Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 80969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“Uh-huh.” I nod. “But it’s also an expensive gift. One that I don’t feel right about accepting.”
He sighs. “It’s just a fucking ornament, Red.”
“River … did you buy me the ornament?”
“No. But, if I had and you were my almost friend, then I’d expect you to take the fucking ornament and not stand there, complaining about it.”
“I’m not complaining.”
Silence.
“River.”
“What?”
“Thank you. For the train. It’s beautiful.”
He grunts, and I bite down on a smile.
I take a step back from the door. “So, there’s a Christmas boat parade happening tomorrow night at the lake. Are you going?”
“No. I’d rather have my teeth pulled out with pliers than go to that shit-tastic waste of time and money.”
“I’m going with Sadie and Guy. You know, my boss and colleague at the diner.”
“How fun for you.” His voice is as dry as the air.
“You should come with us.”
“Teeth. Pliers.”
“Awesome. So, I’ll see you tomorrow night. We’ll meet you there.”
“Have you lost your hearing? Or are you actually as stupid as I accuse you of being?”
“Nope.” I smile widely, showing all my teeth. “I’m just choosing to ignore you … you know, like you do to me.” I turn on my heel and start to walk away. “It starts at seven thirty,” I call over my shoulder.
“I’m not going,” he calls out.
“Seven thirty, River,” I reemphasize. “Don’t be late.”
“Jesus fucking Christ. Fucking annoying woman!” I hear him grumble from behind me, and then his front door slams shut.
My smile somehow gets even bigger, and I wear that smile the whole way into my house and for the rest of the day.
Carrie
I’m just on my way back from using the public restroom—because being pregnant requires frequent bathroom breaks—when I spot River loitering by a cluster of trees.
He came.
My insides light up.
I change direction and walk over to him. His eyes turn to me, like he sensed me, watching my approach.
He’s wearing his beanie on his head, covering his hair. A black knitted sweater, faded black jeans, and boots. There’s a slight chill to the air tonight. Hence why I’m wearing a knitted hat, coat, jeans, and boots.
I come to a stop in front of him. “You came.” I smile.
“Yeah. Well, I didn’t exactly have a choice, did I?”
He did. He could’ve just not come. But I don’t point that out to him. Because I’m happy he’s here.
He came tonight because he didn’t want to let me down.
And that makes me happier than I can explain right now.
“You missed the parade though,” I tell him, pushing my hands into my jacket pockets.
“Shame.”
“I’m assuming that was on purpose?”
Amused eyes look down into mine. “You would assume right.”
I laugh softly. “It was actually a very good parade.”
“Now, I know that’s a lie.”
“Nuh-uh. I would never lie about something as important as a Christmas boat parade.” I smile widely.
He chuckles. “You’re an idiot, Red.”
“Yeah, I know.” I gently nudge his arm with my elbow. “Hey, why don’t you come over and say hello to Sadie and Guy? They’re sitting out by the lake. You went to school with Guy, right?”
“Yeah, I did. But I’d … rather not go over.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, we can hang here for a while. Or take a walk? Whatever you want.”
“A walk sounds good.”
His eyes look different tonight. There’s an unease to them that I’ve only seen once before—yesterday, when he came over to talk to me.
He was uncomfortable then. He’s uncomfortable now.
“Awesome. Let me just run over and tell Sadie where I’m going.”
Leaving River, I walk quickly back over to where Sadie and Guy are sitting in our chairs, sipping on warm cider.
“Hey.” I tap the backs of their chairs, getting their attention. “I’m just gonna take a walk with River.”
“River?” Guy asks.
“Yes. River.”
“River Wild?” Guy cranes his neck to look around me. “He’s here?”
“That’s what I said. And stop staring at him.” I move to block his vision.
“I just can’t believe he’s here. I’ve never seen him at any town function or … well, anything ever before. He’s not exactly known for being sociable.”
“Well, things change. Anyway, I just came to let you know where I was in case you wondered.”
“I’m glad he came.” Sadie smiles up at me.
I told her that I’d invited him. She seemed pleased about it at the time.
“You invited him?” Guy gives me an odd look.
“Yes,” I say slowly so as not to be misunderstood.
“I can’t believe you invited the town weirdo to the Christmas parade with us.”
Guy barks out a laugh, and I don’t like it.
He’s acting like an ass.
“I don’t see the big deal here. And River’s not a weirdo.” Grumpy, honest to a fault, a bit of a jerk, but not a weirdo.
“Well, he’s not exactly normal.”
“And what is normal?” I fire back at him.
“Not him; that’s for sure. I knew you two were neighbors, but I didn’t realize you were friends. Did you know this, Sadie?” He gives her an accusing look.