Page 33 of Chasing Sunrise

“Ready, Kasey?” Simpson asked.

What he really wanted to do was sit quietly and take in the sight. Instead, he turned toward the cameraman. “My friends, as you can see, the view is spectacular. If you look...”

~

Amanda closed her computer. School ended an hour ago. She’d stayed late to meet with the parents of a student who suffered from dysgraphia, a learning disability. The student had been diagnosed in grade school when writing became a nearly impossible task. Luckily, he’d gotten an individualized education plan and thrived now. Sometimes he still asked for oral exams in place of written, but he’d practiced diligently and could write well.

She considered him one of the lucky ones. Sometimes the smartest kids did poorly in school because of unidentified learning disabilities. When she became a school counselor, she vowed to do anything in her power to help her students succeed.

Her phone vibrated. She picked it up and saw Kasey’s name on a text message. Despite the fact he’d gotten her number the night of book club, it’d been almost a week and this was her first time to hear from him.Thought about you today.

Oh,she responded.

I saw a beautiful hummingbird, and it made me think of you.

I’m not sure how I feel about that,Amanda returned.Hummingbirds are mean and flighty little things. They move in jerky motions. Am I worse at dancing than I thought?

The bubble with three dots blinked on and off, then his message came through. You’re so suspicious. I thought of you because of the beauty of the bird. I’m not sure I’ve seen a prettier one.

A smile took over her whole body. It had been a while since anyone called her beautiful. She’d forgotten how very sweet and endearing it was for someone to think of her with such, for lack of a better word, admiration.That’s sweet.

I’m sweet.

I guess you are. How was your day?

As good as it could be working with my ex-girlfriend.

He sounded more annoyed than mad. Amanda took that as a good sign. Anger led to deep emotions while annoyance tended to be less meaningful.

And your day?he asked.

Busy. I’m still at work.

When I return to town next week, want to have a completely platonic meal with me?

A flutter flickered in her stomach, and she had no idea why. Neither of them wanted more than friendship. Right?How can a girl refuse such a benign, non-sexual invitation? Text or call me with the deets.

He sent a smiley face.

Be careful, Kasey.She’d watched enough episodes of his show to know his job proved dangerous at times.

Always,he returned.

~

Amanda sat across fromKasey atBurnt Ends, a local barbeque restaurant. He’d texted for her to meet him after school. Large windows, pictures of bluebonnets, and blue and white checkerboard tablecloths lent a cheery country feel to the place. At four in the afternoon, it was mostly deserted, with only five other patrons in the whole place. When she arrived, Kasey was posing for photos with customers and workers. The waitstaff still whispered and motioned toward their table. Not to mention the shameless way their waitress flirted with Kasey. She’d even undone the top two buttons on her black shirt, to show off her ample cleavage.

The brisket Amanda ordered tasted smoky and melted in her mouth. The sides of coleslaw, baked beans, and bread complimented the meal perfectly. Glad this wasn’t any kind of date, she could eat as much garlic bread as she wanted.

He finished his plate and pushed it away from him. “Would you like to go camping?”

“Hard pass.”

A scowl darkened his expression. “You’re not even going to think about it?”

“I’ve never been camping, and I’m never going to go. Ever.”

“Come on,” Kasey insisted. “It’ll be fun.”

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