Page 12 of Finding Ash
“You can hug me anytime.”
Ash glanced up at me. “Can I kiss you too?”
“Absolutely.” Had to admit, this was a great way to start my day. Ash dashed off and I quickly downed a bowl of cereal and a lukewarm cup of coffee before I logged in and finished the assignment. With that done and fired off to Eddy, I finally showered, then gathered my laundry to tackle tomorrow.
Mom sent the dates for their visit. I’m sure it was okay for them to stay with me, but I wanted to run it by Nate and Kit first. With time to spare before our date, I went to Pints to talk to them.
“Evening, Remy, what brings you in? Don’t you have a date to get ready for?” Word sure did get around fast here.
“I do, but I wanted to run something by you first. My mom and my sister are coming for a visit, and I told themthey could stay with me. Probably should’ve asked you before I offered.”
Nate laughed. “That is not a problem at all. If we weren’t booked for the summer, I’d offer them a room upstairs. Thanks for checking, but that’s your space and your family. I hope they enjoy Foggy. Bring them in to meet us if you can.”
“Will do. Mom works remotely, so she may be in when she needs a break from my sister Kara and me.” We had a tendency to get a bit rambunctious while playing games together.
“She’s more than welcome to claim a seat like Merle has.”
“Hey now, I’m a permanent fixture, and don’t you two forget it.”
I never could tell if Merle was serious or not, but he and Nate were pretty tight. “Thanks, Nate. I’m off to find Ash.” Turned around and ran face-first right into the man.
“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Merle took a swig of his beer. “But I think you found him.”
“Sorry about that. Are you okay?”
“Yes, just a little wind knocked from me. Everything okay?” Ash glanced from me to Nate.
“Absolutely. Remy’s family is coming to town,” Nate informed him. “Can’t wait to meetthem.”
“Me too!” Kit chimed in as he stepped behind the bar. “We get to meet the in-laws.”
Ash choked, on instinct I patted his back like I did my kid sister. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just swallowed down the wrong pipe.” He flashed Kit a mean face, or at least what I believe he thought it was. Didn’t have the heart to tell him he looked constipated. “Ready to go?”
“Let’s roll.”
Hand in hand we took our time strolling down Main Street, peeking into storefront windows along our way to the diner. The weather was perfect, and the company was even better.
“Did you get the game done?” Ash asked, breaking the silence.
“I did. Hopefully Eddy doesn’t find any issues, and the launch can be scheduled. It’s always a big deal when new games premiere. Some places hold launch parties for people who preorder it. It’s insane, at times they’ll literally release a game at midnight, and gamers line up hours beforehand and wait.”
“That is insane. I can’t imagine wanting anything enough to stand in line for hours for it. Gaming fans are loyal fans.”
“That they are. We are an interesting bunch for sure.” I held the door open for Ash to step inside first. As soon as we did a round of hellos rumbled through.
“Welcome back, boys. Pick a seat and we’ll be right with you.”
Huh, that was new. It must be because the place wasn’t packed like last night. Ash snagged a booth, and I surprised him when I slid in beside him rather than taking the seat across. “I like this bench better.”
He giggled and blushed. “Me too. Now we can people-watch together.”
The lights under the canopy along both sides of Main Street came on, offering just the right amount of light without overpowering the amazing night. Folks wandered past, bags in hand, enjoying the weather and the friends they were shopping with.
You always hear about small towns in rural America but fail to believe they could be as quaint and picturesque as books and movies portray. Thankfully, Foggy didn’t disappoint. I can’t imagine how miserable I’d be if it were otherwise or just a smaller version of an obnoxious big city. Walking around Sacramento at night wasn’t wise, yet here it was safe and so worth it.
“What are you thinking about?” Ash asked, drawing me back in.
