Page 71 of When The Mountains Held Us

“I did not fuck her,” I quip, raising my eyebrows at him disapprovingly and shooting him a look that I hope conveys that it’s time for him to shut up now.

“From the way your pants are getting a little tight right now, I’m willing to bet you didn’t just tuck her into bed. Unless you’re just happy to see me?”

“Dude, quit looking at my dick,” I sigh wearily. Only a short while into our trip, and I’m already getting antsy to stretch my legs.

I’ve had casual sex before. I’ve even discussed it with the guys like the horny teenager I was. But this thing between Oakley and me is different. From the way my mind and body are reacting to the reminder of the silky smooth skin of her throat as I wrapped my hand around it, and the taste of her lips this morning, you would think we had had sex.

“Come on, give me something here dude,” Justin whines, and I roll my eyes, knowing he’s going to keep pushing the matter until I break.

“Things changed between us last night.” I shrug like it’s not a big deal, and I don’t know why I do that. It is a big deal, and this is the most excited I’ve been at the prospect of a relationship ever before in my life.

So why do I need to hide behind this noncommittal version of myself? As expected, my best friend sees right through my bullshit.

“In a good way, I hope?”

I laugh, a genuine smile breaking across my face as I glance sideways at Justin. “Yeah, in a good way. We didn’t do anything, but it feels like we did. Like something changed between us last night and this morning. I’ve never felt this connected to someone before. Kind of surreal, man.”

“I can’t pretend that I know what that feels like, but I get it, dude. But what’s going on with her ex? Isn’t he in town or something?”

The reminder of that particular piece of shit leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and I instinctively curl my lip.

“How do you know about that?” I shoot him a questioning glare, and he at least has the good sense to look embarrassed.

“I-uh— Jess mentioned it to me.”

I narrow my eyes, and he throws his hands up between us in surrender.

“She didn’t give me any details, I swear. Said she promised Oakley she wouldn’t say anything, but she gave me the gist. Said Oakley was running from someone, and that’s why she’s here.”

The truck goes quiet, and I can’t help the flood of relief that fills me knowing I have someone I can confide in about this. It’s been hard dealing with this on my own, and, though I’m more than a little annoyed with Jessie for telling Justin anything, I know her heart was in the right place.

“We haven’t seen or heard from him since the break-in at the motel or since she moved in with me. I’m hoping that means he took the hint and crawled back to whatever sewer he crawled out of.”

“Oakley hasn’t gotten any more messages from him? Jess was asking me the other night. I guess Oakley hasn’t told her much in that regard either,” Justin says, and I don’t miss the jovial note in his voice when he mentions my cousin’s name.

They’ve had a rocky relationship ever since whatever happened in high school went down, but they’ve slowly started tolerating each other a little more again. At least from what I can tell. This time seems different. Maybe they’ll both finally get past their shit long enough to realize how good they could be together.

“Not that I know of. I’m sure she would have told Jessie if she heard from him again. They seem like they’re getting close.”

“I’m glad Jessie has another friend around here. It’s been a while since Eva’s been back to visit, and I know she gets lonely up there by herself.”

My gut twists as I think about how I haven’t made much of an effort to visit with Jessie since Oakley came to town. I mean, sure, I see her for hikes and at the store, but we haven’t spent one-on-one time together in a while. The guilt settles over me like a wet blanket, and I make a mental note to check in on her when I get back from this job.

“How’s that been going by the way? You and Jessie?” My delivery is as awkward as it comes when asking about your cousin’s romantic involvements, and when Justin gives a humorless laugh, I immediately regret the question.

“Nope. No way, dude. We are not going there. I’ll let you know when there’s something to tell.”

When. Not if. Is Justin more serious about Jessie than he lets on?

He leans forward and cranks the radio up, blasting the country song and belting out the chorus, horrendously off-key. It effectively ends our conversation, and I’m thankful for the reprieve as I join him in his impromptu karaoke.

We sound and look ridiculous, Justin’s neck pillow having made its way back around his neck, but I’m thankful for times like this where I can let loose and be myself without the weight of outside expectations on my shoulders.

For this brief tick of time, I’m a kid again, and I allow myself to enjoy the things that were so few and far between growing up.

Good music and an even better friend.

Thirty-Six