Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 67398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“So—” I opened my mouth only to shut it quickly again as Cara narrowed her eyes further at me.
“However, overall, I love my life,” Cara continued, warming to the topic, as animated as I’d ever seen her. “The strong friendships I’ve built at each duty station, the chance to show the girls so much of the world, how I’ve been able to prove myself in a way I never could have back home. And Craig wouldn’t be Craig without his years of service.”
“And when he makes general, he damn well better thank you at the ceremony.”
“Oh, Nolan.” Cara groaned and beat her head lightly against the fridge.
“No, no, I get what you’re saying.” I risked stepping close enough to put a hand on her shoulder.
“Do you?” Tone highly suspicious, she peered up at me. “Do you really?”
“I have to stay for my own reasons,” I parroted the answer she was looking for, yet her expression remained unconvinced. Which was understandable. I could deliver the line, but the problem remained that Merry was my reason for staying. And if said reason wasn’t speaking to me, staying got that much harder.
Twenty-Six
The new semester is underway, and it’s wonderful to see all the fresh enthusiasm along with some new faces. As the rainy season continues, please remember to keep the water outside where it belongs! Let’s try to minimize puddles. We wouldn’t want any accidents.
MERRY
I missed Nolan. I wasn’t about to give in and do something foolish like go talk to the guy, but I missed him. I missed him when I heard strains of the choir practicing in the halls. I missed him when I saw him across the courtyard at lunch making Ken and Principal Alana crack up with some classic Nolan story. I missed him when Ryder asked when Nolan was coming over, and I missed him when my mom asked when she could next expect to see the four of us.
Over a week into the spring term, I still wasn’t used to the new schedule, nor had I made my peace with Nolan staying.
“You have to talk to me sometime.”
Crap. Looking more tempting than a giant sugar cookie, Nolan lounged against the wall right outside my classroom, predatory gaze saying he’d been lying in wait since school ended.
“I’m not sure what to say.” Well, I could say how I’d thought I’d be in the clear by waiting ten minutes to exit my classroom, but that wouldn’t help anything.
“Say dinner.” Nolan smiled far more brightly than I deserved. “Friday night?”
I moved my lips but doubted I managed more than a ghost of a smile.
“I’ve got outdoor club camping with the boys plus a quick stop at my folks afterward on Saturday.” That my mother would be delighted to have Nolan along was another thing best left unsaid. “We’ll be back Sunday night, sorry.”
“Sunday night nightcap…err…Dole Whip?” Nolan still managed an admirable amount of cheer, mentioning the frozen pineapple dessert we both liked but I couldn’t let myself have right then. Couldn’t let my guard down.
“Prep for Monday. Laundry.” My voice was as flat as my hope for getting out of this conversation unscathed. “The mundane parts of teaching and parenting.”
“So, in other words, yes, you are going to keep avoiding me.” Nolan shook his head, disappointment shining in his eyes. “I care about you, Merry. So much.”
“I care about you too,” I whispered. I could dodge him, but I couldn’t outright lie to Nolan, even now.
“Then what are we doing?” He made a frustrated noise. “I miss you. I stayed here, and I’m still missing you.”
“I’m sorry.” The words weighed heavily on my tongue, tasting rusty and bitter.
“Uncle Nolan!” Stella flew down the hall on a wave of righteous indignation. “Athena was so mean.”
“I better be going.” Like the coward I was, I used the interruption to sneak out of the school, collecting Ryder and Legend from the soggy soccer field.
Sunday morning was sunny, and I managed some solo surfing while my dad took the boys to breakfast. After I unloaded my board from the top of my hatchback, I encountered Grandpa soaking up the morning sun in a deck chair on the patio off of my parents’ kitchen.
“Decent waves?” Grandpa asked as Barney flopped at his feet. Once a surfer, always a surfer, and although the last thing I wanted was to talk to anyone, I’d always make time for him.
“A few good rides.” I plopped down in the chair next to him.
“Ha. You look like the board rode you, not the other way around.” Grandpa snorted, making me regret sitting.
“It’s been a week.”
“Your mother says you turned down a free pie to take back to your friend.” His suspicious tone and narrow eyes made it clear he was on a gossip hunt.
“I’m not sure when I’m seeing Nolan next.” I gestured vaguely with one hand. Technically, I’d be forced to see him tomorrow at school, but a guy could dream.