Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“No, it’s someplace off the beaten path,” I reply with a smirk.
“As if Aqua Vista isn’t just that,” he teases. “You afraid to be seen with me?”
“What?” When my feet falter, he laughs. He’s only messing with me. “Brat.”
“A brat with daddy issues?” he says as we near my truck. “I’ll take it.”
I drive a bit farther up the main road and pull into a run-down diner. “The food makes up for the decor.”
“I believe you.”
We sit in a booth by the window and order coffee and omelets. I like that we’re far from Aqua Vista because, yes, it’s away from nosy family members and neighbors. But it’s not because I’m embarrassed to be seen with him. In another life, I would be proud. But neither of us is in a position for something like that. My heart wouldn’t be able to handle it, besides the fact that he’s not from around here.
As if reading my mind, he asks, “Have you ever had a serious boyfriend? In high school, maybe?”
“Nah, our town is too small for that. I was one of the only out gay kids. But I was serious about someone once.”
“Yeah? Someone in town?”
“Not anymore. He moved. And before you ask more, there’s not much to it. He lived here temporarily and then decided to go elsewhere. Wasn’t on the up-and-up with me about his desire to move again or see other people. End of story.”
Aaron throws me a pointed look. “Except for your broken heart.”
“Why would you think that?” Damn, maybe I don’t keep my emotions as close to my vest as I thought. Or maybe he’s just better at reading me than most.
“Wild guess. You’re a pretty closed-off person.”
“What do you expect?” I scoff, the depiction like pressing on a bruise. “You’re an outsider.”
“Ouch. Point taken.” He blows out a frustrated breath, and I feel damned guilty after such a nice morning together. “For what it’s worth, I’d want to date you if things were different.”
“Well, things aren’t different, but…noted.” Hearing that makes my stomach all fluttery and it’s not a pleasant feeling. “Anyway, breakfast is on me.”
“Thanks,” Aaron replies as I toss down the money and stand.
When we’re back at the car, Aaron says, “I don’t know if you plan on developing the film soon, but if it’s before I leave town, I’d love to see the photos.”
Aaron mentioning leaving town sours my mood. “Sure, I’ll let you know.”
13
AARON
I sleep in Thursday morning, then head to the diner for lunch. I didn’t mean to miss time on the trail with Jack, but I hit Snooze on my alarm, which is always a dangerous game. It’s just as well that I don’t get too invested in him, or I’ll never want to leave. Obviously, that’s not an accurate statement, but I am enjoying the routine I’ve developed during my short nearly two-week stay in this town.
My phone buzzes with a text from Rocco.
Anything new?
Only my tan from the beach and toned legs from hikes.
Good for you. But that’s not what I was referring to.
I know. I frown at my cell. It’s not gonna happen. Now let me enjoy the last days of vacation. Bye.
June smiles when I step inside and slide into a seat at the counter. “What can I get you?”
“Surprise me,” I say because I’m feeling adventurous today.
She chuckles, then shrugs as she calls back to the cook, “Give me a BLT with avocados.”
I almost make a face but hold back. I asked for it, after all.
“You’ll love it.” She winks, then is off to take care of someone else.
By the time my order is placed in front of me, I’m famished, so I dig right in.
I get a second refill on my soda as I finish the last bite of my sandwich, and she was right, I loved it. It’s something you might find in a trendy diner in the city, but I appreciate the options here as well.
She cashes me out, and I leave the change on the counter as a tip.
I watch as she removes her apron, then reaches for her bag under the counter. “Where are you off to?”
“I’m running some errands if you want to tag along.”
“You sure?” When she nods enthusiastically, I stand and stretch. “I’d love to hang out.”
“Do you have anything to shop for?” she asks as I follow her onto the sidewalk.
“I was thinking of getting my mom a souvenir.”
I see the man with his cart again and wonder if I should throw some business his way, even if he is cashing in on the whole town-curse thing.
“What sort of things does your mom like?”
I’m about to respond when Beth greets us warmly outside her shop.
“Nice to see you again, Aaron.”
“You as well.”
“And you, June.” The women exchange nods. “How is the crystal working out for you?”