Page 42 of Vince
I will neither confirm nor deny his accusation.
Clearing my throat, I promptly change the subject, “So, how did you find this place?”
This earns me a smug smile that makes my belly flop in a way that has nothing to do with hunger.
“I go for drives when I need space or time to think. Freshman year…” The way his voice trails off makes the hairs on the back of my arm rise.
Something’s happened to Vince. The far-off look in his eyes as he focuses on the water running below us makes me wonder if he’ll ever tell me.
Reaching out, I pat his thigh beside me. “You don’t have to tell me,” comes out barely above a whisper, but I know he’s heard me.
Vince sucks in a deep breath and slowly releases it, making my heart clench. The hallow look in his eyes tells me more than his words ever will.
But before I can give it more thought, he quickly shakes it off and quietly continues, “No…” though I’m unsure if his words are for me or himself.
He’s quiet for a few more breaths before he sucks in another deep breath and continues, “No… Freshman year… let’s just say… it was a rough one. I was finding my ground and adapting to my new normal. With Jules and Vanessa always around, the only time I got to myself was if I went for a drive.”
Going away to school is hard on everyone. It was hard as hell for me to walk away from the only home I’d ever known, knowing that once I left, I’d never be back. Grams was gone, and I have nothing left to return to. At least Vince had his family to support him. “I can understand that…” I prompt, hoping he’ll continue.
But he doesn’t continue with that mournful tone.
Nope, he forces a smile as he continues in a much lighter tone. “Well… I was driving one day in the early spring and saw the road lined with cars. It was unusually hot, so the top and doors were off my Jeep. When I slowed down, I could hear water running and decided to return when it was less crowded. The next week, I went for an early morning drive and found myself here. I got out and followed the sound of the water. No one was here as it was barely light outside and still chilly from the night air. When I made my way to just about where we’re sitting now, I sat and just enjoyed the beauty of the sun coming over that hill. There were a few clouds high in the sky that morning, so the colors were vibrant—full of reds and oranges. I’d never quite seen anything like it. As I watched the nature around me, I finally relaxed.”
“It must’ve been beautiful,” I whisper, picturing his description and staring at the hills around us.
“It was. The best part about it was how my stress faded away in that moment. It’s weird, but I swear I knew I could handle anything the world threw at me.” Shaking his head, Vince turns to look me in the eye. “Sorry… that probably doesn’t make any sense. It’s just… you asked how I found this place and well… that’s how it became my go-to place when I needed to think. Especially early in the morning.”
Thinking back on all I’ve overcome since the loss of Gram, I get where he’s coming from. Not knowing what exactly Vince went through, the brief look of despair in his eyes tells me it was catastrophic.Ifhe shares it with me—it will be on his terms, and I’ll do my best not to push him. If henevertells me, I’m okay with that, too. We all have our own demons, and I’m not about to ruin this perfect date by bringing up the past—for either of us.
“Well… thank you for sharing this with me. I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone go to this much trouble for a date.” Leaning in, I kiss him on the cheek. “For that, I thank you.” Pulling back, I take a large bite of sandwich to keep from saying more.
As if he understands my attempt at keeping things light, Vince once again relaxes his shoulders and eats his sandwich. Glancing over at me, he grins, and my insides melt just a little more.
What is it about him that turns me into goo with just a simple look?
We eat in silence for a while before a large eagle swoops down from upstream and pulls up a big fish. I jump at its unexpected appearance. As I restart my heart, I stare at the impressive strength of his talons.
“Did you see that?” Vince whispers in awe as the bird flies into a tree up the hill from the other side of the riverbank.
“I’m not gonna lie. It kinda scared the shit out of me.” I chuckle at my embarrassment but continue, “Then when it picked up that fish, I couldn’t do anything but stare in awe.”
“You don’t see that every day… but it proves my point earlier. This place is special.”
“You’re right about that. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.”
“And here I thought you’d remember this for my expert sandwich-making skills… you wound me, woman…” He pretends to pout, and it’s adorable.
“Well, we wouldn’t want to damage that precious ego of yours.” Of course, I’ll remember the effort he’s put forth on this date. I wasn’t kidding when I said no one has gone to such troubles.
When I shove at his arm playfully, he lunges at me. The next thing I know, I’m lying flat on my back as his upper body hovers over me. He carefully takes what’s left of my sandwich out of my hand and sets it on the blanket beside us.
As soon as that task is finished, his attention is solely focused on me. His breath is uneven, and his eyes continue to search mine. Then he melts the firm walls I’ve placed around my heart when he says, “I have a new reason to like this place…”
“Oh, really, why’s that?” I attempt to be flippant, but I’m sure it comes out as breathless.
“I have the most beautiful sight in the world under me.”
My belly flops and flits, then a shiver runs up my spine.
