Page 26 of Buried in the Woods Below

I want to ask her about that night at the State Fair. About why we drifted. But it’s not the right time. Right now, I just want to enjoy this moment.

My phone pings. I sneak a glance. A message from Carlos sent at 9:12 p.m. He sent it last night and I’m just getting it now?

Hey Mami! Sorry to harass you, but I’m just checking to see if you still want me to come up, or if I can stop doing all the ab exercises I’ve been doing to prepare? 😉

I try to put the phone away, but Olivia catches me.

“Ooh. Who’s Carlos? Your Latin lov-eh?” A soft chuckle, like her dad.

My face burns. “Ha, no. He’s a bartender back in Chicago. After one too many tequilas, I may have invited him up here, even though this isn’t my house and I had no business inviting him. I’ve been stalling, trying to figure out a nice way to rescind my invitation.”

Olivia rubs her hands together like she’s trying to start a fire. “Now we’re talking. This is spicy. You definitely need to tell him yes.”

“What? No. I don’t want to invite a guy I barely know to your house.”

Another bubble snap. “You are doing it. And that’s an order. Don’t make me take that phone from you.”

What kills me is, knowing Olivia, she will take my phone from me, and God knows what she’d write.

“Okay, fine. I’ll text him.”

Sorry for the delay, Carlos. Just got the confirmation. Come on up! Just let me know your ETA.

He responds immediately.

👍Great. Should I bring my sexy swimsuit? Or my super-sexy swimsuit?

I grin.

LOL. Definitely super-sexy.

I figured. Cool. Need to finish up a few things with school/work, but will let you know when I’m on my way.

I stuff the phone back in my pocket. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. You happy now?”

“Very.”

We both stare at the lake, a moment of contented silence passing between us.

“How’s your dad?” she asks.

I rub my hands together and stall, not wanting to ruin the moment. “He passed away.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“No, really, it’s okay. It was for the better.”

“Really? I remember him being so much fun. What happened?”

“It’s a long story. I’d rather not go into it.”

She wraps her arm around me and leans her head on my shoulder like she used to do. “No problem. I understand. If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.”

I lean my head against hers, and it’s like we’re kids all over again. My chest fills. Memories of our childhood flood back like lake water spilling over the dock. For a moment, I’m speechless.

“This house is pretty incredible, huh?” I ask, trying to nudge our conversation back to the present.

Olivia’s smile fades. “It’s all right.”