Page 51 of Bourbon & Bonfires

“Hey, don’t let your mom hear you say that,” I chastise.

“I’m not sure there’s a better way to express how I feel. This is crazy. It’s almost like the skate park in town.”

“Yeah, Spencer is responsible for that. That’s part of his foundation, building skate parks in areas that may not always have funding for them. I’ve never seen you with a board, do you skate?”

“I have a board, but it’s not like I’m good or anything. I can’t imagine trying to ride out here. It’s nuts.”

I stand around a bit as Mason walks the half pipe and runs his hand across the rails. I’ve seen a lot of expressions on this kid, but the look of pure awe as he approaches me is something I wish Addison could see.

“This place is so cool. Do you think when Spencer is back, you can ask him if I can watch him skate?”

“We’ll see, kid. Let’s get to work.”

For the next few hours, Mason and I work side by side to move the furniture into the house. We are slow and meticulous so not to damage the walls or the furniture. After wiping everything down and sweeping the room, I indulge Mason with a few minutes in the back taking selfies. I begrudgingly let him take one of the both of us to send to Addison.

By the time we get home, it’s dinner time, and I’m exhausted. I’m also jonesin’ for a fix from my girlfriend. I’ve hardly spoken to her today, only a few text messages this morning. Mason spoke to her on our way home from Spencer’s, and she made sure to remind him of things I’m sure they discuss every Sunday night before the new school and work week. It seems slightly ridiculous that I’d miss her, it’s only been a few days, but I do. I’ve grown used to our nights together, and now that I’ve slept with her in my arms more than once, the nights aren’t the same.

“You okay to lock up? I’m going to shower and turn in early.”

“Yeah, I’m cool. I’ll go to bed as soon as this is over.” I wave Mason off as I walk out of the room, but then I hear him laugh before speaking. “Tell my mom goodnight!” Little brat.

I quickly shower before pulling on a pair of sleep pants and climbing onto my bed, pillows stacked behind me so I’m sitting. I grab my phone and stare at the home screen icons. Without second guessing, I click the video chat icon instead of call.

“Hey,” she says as she pushes hair out of her face. She looks exhausted and stressed.

“Hey, Turnip.” My tone is teasing, and she offers me a small smile.

“You’re so weird.”

“I am. How’s it going there?” I ask as I watch her move around the room before settling on a bed. She’s mimicking the same position as me, and I wish she was here with me so I could hold her.

“It’s okay. Sad. Awkward. It’s like something is going on, and I don’t know what it is. Scarlett is ... I don’t know. Off.”

“You said her blood pressure is high? Maybe she doesn’t feel well.”

“Maybe. I don’t know. She’s been complaining of a headache. That’s why I didn’t want to leave. She isn’t showing any other signs of distress or concern, but I wouldn’t feel right leaving here in case something was wrong. She has an appointment in the morning with her doctor. I offered to go with her, and then I’ll head home. How’s Mason?”

“He’s fine. We’re fine. I told you I could handle this. I’m ready for you to come home though.”

“Me too. I miss you guys. Is that weird?”

“Missing me? Nope, seems reasonable if you ask me. I’m pretty awesome.”

That comment makes her laugh and for the next thirty minutes we just talk. The conversation is light, and her spirits seem to lift. Then the yawning starts. I’m not sure if it was her or me who yawned first but within minutes neither of us can get out more than three words without rubbing our eyes or yawning.

“I’m going to let you go; you’re tired and have a long drive tomorrow. Let me know when you leave and check in when you stop, okay?”

“Okay. I am exhausted. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Night, babe.”

“Night, lov—Landon.”

Before I can ask what she started to say, because I want to know if it’s what I think it is, she taps her screen and my phone goes dark. She wasn’t going to say what I think she was. Was she? She’s just tired. It’s too soon for that. My turnip is nothing if not cautious. But, the thought of her even considering those words doesn’t suck.

Cockiness isn’t a word I would normally use to describe myself. I mean, I can be a little full of myself but it’s usually in good fun. I’m confident and from the attention I’ve received since puberty, I know I’m not hard on the eyes. For the last few days I’ve told Addison, with much confidence, that I was handling things with Mason fine. Other than his desire to sleep away the entire morning yesterday, we haven’t had any issues.

That changed an hour ago when my phone rang, and it was a local number I didn’t recognize. I rarely take calls when I’m on a call, but for some reason, this time I answered it. It was the Lexington Police Department. First, my heart dropped with worry that something had happened to Mason. I imagined a slew of possible scenarios. He was hit by a car on his way to school. He fell in gym class and broke his arm. That’s very specific, but it happened to a kid when I was in school, so it seemed reasonable. What if he broke his head? I know you can’t actually break your head, well, I guess you can, but it was what popped inmy headwhen the person on the line asked to speak toMr. Montgomery. Nothing good ever comes from being called Mister anything.

---