Page 55 of The Story We Wrote

“Oh boy,” Boone mumbled. “What happened?”

“I think we need to talk.” I knew I sounded ominous, but I didn’t know what to say that could make what we needed to talk about any better. The conversation was either going to go well or very bad.

Boone was slow to answer, “Ugh, yeah, sure, when I’m done here, I’ll meet you on your porch. Same spot, keep it warm for me.”

Tipping my head back, I smiled towards the sky. I hoped that the conversation would go well and that the way I was feeling was reciprocated.

I told myself I wouldn’t let Boone Cassidy be my first heartbreak. However, here I was, planning to get ready to lay all my feelings out on the table.

During my shift, I kept looking at the clock and counting down the hours until closing. Jill stayed with me all day, and lucky for me, nothing was weird after the conversation. Having her around to help was a blessing because the traffic was crazy. I didn’t think I would’ve been able to handle it myself. She and I found a rhythm that worked and people found joy in our partnership. I could get used to spending time with Mrs. Cassidy.

Twenty Six

Boone

After Aspen called me this morning, I couldn’t focus on any task for the rest of the day. I was too focused on what she needed to talk to me about and what my mom would have said to her.

When I saw my mom this morning, we made direct eye contact. There was no hiding the fact I was coming from Aspen’s cabin so early in the morning. No words were exchanged between us, just nods and I swear I saw my mom smile.

Going back to the day of our conservation, I downplayed to my mom how I was feeling about Aspen, because I didn’t know how to navigate the situation. I hadn’t felt the spark to get involved in a serious relationship, but I think I’d finally found it with Aspen. There’s an underlying fear that I’ll fuck up the one chance I have at a great woman, and how does someone pull themselves out of that hole if it fails?

Speaking of, Aspen was sitting on the porch swing when I approached the cabins. The stand had closed already, and I avoided going to help clean up because I knew my mom would be there. Mom already knew I was spending my nights at thestand; I couldn’t show up and admit she was right. I felt guilty for not being there. Though, in my head, I was justified.

“Hi, Darling.” I kissed her head and plopped down on the swing. Removing my hat, I placed it on my bent knee.

On the outside, I had to remain cool and collected. Although I was a mess in my head.

Aspen didn’t have a book with her this time, just her glass of red wine. She took a sip and didn’t look in my direction.

Clearing her throat she said, “I think it’s time to be real with myself, and you.” My heart started racing, I had no idea where this was going. Two thoughts popped into my head, one contradicted the other.

“Okay,” I responded hesitantly.

“When I needed someone most, you swooped in and saved me, like some kind of knight in shining armor. Without you, I’d probably be cleaning toilets at the elementary school and living with my parents.” She took a deep breath and exhaled. “I like you, Boone. I look forward to spending time with you, bringing you a muffin, and sitting with you every night in this spot.” Aspen stopped speaking. I wasn’t sure if she was done or if she was trying to think of what to say next. I needed a minute to process what I needed to say next.

Staring off into the distance, Aspen spoke again. “I want to date you, forreal. I want to go out in public with you and not be afraid of what the town thinks. I want to kiss you in The Tequila Cowboy and dance to a cover band. I want to put that hat on my head and claim you, so every woman knows whose bed you’re sleeping in at night.” She refused to look at me as she took another sip of her drink, chugging a little more than the last time.

“I think I’ve wanted you for a while now, probably since the night at the swimming hole. These feelings are new to me and I’m having trouble navigating what to do,” I confessed, my chestfelt a pinch of relief letting go of the words I’ve been wanting to say.

“Me too,” she admitted. “I told myself before I moved in that I wasn’t going to let Boone Cassidy break my heart. I thought I was doing all the right things to protect myself from you and your stupid sexy appeal, but I failed.” This time she laughed and so did I.

“Let me prove to you that your heart will be safe with me.” I placed my hand on her thigh. “I want you to claim me, to hold my hand in public, and to dance with me to the shittiest cover bands.” Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I pulled her close into my chest. I cupped her jaw, angling her head so she was finally looking at me. I took a moment to stare into her beautiful blue eyes. Staring at all her features from the slope of her nose to the freckles on the apples of her cheeks. “Let’s try. Let’s take things slow and see what happens.”

Aspen slowly nodded, leaning up to place her forehead on mine. I kissed her, angling my head to the side. Our kisses were sweet and innocent. My hand fell from her jaw and down to her side, my cowboy hat falling from my knee. The hat was the least of my worries, I wanted to cherish the woman I had before me. I was lucky to have someone like her take a chance on being with a man like me. I explored her mouth with mine, and the taste of red wine melted against my tongue. Our lips fell in sync as I got familiar with the way she kissed.

“I want to take you on a date,” I mumbled in between each peck.

“Where could we go that’s better than this?” she said back, quickly placing kisses one after another.

“I’m not saying it’s better. I want to show you off.” I stopped kissing her and buried my face in the crook of her neck.

“Can we go inside first? We can make it quick,” she said, pulling my head away. I looked up as she was biting her lip,ready to tear me apart. I would never deny her that. Standing up from the swing, Aspen jumped up and I wrapped her legs around my waist to carry her inside. I was going to show her just how much I wanted her.

Aspen

Boone and I hopped into my Jeep and went to the Martin’s drive-in movie theater. It was my idea, because who doesn’t love a good movie from the comfort of your car? As a teenager, Penny, Theo, and I would come here at least once a week to watch a random movie on the big projector.

Cars were already jammed inside the space. The snack stand was handing out popcorn, soda, and a variety of different candies. TonightThe Heatwith Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy was showing, one of my favorite comedies. A movie and some alone time with Boone were exactly what I needed after the mentally exhausting day I had. The conversation with Jill had been weighing on me all day. I spent my shift thinking about what I would say and how I would express how I felt to Boone. I think I did a pretty good job. I liked him a lot and wanted to keep getting to know him. Takingusslow and steady was a perfect approach to the relationship. I wasn’t ready to jump straight into the deep end and neither was Boone. In reality, much wasn’t really changing except for how we both would approach the situation. We were taking a step outside the friend zone.

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