Page 26 of The Pass Protection
“Sure, let’s have a deep conversation on a bus surrounded by dozens of ears who would love to learn more about the mysterious coach’s daughter.”
“Do you have to be such a smart-ass about it?”
“Yeah, I do. Last I checked, my problems were mine.” Reaching up, I start to slip my headphones back in, but Grant’s large hand stops me.
“Chill, I’m just letting you know you’re not alone.”
“And I’ve told you I appreciate it, but you’ve got to let me breathe, G.”
With a tight-lipped smile, he leans the side of his head against mine as he squeezes my knee. “I’m trying, Addy. Call it brotherly intuition, but I’m worried.”
“I love you, big bro.”
“Love you too, sis.”
We’ve been traveling on this two-lane highway for over an hour with nothing but farms, cornfields, and small towns to look at. The bus is stopped at a light with only a Dollar General and Tractor Supply Store in the middle of the country. As the driver begins to accelerate, movement on the bus has everyone rustling in their seats.
Grant nudges my shoulder and points out the window to a makeshift billboard up ahead. Hanging off a lift are the words, “Welcome Home, Crew.”
My head whips toward the back of the bus as I find a slack-mouthed Crew staring out the window.
Following the winding road, we come across a wetland where one of the guys points out eagles in the tree. As we near another town, more billboards and signs welcome us. The signs say everything from “Congrats Eagles,” “Welcome CTU,” and “We Missed You, Eighty-Eight.”
Moisture gathers on my lids as I flip my head to the back of the bus to watch Crew and read more signs. But it’s the green corporation limit sign that catches my eye.
Silo Bay.
We’re driving through Crew’s hometown. Emotion clogs my throat as an overwhelming feeling washes over me. Is this what Dad’s big surprise was?
The bus rounds a curve as we continue driving into Silo Bay. Coral, yellow, turquoise, mint, and white buildings capture my attention as we drive into town. The beautiful townhomes have me feeling like I’m driving through a Florida beach town and not an Ohio lake town.
The squeaking of brakes causes the bus to slow down as it turns right onto a road next to the lake on a bank. A large lighthouse welcomes us as we drive by the blue-green water. The buses stop outside a turquoise and red building with metal sheets and synthetic thatch details.
“I need everyone’s attention.” Dad’s booming voice fills the confines of the bus as everyone’s attention snaps to him. “We’ve been invited by some of the lovely citizens of Silo Bay to enjoy a team dinner. This has been in the works since the schedule came out last spring. Riggsby, welcome home. I believe there’s a woman out there who has been working her tail off to make sure you have a great homecoming.”
My eyes find Crew’s, and I can see that he’s fighting his emotions right now. He looks over, and our gazes lock as I flash him a grin.
“Sunset Shore Resort and Grill has prepared a meal for all of us. I expect everyone to behave respectfully. I know this is an unusual dinner, but we should be honored to be invited. No drinking. No disrespect. And no wondering off.
“Past the stage, if you follow the boardwalk you will find a green space of turf. Under the shelter house will be tables of food and coolers of drinks. Feel free to eat wherever you want as long as you are on Sunset Shore property.” Dad claps his hands and turns to exit the bus.
Chatter erupts around us, but I don’t hear anything. I’m busy watching the man who has torn through the walls I’ve desperatelytried to keep standing. But he’s weaseled his way in, and this afternoon I get a glimpse of the town that made Crew.
And to meet his mother.
This resort is incredible. The grill is two stories high with an outdoor balcony on the second floor. The main level is connected to an outdoor patio which leads to a turf-covered surface underneath a large tent with the sides rolled up. A wooden stage is set on the far end with a local band playing music. Behind the tent is a huge wooden deck with a tugboat in the center of it. The boat has been turned into a bar and wood-fired kitchen.
The team spills out all over the property. While a handful are inside, most are scattered around underneath the tent or sitting on the deck. Some are at picnic tables in the green space where the food was set up. Small shacks line one side of the marketplace while a large sand volleyball court sits on part of the open space.
I can see why Crew wants to come back home and help on the family farm. This place is incredible.
While my parents have been visiting with our hosts and Crew has been chatting with his mom and sister, I’ve had the opportunity to roam and snap pictures. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my phone and send Olivia a picture of Silo Bay.
Me: *image of Lake Drummond looking back toward the front of Sunset Shore Grill with a palm tree in the background*
Me: You never told me Ohio could look this pretty!
Olivia is from Ohio and has been trying to get me to come home with her for the holidays since I’ve known her. It never worked out, and it feels so weird being in her home statewithout her. She’s told me about Silo Bay, but she didn’t grow up here. Her small town is only an hour away.
