Page 61 of In the Dust

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We gather around the small fire as hot embers drift up into the sky. I sit on a blanket that’s laid on the grass next to Gina, who’s on a stump.

Harper is on Jackson’s lap in a camping chair; they’re so good together.

“So, did you get lost?” Jackson asks again.

Both Harper and Gina give him a knowing look. “No,” Gina responds, “they were knocking boots in the corn maze.” I snicker at her use of ‘knocking boots’.

“I like her already,” Colton jokes as he sits down behind me, pulling me flush against his chest.

I look to Gina. “So, how’s New York been?”

“Really good, actually,” she says as she zips her leather jacket up. “There’s an art show coming up at the gallery. You should plan a visit for then.”

“Yeah, maybe.” I can feel Colton tensing behind me. “Depends on a few things with the farm, but I’ll think about it.” With my admission, Colton begins to relax again.

“You have plenty of time,” she answers. “It’s not for a while yet.”

Good. I don’t want to ruin our night with some lame excuses as to why I never want to step foot back in New York. It’s crazy how that has changed. When I first got here, I couldn’t wait to leave. Now, it’s the last thing I want to do.

“Oh, guess who I ran into before I left?” She rolls her eyes, giving away the answer.

“Let me guess—”

Colton interrupts, “A certain city boy with soft hands?”

“Oh, he’s good.” She giggles. “Yes, Brad and his little bunny were leaving the coffee shop as I was walking in.”

“Are they dating?” I question, not that I care. I’m more so surprised, I guess. I figured they were just sneaking around since I would never give him that part of myself.

Colton clears his throat, obviously not liking my question.

“No,” she answers matter-of-factly. “Last I heard, she’s still chasing him, waiting on him hand and foot, and he’s been moping around.”

Serves him right. “I see nothing’s changed.”

“That’s what he deserves,” Colton points out.

Exactly.

“I’m so happy you’re here, Gina.” I tilt my head to the side and offer her a sweet smile. “It’s so good to see you.”

“I’m happy I was able to make it.” She winks at Colton, like a little thank you for helping. “I’m just sad I have to leave so early in the morning, but I have to meet up with so many vendors.”

I frown. “Aww man, I was hoping to show you around the farm!”

She looks around. “Show me, then.”

I point to the sky. “It’s too dark right now.”

She stands up, wiping off her pants. “That’s because it’s nighttime, Dixie. Come on.” She extends her hand to me. “I’d love to see everything.”

“Wanna come?” I ask Colton.

He shakes his head and holds up his beer. “You two ladies have fun!”

I look to Harper, and she says, “I’m going to have you every day. Go spend time with her.”

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