“For real. Just ask my mama. I’ll bring you by to meet my folks sometime. They’re not much for the tourists and crowds.”
All I can focus on is the fact that he wants me to meet his parents. Is that a common thing in small towns? In Columbus, people aren’t like that. You meet someone’s parents, you’re serious about the person. Like marriage. “Ah.”
He leans forward, resting his elbows on the wooden surface. “Yeah, it means something, gorgeous. I can see those wheels spinning in your head. You’re the type of girl I bring home to meet my ma. No use in hiding that fact from you.”
I’m so surprised by his admission that I don’t know what to say.
“Finish up, Fireball. We’ve got shit to see and do.”
I take a few more bites and reach for one of the pies. Not sure if he wants food I’ve partially eaten, I slide the plate to the side.
“Natalya Scott, if you ever shove good barbecue to the side and not offer it to me ever again, I’m gonna spank your ass.”
I gasp as he chuckles and reaches for the plate, finishing off every bite I have left over. It’s an astounding amount of food he’s consumed. Even as I finish my pie, he devours both of the other desserts.
When Hayride is finished, he pats his belly. “Now I’m full.”
“Are you going to be able to walk?” I ask with humor as he tosses our trash.
“Babe, I got a lot of stamina.” He sends a wink my way, and I realize that Hayride is flirting with me. And it’s not the first time.
“Good to know,” I reply, trying my best to shove the worry and concern for my brother aside. Not to mention the awful day today has been. I’ll go crazy if I don’t take a mental break.
My phone rings, and I check the screen, noting with relief that it’s my parents. They’re on vacation in Florida, and I haven’t had a chance to fill them in on what’s happening with Thad. It’snot a conversation I’m looking forward to, but I can’t put it off for later.
“Mom?” I answer, and then I start to cry.
“Baby! What’s going on? Are you okay?”
Hayride looks panicked as he walks closer, reaching for one of my hands. I tether our fingers and lean against his shoulder as I tell my mom about Thad’s disappearance. I don’t hold back, giving her the truth about how he met a girl, got her number, and the tour guide saw him leave with her.
My mom’s voice cracks as she hands the call over to my father. I know she’s crying, too, and it makes me feel awful.
Dad is strangely calm. “We’re going to come to Raven’s Crest. I can be there in a couple of hours.”
“I don’t know, Dad. There’s nothing for you to do. Sheriff Madden is searching for Thad. Everyone is already doing everything they can to find him.”
“Anyone organized a search party yet? Aren’t there a lot of woods in the area?”
Hayride nods. “Tell him Boomer is getting one together for tomorrow morning.”
I repeat it to my father, but he just scoffs.
“Should have been done already, sweetheart. I’m coming to Raven’s Crest to speak to the sheriff.” His voice gentles as he adds, “I’ll meet you for breakfast.”
“Okay, Dad. There’s a nice diner.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“We love you!” My mom shouts before the call ends.
I sigh as I shove my phone into the front pocket of my jeans. Sniffling, I wipe the wetness from my cheeks. It’s a bit mortifying that I’m crying in front of Hayride. “This just got more complicated.”
“I gathered,” Hayride says with a little sarcasm, but then his voice softens. “You’re not alone. I’m here for you, Nat.”
“I know.”
“And I get your pops wants to be sure we’re not fucking things up, but I need to let Scythe know. And Boomer, too.”
