Page 44 of Loving Carter

He narrows his eyes, which reminds me of Carter. When Carter does that, it usually means I won’t like whatever question comes next.

“What about the rest?” Kellan asks.

“What rest?” I think I know what he means, but I’m hoping I don’t.

Kellan shakes his head slowly. “It’s no use pretending you don’t understand. I know you do. What are you going to do about Carter? I know the two of you have shifted off the ‘we’re just friends’ description and are moving in a new direction. So what happens now?”

How can he know this? I’m sure Carter didn’t tell him. I just stare at him.

Kellan laughs softly. “I’m not blind, Skylar. I could tell from the way Carter’s been acting that something’s going on. I also can add. One and one makes two, even if the ones think they’re only friends and nothing more. Sooner or later, they’ll make two.”

I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry. All I can think to say is, “Don’t tell your aunts.”

“I won’t, but FYI. You need to work on your poker face if you plan to come out to the ranch. You had a dreamy sort of look on your face when you two walked in. Come to think of it, so did he.”

“No, he didn’t.” I’m sure of that. Carter isn’t the dreamy face kind. But I am, so I know Kellan may be right.

“He’s going to leave. You know that, right?” Kellan says. “I’m not saying this to upset you. I just want you to know there’s a giant emotional ditch you’re about to fall in.”

It’s an odd example, but I know what he’s saying. “I know Carter wants to leave.”

“And you’re okay with it?”

I’m not sure what to say to Kellan, and before I can say anything, Edna and Carter come back out. I stand and try to read Carter’s expression, but I can’t tell what he’s thinking. Looks like his poker face is pretty good.

“They’re taking her to the room. Since it’s so late, we’ll leave her be,” Carter says. He walks over to stand next to me. I want to reach out and take his hand, but I don’t think I should.

“That’s good,” Kellan says, standing. “Aunt Edna, your chariot awaits. Carter has to take Skylar home, so you get to ride with me again. It’s your lucky night.”

As Carter is saying goodbye to his aunt, Kellan slides up next to me. “I’m usually the one who hears this rather than says it, but think things over before you do anything.”

When Carter comes over, Kellan smiles at him. “Have a good evening.”

We all walk out to the parking lot together. Kellan and Edna were able to park pretty close, but Carter’s truck is a fair distance from the door. As we walk, I try to think of what to say.

Finally, I settle for, “Did she seem okay?”

Carter sighs. “Yes. She’s having a great time. Cracking jokes with the staff and making Edna crazy. She thinks it’s funny.”

We’ve reached his truck, and I get in. As he drives back to my house, I’m unsure what else to say. It looks like Tillie is going to recover nicely from this accident, but I’m not sure the same is true of Carter.

“Are you okay?” I ask, concerned about how all this has affected him.

I want him to talk to me, not close me out. He’s sitting so straight I know his muscles are rigid, and his hands are wrapped tightly around the steering wheel. At my question, he relaxes a little and sighs loudly.

“I can’t believe my aunts,” he says. “You’d think they’d know they must be careful at their age.”

“I think your aunts can’t help enjoying life,” I say.

“Yeah, well, they need to enjoy it with a little less enthusiasm.”

I pat his arm and point out, “They spend a lot of their time in the rocking chairs.” I wait as a couple of minutes pass, then I say, “But isn’t it just like one of your aunts to try to follow dance moves she saw on the internet. My dad always said your aunts have spunk.”

“Spunk?” Carter laughs softly, and I know he’s finally relaxing. “Yeah, I guess they do.”

“They find a lot of joy in life,” I say. “You can’t begrudge them that.”

He’s quiet after that, and I don’t know if he’s thinking about what I said or not. When he reaches my house, he walks me to my door. I consider asking him in, but I know he’ll say no. I’m not sure what to do, so finally I hug him, and he hugs me back. It’s a great hug. A perfect hug.

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