Page 30 of Decked in Red & Greene
“And I’m really into hiking. You know, going out with only a pack, no distractions or running water, just you and nature and?—”
“All right, everyone, it’s time to rotate,” Nina says brightly. Camping guy frowns like he didn’t just talk the entire five minutes about having to pee in the woods while dodging mosquitoes and other creepy crawlies.
I might be born and raised on a farm in Tennessee, but amenities are not negotiable. I might goglampingif the guy is hot enough, which—I squint at his name tag—Paul,is not.
“It was so nice meeting you,” I say sweetly, turning up the Southern charm like the lady I am not.
Usually, that is.
“Gentlemen, it’s time to move!”
Paul gets up and Wade drops into his seat, an amicable smile on his face. “Hi, I’m?—”
“Hold that thought,” I say, standing up and grabbing Bristol by the arm, practically yanking her out of her chair.
“What are you—” she asks but she’s so off-balance I’m able to set her back in front of Wade while I smile at…Aaron.
“Hi, I’m Aspen.”
Aspen and Aaron—not a chance.
“I really wanted to talk to her.” He hitches his thumb at Bristol who is twirling a lock of her hair as Wade says something that has him reaching over to gently touch her hand.
“She’s busy,” I tell him pointedly, mentally changing his name toStephenfor the duration of this date and try to hide my smile.
“Fine, whatever, I’m Aaron and I race…”
Stephen.
He keeps talking and I nod along, commenting where necessary and counting down the minutes until I can leave.
Aaron looks relieved when it’s time to rotate, but before he can even stand, I lean over and offer Wade my hand.
“Hi, I’m Aspen, and she’s my sister-in-law and she has twoverybig and scary brothers, so treat her with the kind of respect and care she deserves. Got it?”
“Um?” Wade’s gaze bounces between Bristol and me before I smile.
“Great! Now you two kids get out of here.” I grab a twenty from my wallet. “Go buy her a drink. She likes the guava margaritas at Just in Queso.”
“Aspen,” Bristol hisses, her cheeks practically flaming.
Pulling her into a forced hug, I kiss the top of her head as she grips my forearms. “Go have fun. You did it. This was what it was about. You don’t need to suffer through the rest.”
“Hey!” Aaron protests, and Wade snickers.
“I love you, now go have fun.”
“Thank you,” she whispers, and I wiggle my cell phone at her, reminding her I can track her location if I have to.
But I doubt I’ll need it.
Wade stands, offering his hand to Bristol. She takes it without hesitation, and they both wave at me as Aaron grumbles, moving two seats past their vacant ones to the next table.
“Nice work.” A man laughs as he drops down across from me before I can also escape. His hair is longer than most but sexy—not shaggy—as he sweeps it off his forehead. His posture screams musician, and it piques my interest because I haven’t done karaoke in…
Better not think about that right now.
“Thanks, she was dreading this and so I thought it better she leave on a high note.”
