touching his leg. “What do you mean?”
“You seem really happy,” Cary said. “You seem like you like it.”
She smiled. “Well, I just...” She shrugged. “Yeah, I guess I do.” She got up onto her knees. Her skirt inched up. She pushed her hair behind her ears, and it immediately slid out. “I kind of feel bad sayingthis to you, because of where you are, and where you’re headed—but I feel like my time is myownhere, you know? Like, my life is my own. So many freshmen hate it. They go home all the time—or they drop out. Becky was here, and she’s already gone. And, you know, Iamlonely sometimes. A lot. Actually. But... even the food. I can eat what I want, when I want. I’m responsible for everything. I’ve got this scholarship and my job, and I don’t need to ask anyone for help. I don’t ever need a ride, there are buses. You know?”
Cary nodded. “I’m glad.”
“You’re glad not to have to drive me around?”
“I’m glad you’re happy.”
She moved her legs, flopping back down onto her butt. “It’s stupid, right? This isn’t even a great school, I guess. It’s just Iowa. But I still feel like I’m livingla vie en rose. I’m, like, wearing a beret and smoking cigarettes and feeling like an adult human female.”
“Are you smoking cigarettes?”
“No. Those were metaphorical cigarettes.”
“Is the beret metaphorical, too?”
Shiloh kicked him and made contact. “The beret is real.”
Cary laughed.
“Shut up.” She kicked him again. She was wearing shoes with buckles.
“Stop,” he said. “You’re going to scuff my pants, and I can’t wash them.”
She grinned. “Youhave a little beret tucked into your belt... Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”
“That’s a flat cap. There are no berets in the Navy.”
Shiloh climbed up onto the bed next to him, kicking off her shoes. “Let me see it on.”
“I want to see you inyourberet. Go get it.”
She pushed his shoulder. “Let me see it, Cary.”
“No. I’m not supposed to wear it indoors.”
“Let me try it on, then.”
He would like that, but it wasn’t happening.
Shiloh’s brown eyes were very wide and sparkly. Her tongue was peeking out of her mouth.
He pointed at her. “I know you’re about to grab my cap. But I’m telling you now—don’t.”
