Page 17 of This Time Around

“Come get ’em while they’re hot,” she yells over the music playing in the background.

She reaches for a plate. “I got it, you cooked, I serve,” I propose as I load two plates with brats, chips, and all the fixings.

“Shit, these are great,” Keith says with a mouth full of food.

“They are exceptional,” Isa compliments, but it sounds like she’s hesitant to give her this little feat, but then she continues, “Best camping brats I’ve had.”

Hmmm…

“Thanks, guys,” Blake responds. Her voice is soothing even when her words are simple.

Once everyone is full, and every last brat is gone, they start packing up their tents and collecting their scattered belongings.

“It’s starting to get dark, you sure you don’t want to stay another night?” I ask Ty.

“No, we have early shifts tomorrow at the hospital. Good thing Blake came along, or your ass would be out here all alone, and no one would hear you scream if a bear attacked,” he jokes.

“Fuck off,” I chuckle as we say our goodbyes.

I helped them load up the car and stood around talking shit for a few minutes, but now that they’re gone, I can focus on Blake. I grab two beers and pull my chair up next to Blake, who is cuddling under a blanket close to the fire. I struggle to keep my eyes to myself, not wanting to reveal the battle raging within me.

“Are you sure you don’t want to pack up too and head out?” I ask her as I slide into the chair next to her.

“I loved meeting your friends and putting names to the faces I’ve seen at the bar, but I really love our time together, just the two of us. So, yes. I am positive I want to stay another night,” she reassures me with a smile.

“I love camping.” I sigh. Being outdoors is one of my favorite things.

“Hey, do you remember when we tried going on that camping trip right after April and I graduated. Your dad rented a camper and everything, and then we got record breaking monsoon rains and couldn’t make it up the dirt road.” She laughs.

“Yes, you and April were singing at the top of your lungs, pissing him off while he tried to back us out.”

“You were so calm,” she adds.

“What do you mean?”

“We were acting the fool trying to mask our fear, and you just sat there calmly helping your dad navigate down the small hill from the back seat. You were comforting.”

“I was scared, but someone had to bring sanity to the party, and it wasn’t going to be either one of you, or dad for that matter. He was stressed.”

“What was your mom doing? I don’t remember her at all.” She laughs.

“She got out of the car, said she’d meet us at the bottom. She’d rather risk the rain than deal with our shitshow.” I laugh

“That’s right, fun times.” Her words are starting to slow.

“You sound a little tipsy,” I note, handing her another drink.

“It’s cold out here, so I’ve got to warm up somehow.”

“Were you cold last night?” I ask as I stand. “I have a few extra blankets.”

“Luke, sit down.” She pats my chair. “You don’t have to take care of me. If I get cold, I can warm myself up.”

“Always busting my balls. Guess you don’t need me.”

“I can take care of myself and my own needs. Trust me, I don’t need a man, but I love your company.” She takes a drink of her beer and places it in the cup holder on her chair.

“What if I want to be the one to take care of your needs?” I ask. “All of them. I brought you out here, to the middle of nowhere. I should be able to take care of you.” Fuck, I’m drunk too. Losing all inhibitions, as I scoot in closer. “I’m supposed to protect you. Take care of you, Blake.”