Page 30 of Forever Fickle

“Would you want to do something tomorrow evening after work?” he asked quietly.

“I figured you had already secured the next few days…” she teased nervously, feeling so exposed at the idea that they might actually go on a few dates while he was in town after all.

“I would never assume without asking you out officially.”

“Yes, I’m free tomorrow evening,” she replied, secretly pleased that he was asking instead of just anticipating that they’d spend time together. “What did you have in mind?”

“Honestly? I’m not sure yet,” he chuckled nervously. “I need to rethink my mode of operation and switch from ‘romance’ to ‘friendship’… but I will think of something for the two of us.”

“I wasn’t trying to be mean about it,” she sputtered nervously, feeling odd for having put him on the spot.

“No, I’m glad you said something, because I would rather that we get to know each other better – just like this,” Jace assured her and then reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. “It makes it special to me and unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced.”

Karen nodded, realizing the truth of his words and how close to home it hit for her – and him.

“Annnd I think we should probably head back soon,” Jace said regretfully, pulling his hand away. “We are losing the sunlight completely and I would rather you get home safely.”

“This is Yonder,” Karen smiled. “Nothing happens here.”

“Did you grow up here?”

“No, I grew up in Tyler – not far away. I moved out this way when I accepted my first teaching commission. They needed a teacher at the elementary school, and it seemed perfect for me.”

“I see.”

“Do you have family in Tyler?”

“My parents, a brother, and a sister. Do you have any siblings? You mentioned your parents…”

“I have a sister.”

“Older or younger?”

“Younger… she’s two years younger than me and a complete twerp,” he smiled affectionately. “I love her to pieces but would never admit it.”

“Same for me. My brother is an arrogant thing that drives me nuts, my sister is independent, so strong-willed, and very quiet sometimes… and I’m the baby of the family.”

“Strong-willed must be a family trait,” Jace muttered, before casting a quick smile her way to soften his words.

“It is,” she smiled.

“Sit up straight, we are landing,” he said suddenly, changing subjects, and she felt a bump a few seconds later as the plane glided in. He’d completely kept her distracted which kept her from panicking like she had when they’d taken off.

“You’re a sneaky thing…” she whispered, looking at him in realization.

“What?” he said innocently, before grinning at her. “I really wanted to know if you have family here and to get to know you better. I promise. Maybe if I’m lucky, I can meet your family someday?”

“I don’t think so…” she muttered, causing him to freeze immediately.

“Really?” he said tightly, looking shocked. “Am I that horrible a person?”

“No…” Karen sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging. “Don’t look so upset about it. I need to keep you away from my parents. My mother would freakin’ love you and never quit nagging me about where you were or what you were doing. This is best for the both of us, by far.”

Jace burst out laughing, catching her by surprise.

“Then I definitely want to meet your mom while I’m here.”

“I bet you do…” she grumbled, fidgeting with the door. “How do you open this thing? I need to get out… now.”

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