Page 49 of Barefoot Lake

“You ok, man? I yelled your name like six times.” Eli looks legitimately concerned.

“Yeah, sorry. I’m good.” I shake my head.

I really hadn’t heard him yell a thing. Alice has taken over my every waking thought. Her laugh, her glowing eyes, her wit… those damn stockings.

“Oh, I can see that,” Eli says through a laugh. I look back at him and see his expression has softened.

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“It’s all over your face, brother. You’ve finally admitted you like Alice, haven’t you?”

I immediately fix my face into its usual stony expression, not having noticed it was any different. I don’t dignify his prying with an answer.

“Was there something you actually needed?”

“Nothing important. Anything you’d like to share about neighbor girl?”

I shoot him a glare, but he’s not deterred.

“Come on. There’s no way nothing’s happened.”

“You’re as bad of a gossip as Grateful Bob.”

“How dare you,” he says. “I just want to know for me, to look out for my best friend.”

He’s laying it on thick.

“I’m fine. So, I’m still not talking about it.”

“I just want to help.”

“With your years of relationship experience?” I ask sarcastically.

Eli is one of the best guys I know, always has been. But he’s not a relationship guy. There’s nothing wrong with that. He’s happy and always upfront with the women he’s with, but nothing ever lasts more than a few days. Tourist season is his Christmas.

“Use me for what not to do, then.”

“Fine,” I huff. “But if I hear any of this around town, I’m burying you in the fields, and nobody will ever find you.”

Eli motions like he’s zipping his lips closed, and I roll my eyes.

“Alice and I… talked. And we’re trying things out.” There. That should be sufficient. I start walking back toward the offices.

“That’s it?! You’ve got to give me more.” Eli catches up to me easily and gives me a friendly shoulder bump.

I keep my lips sealed, hoping he’ll tire himself out and give up.

“You’ve been dancing around her for weeks, stomping all over this town like it dishonored your ancestors. Today, you’ve basically got roses coming out of your ass, and you’re really going to act like this is no big deal?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t do this, Jake. Let me be your friend and share in your excitement. It’s ok to fucking feel something.”

I huff a sigh. I want to keep this thing, whatever it is, with Alice safe, but I’m not being fair to Eli. He’d never do anything to hurt me or put my joy at risk.

“It was a good talk,” I offer, trying to figure out how to open up without oversharing something private.

I can tell by Eli’s expression that he’s not satisfied. He looks annoyed. Then, he smirks.