Unfortunately for me, I could, too.
27
COLLIE
I feellike my heart has personally betrayed me.
This gesture from Easton is unmatched. Something that I could have only dreamed would be waiting for me in this life.
A life much different than my current one.
I’m blessed. I’m not taking away from that, but I’ve spent the last thirty-three years of my life being taken care of and appreciated for who I truly am by no one other than Capri and my dad.
That’s it. There’s never been a man or woman I’ve looked at and seen brighter, better days with. Never.
How tragically sad is that?
But Easton has known me for a whopping two weeks, and it’s as if he can read my every thought.
And fuck if I don’t feel the same about him. I shouldn’t, though. He’s been through the unthinkable and somehow has still managed to do things to make me smile.
To make me feel seen and cared for.
The man was almost married. Heshouldbe married right now. But instead, he’s on what was meant to be his honeymoon with me. Doing kind things for me like this.
A Western movie on a big screen in the middle of Yellowstone National Park. Add that to my list of memorable blessings to write on my tombstone when I leave this world.
Today is a new favorite day.
No bets have been transcribed. Just vibes. Just feeling and a multitude of orgasms.
“Do you like living in Salt Hollow?” I ask Easton, taking a bite of a Red Vine as we enjoy the stillness of tonight,Tombstoneplaying in the background, a soft glimmer of string lights above us, and the world’s best company.
Rattling the popcorn bowl in his hands, I laugh as he searches for the M&M’s I poured in there. You can’t have popcorn without some type of chocolate mixed in. “I like it for now,” he answers truthfully and for some reason, his answer surprises me. “I’m always prepared to leave.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Does he want to leave because of everything that’s happened?
“I could never picture myself living anywhere that isn’t outskirts kind of living. But I just never know where my job will take me next. It’s part of linework. You go where the work sends you.”
I guess that makes sense. “So, what do people do with families and kids in school? They just pick up everything they have and leave?”
He nods. “They can if they want. My buddy Ridge has three kids. He and his late wife made it work when she was still alive. She would stay back home in Salt Hollow when he was on temporary work in North River. He would drive home on the weekends, and they made the most of it. It sucks and it’s definitely not for everyone, but then again, it comes with the job. You sacrifice a lot in linework.”
“Sounds like it,” I sigh. “So, you’ve never been sent away?”
“I have for storm work. When a hurricane or snowstorm rolls around, line crews are called in for help from all across the country. We typically follow the weather patterns and chase them before they hit, that way we’re parked out and ready to help right away. It’s thrilling, actually. The wives and kids adapt better than you’d think. I just haven’t personally had to leave Salt Hollow for anything longer than temporary work. There will be a day, though, where the work runs out in town and I’m forced to work somewhere else.”
Sounds like my kind of life, actually. Never staying in one place for too long.
“If I were a single guy, I think I’d like that life.”
Easton smiles. “My lost little wanderer.”
“What did Ben do for a living?” Hopefully my question doesn’t upset him. I’ve noticed Easton smiles more and more when Ben is brought up.
I’m glad for that.
