Page 43 of Baby, It's You
Before I get to the door he adds, “Oh, I forgot to mention, I saved some of the pictures. They are in a box in the attic.”
At that, I continue to walk out of the bar quickly, pretending I didn’t hear a word. He doesn’t deserve the satisfaction of a response.
Chapter 30
Hunter
By the time I get back home, I still have a smile on my face. As soon as I get inside, I begin uploading today’s footage on my computer. Seeing Olive so excited this morning just makes me want to finish editing the video as quickly as possible. I need another excuse to film with her and see her again. She is so effortlessly fun to be around, and I find myself craving her attention. I really want to spend time with her other than us just working together on the series. Friends hang out, right? I’m nervous about taking that leap, though; she is obviously very resistant when it comes to trusting men. That honestly just makes me want to prove myself more to her.
I lie down on my bed and scroll through my unread texts. It can get overwhelming sometimes, the number of messages I get every day from people wanting me to film them. Skaters constantly begging me to come to a park and record them, or a brand asking me to shoot sponsored content for their social media. Last year I started putting my phone ondo not disturbmost days, for my sanity. I only look at my phone when I feel ready to respond to people, instead of forgetting the messages and never getting back to them. I scroll through a few andanswer the questions or decline offers. I see a message from Eddie towards the bottom of the list and tap it.
Wanna go to the lake tomorrow? Invite your girl. We want to get to know her, and we are all bringing some people, so don’t worry, shy guy, it won’t be weird.
Yes, I want to go to the lake, and absolutely, I want to hang out with Olive. I text Eddie back letting him know I will be there. I work up the courage to text Olive. I know it’s a long shot that she can come on such short notice, but I decide to ask her anyway.
Hey, Olive, a couple of my buddies are getting together as a group to go to Onilley Lake tomorrow. Do you want to come with us? I can give you a ride so you don’t have to worry about driving there. Sorry about the short notice.
A few minutes later, I get a response.
Hello, Curls, I am currently covered in trash juice and sweat. Nothing sounds better to me than a day off at the lake. Let me see if Missy might be able to cover for me.
Trash juice?I text her back.Everything okay since I left the bar?
It’s over an hour before she responds.
Sorry to leave you hanging. Long story, but I’m back at work now. Missy said she can cover. Yay!
Hell yeah, I am so excited that she wants to come.
I hope everything is okay,I send and then add, That’s great to hear. I will pick you up outside your place at 9 am if that’s okay with you? I’m going to grab some food to bring, too. What do you want?
Her response chirps on my phone seconds later.
Perfect! I want beef jerky, a Dr. Pepper, and cashews.
I chuckle to myself—the perfect road trip snacks. I meant that I was going to go to the grocery store and get an actual meal to bring for us, but I will grab those for her, as well.
You’ve got it. I’m going to finish editing everything tonight, so it will be done before we leave in the morning.
Olive texts me back an hour later.
That’s great! Sorry I can’t talk anymore; Tripp has been on even more of a tear than usual today.
I wish I knew what he said since he told her they had to talk this morning.
My door nudges open and I see Dog shimmy in, then leap on top of my bed. I pull her into my arms and nuzzle her to my neck. The bell on her collar lightly jingles and she meows. I realize she wants her food, so I get up. As I head downstairs with her in my arms, I daydream about tomorrow.
Chapter 31
Olive
The next morning, I look out my window anxiously waiting for Hunter’s arrival. I was taken by surprise when he texted me yesterday, inviting me to come with him and some friends to the lake today. I’ve never been before; Onilley Lake is out of town and Ivy has a huge fear of water, so there was no point in me going alone.
I’ve changed swimsuits twice already, feeling insecure about showing too much skin, but then getting angry with myself for caring about showing skin in front of other people. It’s not like I’m going on a date or anything, so I’m not sure why I feel so nervous. I end up settling for a cherry red bikini and I tie a silky cheetah-print sash in my hair. I top it off with my cat-eye red sunglasses and I look straight out of the 1950s.
I see Hunter’s truck pulling in and notice he’s a few minutes earlier than our agreed time. I continue to spy on him as he sits in his truck for a moment, pops something in his mouth, and then gets out. Jumping back from my window so he doesn’t see me watching him, I stand behind the door, waiting for the knock. Not even thirty seconds later, I hear three thuds against the door. I take a deep breath to shake out the nerves before releasing it as I pull the door open. Just like that, the breath isswept out of me again. Hunter is wearing a blue tank top, black board shorts, and a light blue snapback. His exposed arms are tan and toned.
He smiles, his eyes crinkling in greeting. “Hey, stranger,” he says warmly. “I love your outfit, very Wendy Peffercorn!”
