Page 35 of The Summer Dare
“I’m not sure I can take that much time off.” When his shoulders slouch and his face fills with disappointment, I quickly add, “But I’ll ask for Saturday and Sunday off. Worse case, I’ll drive myself back to campus. It’s not like I haven’t done it a million times before.”
Reaching across the table, Ryan squeezes my hand. “Thanks, Lanie.”
“I was not prepared for this,”I mutter more to myself than to Lanie, who’s a few steps ahead of me. We’ve been at the book signing for less than five minutes and I’ve already been practically run over by a wagon of books.
A wagon. I can’t make this shit up.
This woman in her mid-fifties had it stacked to the point of overflowing, took a corner too quickly, and nearly took me out in the process. She was on a mission to see Stone Ryder and I was clearly in her way.
I’ve quickly learned, these book women mean business when they step into this event. Some have spreadsheets of books they’ve preordered and purchased. Others have the map marked for where their favorite authors are. All are zipping around with great purpose and are ready to fangirl at the drop of a hat.
Lanie’s approach is far more casual as she leads me fromtable to table checking out books to be read. At first, we were holding hands, but now that she’s picked up a few more paperbacks, I’ve volunteered to be her Sherpa. She signed up for a VIP bag, so now she has two large totes. Of course, being the gentleman I am, I volunteered to carry them. They’re not too heavy—yet. But they have enough room in them for the potential.
When we get to Charlotte’s table I recognize her husband, Luke Leighton, standing beside her. I’m a huge fan of the Rainier Renegades and I’ve followed his career since he was drafted. Taking Lanie’s lead, I wait in line beside her.
Right before it’s her turn to get her books signed, she turns to me. “Can I see the blue bag? I’ve got a few of her books in there. I’m also getting her latest two because I only have the e-books.”
“Sounds good. Just let me know what you need help with.”
“Ahhh…” Luke drawls out in his Tennessee accent to Lanie, “I see you’ve already got him trained good and proper for events like these.” To me, he conspiratorially whispers, “Just carry the bags—and agree to everything she wants to buy.”
“Now that’s my kinda guy,” Charlotte muses as she pats her husband’s arm. “Did ya see his shirt, Luke?”
“That’s where Dame works, right?”
Before she can answer for him, I nod in agreement. “Yeah. He’s actually a friend of mine… well, a friend of a friend… as his fiancée’s brother, Vince, is my best friend.”
Both Charlotte and Luke’s eyes widen in surprise, but it’s Luke that says, “Then you must know Jules.”
Chuckling, I nod. “Yeah. She’s got us all wrapped around her finger—especially her unks’. I’ve been friends with the Larsons since freshman year.”
Charlotte holds a hand to her chest and grins. “I still can’t believe Dame’s getting married. Though he couldn’t have picked a better person as a partner—and that Jules—well, she’s just as precious as they come.”
“Yes, she is,” I agree. “I’m Ryan by the way, and this is Lanie. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
Luke turns his attention to Lanie, who’s holding up three books for Charlotte to sign. “Nice to meet you, Lanie. Can I take those so Charlotte can get them signed for you?”
“I’d also like both books from theFinding Our Wayduet.” Luke picks up the books she mentions and hands them to Charlotte to sign.
“Do you want these made out to you?” Charlotte asks, pen at the ready.
Lanie smiles eagerly. “Just Lanie is fine.” Then she spells it out for Charlotte to write a quick note and then signs her name.
When Luke states how much the books will cost, I hand over the cash before Lanie can reach for her purse. This causes both Charlotte and Luke to laugh. But it’s Luke who says, “That boy’s a keeper, Darlin’. He not only schleps the books, but he’ll buy ya more.”
“Before you go, can I get a picture for my readers’ group?” Charlotte asks, stepping next to her sign. Luke takes a few shots and I grab some as well so I can share them with Lanie.Eventually, Lanie’s books are stowed in the tote bag and we say our goodbyes. Then we move on to the next table.
By the time we get through Stone Ryder’s line, Lanie and I are both ready to call it a day. I have mad respect for those who come prepared with lists and their wagons. I will never doubt the use of wagons again—lesson learned.
By the time we walk from the book signing to Lanie’s, we’re exhausted. We plop onto the couch and I pull her into my side so we can snuggle for a while. As much as I’d love to spend the entire day with her, I’m expected in about an hour at my parents’ place to help my dad move some equipment.
When Lanie’s not her usual talkative self, I look down to see her eyes drifting closed. “Hey,” I whisper and her eyes dart open. “If I stay here, we’ll both fall asleep. I’m gonna go. I’ll text you when I’m done helping my dad.”
“Okay,” she says with a yawn, and I’m not entirely sure she’s heard me.
The moment I extricate myself from her, she stretches out across the entire couch. I take the blanket that she’s struggling to fix from her and cover her. Then I bend down to kiss her on the forehead as I whisper, “Get some sleep.”
As much asI love my sisters, I selfishly miss my time with Ryan. Sure, I’ve seen him these last few days while he worked on the house. We’ve stolen a few kisses now and then, but we haven’t spent any quality time together since Saturday. It’s weird, but I actually miss him. Talking on the phone and texting just isn’t the same.
