Page 18 of Whatever You Want

“It’s a surprise,” I said, merging onto the interstate. The car ride was filled with light conversation and her teasing me about my Spotify playlist. I was glad to see that she was in a lighter mood than earlier.

“I told you,” I said, turning onto the rough terrain road that led to the state park. “Shawn Mendes and Harry Styles are on there for Brina.”

“Sure.” Her tone was teasing, and then it stopped. “Are you planning on burying my body in the woods or something?” She looked around, unsure about where I had brought her. The truck bounced along the unpaved gravel road. There was nothing around but trees and nature for miles. It was completely dark and secluded.

“This is where I come to clear my head. It’s peaceful and relaxing.”

“I had no idea this place existed,” she said as we pulled up along the creek. This was as far as my truck was legally permitted to go. The only vehicles that were allowed to go deeper into the woods were the park rangers.

I shifted my truck into park and turned off the ignition. “Come on.” I opened my door and hopped out. “I’ve got a few things in the back.”

“I swear to God. If you pull out a shovel, I’m running.” She looked down at her feet. “I may be in heels, but I’ll use them as weapons if I have to.”

I laughed. “You probably shouldn’t tell me that. A smart captive wouldn’t tell her kidnapper her escape plan.”

I walked around and pulled out the storage bin where I kept all my camping stuff. I set up the two folding chairs, the small table, the lantern, a can of bug spray, and my little radio.

“See.” I smiled and held my hands out. “No shovel or spade, but I do have some duct tape and some fishing line to tie you up.”

“If you tell another dumb fish joke, I will run you over with your own truck.” She settled into the chair and smiled. I handed her a sweatshirt to put on and grabbed a few drinks I purchased at the store.

“I promise to be on my best behavior.” I tilted my face up to the moon. There was a slight breeze, making it feel less humid. “I love the outdoors, in case you didn’t know.”

There were no horns, no sirens, and best of all, no construction; just peace and quiet, clean air, and a fresh breeze.

“I can tell.” She sprayed some bug spray on her legs and handed me the can.

I sprayed a little bit along my arms and the back of my neck. I took a sip from my water bottle and glanced up at the night sky. “If you like to hike, you won’t find better trails than you will here. There are also a few watering holes that are great for swimming even though you’re not supposed to.”

“I take it you come here often.”

I leaned against the flatbed of my truck. “Whenever I have the time.”

“Do you ever bring Brina with you?”

I laughed. “I’ve tried a few times but she’s not a nature girl and gets bored easily.”

“Does she take after her mother?”

I crossed my legs at the ankles and stared up into the sky. “When it comes to camping, yes.”

“Amelia mentioned that you and your ex-wife don’t get along. That’s got to make raising a child together more difficult.”

I got the feeling that she was trying to take the attention off of her tonight. While I didn’t like to talk about my ex, I would give her the distraction she needed.

I slid into the empty chair next to her. “Vanessa was never someone I pictured forever with, but she got pregnant shortly after we started dating.” I ran a hand over my ticking jaw, scratching it at the side. “I grew up looking at my parents’ marriage and thought that’s what I wanted someday. I thought I was doing the right thing when I asked her to marry me. I tried to make it work but things were difficult right from the start.” I let out a heavy sigh. “As time went on, things continued to get worse. I’ll spare you all the ugly details, but my ex-wife isn’t the easiest person to get along with. I don’t want to talk bad about her because she is the mother of my child, and I don’t want to sound like an asshole, but there just wasn’t enough good in our relationship to outweigh the bad. I was walking around angry and miserable all the time. I didn’t want my daughter to think that was okay. I would never want that kind of marriage for her, but I didn’t want to be just a weekend dad either.”

She reached out and touched my hand. “You’re a good dad, Logan. Brina is lucky to have you, and I would never think you’re an asshole. It sounds like you tried to make the best out of a shitty situation.”

I swallowed and focused on the moon. “Thanks. I do my best. If I did anything right in this life, it was her.”

I was grateful she wasn’t focusing on my failed marriage and relieved that she was being so understanding. There was a small part of me that feared she would think less of me after that conversation.

She shifted in her chair and crossed her legs. She seemed to be content in the moment while we both sat there listening to the leaves blowing in the soft breeze.

“I meant what I said, Logan, you’re a good guy. Your ex-wife just wasn’t the right one for you.”

“How do you know I’m a good guy?” I asked, sliding my hands along the armrest of the chair before I did something stupid like pull her on my lap. All I could think about was that kiss, and I wanted another one. I wanted a kiss that meant something to both of us.

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