Page 82 of Over the Edge

“Those things you just said also go for music. You’re still great at it. People valued what you did.” I almost don’t say it, but after a moment I add, “I know you miss it.”

That should matter, not just the validation it gave him but the way it made him feel. If he wants that life, he should have it. But why can’t he see that as a relevant variable in his decision?

“It wouldn’t be the same, I’d be alone this time around.” His attention snaps back to the sink. “Let’s not talk about it. I’m going back and if you’re worried about what to tell Quinn and Oliver when I leave, I can take care of that,” he says, then hands me a knife. “Careful. Make sure to grab the handle.”

We finish the rest of the dishes in taut silence. No matter what I’ve learned about Garrett, I have to come to terms with the fact that our friendship is still new. Sometimes I feel like I’m navigating a minefield. He’s not explosive, but it makes me ache whenever he tucks himself away from me.

Once done we head back toward the living room.

“Coming in. Please pull on any discarded pieces of clothing!” I project my voice with a similar warning to what Quinn had given to us earlier.

“Get over here. Cuddle me.” I think Quinn is the one to say it but I’m not sure based on how low and hushed the words are.

“Ow. Watch your elbow,” comes a second voice.

“Do you guys need a second?” I ask, not quite sure what we’re interrupting.

“We’re decent!” Oliver croaks.

Quinn is reclined on Oliver’s chest holding a mostly empty glass of wine on the couch. His arms encircle her and rest on her stomach. It feels more different than uncomfortable to see them like this. I think I’ve settled into the fact that the awkwardness I do feel is because it’s as if I missed out watching a season of our favorite show with them. They know all the details and subplots, what characters have been written off, and I’m reading into every context clue I can get.

“Do we have time for a game?” I ask, looking between them as I try to regain the connection we had during dinner. “There’s Monopoly and a few others in the closet.”

“Actually, I think we’re going to call it a night,” Quinn says.

“We have to pick up the wine for the festival tomorrow at this berry farm. You guys should come!” I say. A few days ago, spending the car ride with them would have been impossible. Now, I think we’ll be able to survive it.

Oliver and Quinn exchange a look and a silent conversation passes between them.

“Could be fun,” Oliver says as he shifts to skate his hands up and down the sides of Quinn’s arms.

“I’m not sure you guys are going anywhere unless you brought a kayak with you,” Garrett says. I turn to find him looking out the back window toward the deck. Sheets of rain are coming down obscuring the usual view of the trees

“The car has four-wheel drive,” Quinn counters. “It’s less than two miles.”

“Good for the car. The problem is the road. It turns into a river in weather like this. If you don’t believe me, go check outside.” Garrett raises his arm gesturing toward the door.

This prompts Quinn, Oliver, and I to go look. I know Alina told me the road has drainage problems, but there’s no way it’s that bad. The moment I open the door I realize how wrong I am.

If I didn’t know there was a fully paved road at the base of my driveway, I would have believed there was always rushing water there.

“It’s a low priority project for the town. The water will clear up a few hours after the storm breaks,” Garrett says reassuringly, but that doesn’t seem to comfort anyone.

“We can walk,” Quinn says.

“You mean swim,” Oliver corrects. “Then get hypothermia. I’m sorry, but I don’t exactly want to spend my vacation in bed.”

“We have a spare room,” I offer.

“Oliver, you can borrow some of my clothes,” Garrett says. When I look at him he has this self-satisfied expression that clearly says,Good thing I was thorough.

Garrett’s clothes in my closet remind me about another key factor in this very fun, super voluntary, sleepover scenario. Oliver and Quinn aren’t the only ones stuck here.

And it’s not like Garrett and I can sleep in separate rooms.

29

Evelyn

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