Page 39 of The Pass
Sleep was fitful and the blue balls I went to bed with were super distracting, so I planned out all five dates. They’re epic. One plus of dating Sydney now instead of two years ago is how much more I know about her.
My dick aches to finally get inside of my best friend, but I meant what I told her… I want to do it right. Not many people get a do-over so I’m going to guess a triple-over is even rarer. I’m not going to need a third try though. I’m getting it right this time.
I can hear the shower going in Sydney’s bathroom as Datson and I pack the cooler.
“Jonah’s having a party tonight and Ollie’s down this year too.” I toss in a half-empty bottle of Malibu and a couple of cans of Coke.
“I’m so stoked to be here. Two weeks at home sweating my ass off working on the farm with my dad and brothers and I’m ready for school to start.”
“Did you tell them you’re not planning to work there after graduation?”
“Nah, not yet. I don’t want to listen to them lecture me for the rest of the summer about letting down the family.” He rolls his eyes.
The Datson family owns a farm not far from here and despite his brothers all wanting to stay and help run it, my buddy still feels pressure to go back after graduation. I think if he knew what he wanted to do instead, his family would be more understanding. All he does seem to know is it isn’t farming.
I’m hardly one to talk since I’m struggling to make a decision about my own future, but I give him the advice everyone’s been giving me.
“Do whatever feels right for you. It’s your life.” People who say that have never had any pressure from their family or coaches.
With a sigh, I give himmybest advice—no bullshit. “Just be honest and tell them you want a chance to pursue other things. It isn’t like the farm is going anywhere if you change your mind.”
He mumbles his acknowledgment but in a way that I very much doubt he’s going to act on my words.
The cooler is packed and I let the lid fall closed.
“All right, let’s do it.” He claps his hands.
I glance toward Sydney’s room. The shower’s not running anymore, but my girl hasn’t come out.
“Let me just go check to see if Sydney’s coming.”
“Yeah, sure. I think I’ll start down.” He picks up the cooler and heads out the back door.
The door to the spare bedroom is ajar, but I knock and call out, “Babe?”
“Back here.” Her voice carries from the small attached bathroom.
She’s leaned over, her hair falling over her face as she finger-combs it and then flips the long, blonde mane back and stands straight. The way girls get ready is strange.
“Datson’s chomping at the bit to get out on the lake. Are you ready?”
“Go ahead. I’m going into town. Coach found a physical therapist here for me to check in with, and I want to see if I can get a yoga mat and some bands for here.”
I hadn’t noticed before, but she’s not dressed for a day on the lake. I slide a hand over her waist. The thin, cotton material of the bright yellow dress isn’t as soft as her skin, but it’s probably good I have a barrier right now.
Being able to touch her like this still trips me out a little. “Is it crazy that I’m thinking a day shopping sounds better than the lake right now?”
Her sweet laughter echoes in the small space, and she steps closer and wraps her arms around my neck. “You’d be bored out of your mind in the first five minutes. I know how you are with shopping.”
Bored while with her? Doubtful.
“You’ll come with us to Jonah’s tonight, right?”
“Yeah. I’ll be back later this afternoon.”
“Keys to the Firebird are on the kitchen counter,” I say like I’m leaving but don’t move.
“Thanks. Have fun with Datson.”
