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“I am. It’s nice to meet you.”
“About time he brought you over. He talks about you all the time.”
My heart leaps in my chest at the thought of that, and I do my best not to react. Instead, I turn to raise my eyebrows at Arlow with a little smirk.
“He’s a dirty liar. Can’t believe a word out of his mouth,” Arlow says, handing me a plate of food.
“Too late. You’re busted. You like me.”
We eat in Earl’s living room, and Arlow was right, the food is delicious. Greasy as all hell, but heaven just the same. Earl is one of those people who is unintentionally hilarious. Just the way he talks about the other seniors at the day center has me wiping tears away. As he and Arlow discuss everything from the honeyharvest to the new bushes he’s been planting, it’s clear to see how fond Earl is of him.
After dinner, Earl leans over and asks, “Do you know how to play Rummy?”
“Are you going to get mad when I wipe the floor with you?”
His gravelly laughter fills the room, and he waves to Arlow. “Move the coffee table so we can all reach. Let me teach your girl some humility.”
Arlow and I exchange a glance at the “your girl” remark but let it go. We spend another hour playing cards and he does indeed teach us both some humility. We never had a chance. Before we leave, Arlow excuses himself to use the bathroom.
Earl drops his voice, looking me in the eye. “That boy is crazy about you.”
I’m not sure what to say to that. “We’re just friends.”
“Save that bullshit to fertilize your garden, my dear. You look at him like he’s made of stars, and I see how he is since you’ve been around. Happier, less uptight. I know he’s more closed up than a liquor store on a Sunday, but he’ll get out of his own way eventually. Don’t give up on him.”
Arlow reappears before I can digest that, much less respond. “What are you whispering about?”
Earl is quick. “I asked her to stop wasting her baking skills on you when I would appreciate a pie so much more.”
“Apple or cherry?” I ask, getting to my feet.
“Sweetie, I never met a pie I didn’t like. Whatever you feel like making.”
We talk for another minute before leaving, but Earl’s words stay with me long after we’re home and Arlow has gone to his barn.Don’t give up on him.
I’m not giving up, but I’m respecting what he wants, which is friendship. Not someone lusting after him and hanging onto hope while pretending to be his friend. Despite what feels likesome mixed signals when we’re together, he said no when I kissed him. If it ever becomes more, the next move will have to come from him.
Arlow shows up at my place right on time. My little plan would’ve been a struggle if he hadn’t accepted my invitation to go to the fall festival in town with me and Silver. I was pleasantly surprised that he agreed since he isn’t the most social person.
I send a quick text to Silver and Lee, who are parked out of sight down the road, then excuse myself to finish getting ready while Arlow waits in my living room.
“Will you get the door?” I call, heading for the small pantry in the kitchen to retrieve the cake.
Arlow opens the door to see Silver, Lee, and another younger blond girl that must be Lee’s sister, Lacey. “Happy Birthday!” Lacey cries.
Arlow spins around to see me holding the cake.
His lips twitch as he restrains a smile. “This is a birthday ambush.”
“I think the word you’re looking for is surprise. It’s a birthdaysurprise.” I hold up my finger. “And I didn’t lie. We’re going to the festival. After presents.”
His attempt at a disapproving look fails, taken over by a smile as he shakes his head. “I’m going to kick your ass.” His words are lightly spoken and the warmth in his eyes is mirrored in his face.
“Save it for after cake.”
Lacey bounds over to me. “It’s nice to meet you! This was such a great idea. So sweet! Arlow never lets us do anything for his birthday.”
“I didn’t really give him a choice. You might have to hide me later.” It’s true, but I wasn’t going to let him spend his birthday in the barn. I asked Lee to bring anyone else who may want to help surprise him. He was happy to show up with his little sister.
