Page 6 of Twink Heart

?“It’s such a beautiful day, isn’t it?” I asked as we walked. “I couldn’t stay in the house more than an hour after I woke up. I just had to get out and get some of this sun.”

?“It’s okay,” he replied. “Kinda hot.”

?“That’s why I keep close to the treeline,” I nodded, still grinning from ear to ear. “I can jump back and forth between the two and get the best of both worlds.” I looked up at him. “Ever been to Hardwood Beach before?”

?“No.”

?“Are you a tourist?”

?“No.”

?“Do you live around here, then?”

?“No.”

?Wow. This guy was extra grumpy today. But I wasn’t going to give up.

?“I grew up here,” I said, trying to carry the conversation as we neared the parking lot. “Or well, my parents moved here when I was seven and it’s just where I ended up staying. It’s pretty nice and definitely busy during the summer when all the tourists show up. But I don’t mind. They bring a lot of good business with them, and that keeps this little town ticking for the rest of the year when it’s a bit colder.”

?I paused for a moment, realizing I was rambling.

?“So, if you’re not from here but you’re not a tourist, are you new in town or something?”

?Another sigh. “I guess you could say that. My friend is letting me stay in his cabin while I get some things figured out.”

?“Well, that’s nice of them!”

?“Yeah.”

?I didn’t want to pry too deep. Obviously, whatever was going on with this guy was personal, and it wasn’t my place to question him about it.

?“So… you’re out here alone, then?”

?He lifted an eyebrow in my direction. “Yeah. I guess.”

?“Sorry,” I laughed, patting him on the shoulder. “That probably sounded really creepy! I just wasn’t sure if you’d come out here with family or a partner or something!”

?His face fell. “Nope. Just me.”

?I knew I’d touched a nerve, so I quickly changed the subject. “My name is James,” I said, holding out a hand. “James Hart.”

?“Rowan,” he replied, giving my hand a quick shake.

?“Rowan?” I couldn’t help a grin. “That’s a unique name!”

?“Yep.”

?“Your parents must have had high hopes for you,” I added. “Rowan trees are a symbol of power and wisdom. They’ve got a pretty long sacred history.”

?“I’m not religious,” he replied simply. “And my parents are dead.”

?My heart sank. “Oh… I’m sorry.”

?“Don’t be. I didn’t know them.”

?“Oh… uh…”

?“This is my car,” he said, not waiting for me to make a recovery from the awkwardness I’d suddenly thrust our conversation into. “I should get going.”

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