“Stop what?”
I bump his shoulder. “Being nice to me.”
“I like being nice to you.” His voice is serious, which makes me feel all kinds of things. “Is that a problem?”
Yes, I want to tell him. What if I get used to it?
Instead, I nod to our parents. “Others will notice.”
He frowns, and it’s like the light has dimmed. And I can’t stand it. “Did you see the exhibit…?” I scan the area until I find something that will work. “That one. It’s the train car used inButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
“That’s cool.” He tilts his head, like he’s trying to figure me out. Good luck with that.
After checking no one is watching us, I grab his hand and lead him to the exhibit. I’m just hoping to find a place with no people in it, but when we step inside, it’s even better than I’d hoped. The train car has rows of seats on both sides, and in the front, a screen plays a video on a loop. One person is sitting on a middle bench. Jonah and I squeeze onto a bench in the back. When the person finally gets up and leaves, I turn to Jonah. “What are you doing?”
His eyes are on the screen. “I’m watching the video.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
He reluctantly looks away from the video. His forehead has that cute little crease I want to smooth away with my fingers. “You brought me in here.”
“Not for the video.” I stop any further protests with my mouth.
Jonah quickly gets on board. Our kisses are light and sweet, and for a few blissful moments, I’m happy. It’s a strange feeling, but I don’t hate it.
We hear the people before they enter the area, which gives us just enough time for Jonah to move to the seat in front of me. And while I miss having Jonah’s lips on mine, the goofy grin he gives me helps make up for it.
“You’re staring,” he says in a low voice, a red tinge running up his neck. “Stop it.”
I check the new arrivals for any parental figures. Finding none, I lean forward and whisper, “I wish I could.” Then I sneak a kiss.
We stay and watch the video over and over, sneaking kisses when we can, until George and Mom find us. Of course, Jonah has actually watched the video, so he enthusiastically tells them all about the movie and the set. I try to keep the smile off my face, but I’m not sure I’m successful. My phone buzzes several times with messages from Frankie. I ignore them for now.
As we’re piling into the van, I’m not surprised to get a call from Frankie.
“Why are you ignoring me?”
“I’m not.” I hold up a finger to Jonah to show I need a minute. The distance from here to the Grand Canyon is only about four hours, but he’s driving.
“You used to be able to lie better. What’s going on?”
I step out of earshot. “We’re running a little behind.”
“Define a little.”
Frankie can be scary when she wants to be. “We’re just now leaving Durango.”
“You’re two days behind?” she screeches in my ear. I pull the phone back. I knew giving her a copy of our itinerary was a mistake.
“We’re skipping a few things. It’s fine, Frankie.”
“Uh-huh. Are you fighting with your brother?”
“Stepbrother.”
She pauses. “I’m FaceTiming you.”
“No, Frankie. Everyone’s in the van waiting for me. I don’t have time for this.”
