Page 2 of Pax

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “I think it’s creepy. I’ll get in touch with her when I come back after basic.”

“You’re an idiot. You’re my twin, and I love you, but you’re an idiot. By the time you get back she’s going to be dating some college frat guy named Chad, wearing pink polo shirts and canvas tennis shoes.”

“She’d never date anyone like that,” laughed Pax.

“Says you,” grinned Brax, heading to the dance floor to spin around with one of their guests. Pax frowned at his brother, then turned and left the massive tent. It was a warm early summer night, and the cicadas and bullfrogs were singing their songs.

Nighttime in the bayou was far more beautiful than anyone could possibly imagine. When the moon was full, shining on the smooth surface of the water, it was worthy of an Audubon painting. It was deadly as well, but the beauty far outweighed everything else.

At the dock, he took a seat on one of the many benches along the wooden walkway, just staring at everything he was about to leave behind. This was one of his favorite places to collect his thoughts and just sit in peace and quiet.

“Did you save a seat for me?” asked the beautiful voice. Pax stood so quickly he almost fell over.

“Deanna!”

“Hi, Pax,” she laughed. “Sorry if I scared you. Mama Irene invited me and my parents. I hope you don’t mind that I followed you out here. It’s really loud in there.” He looked at the tent she was pointing to and nodded.

“Yeah. I mean, no. I don’t mind that you followed. I didn’t see you inside. Yeah, it’s really loud in there. This is pretty typical for parties out here.”

“Can I sit with you?” she asked.

“Of course. I’m really glad you’re here.”

“Are you?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “I always thought we were great friends, and I’d hoped that, well, maybe one day, you would have asked me out on a date.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really,” she said starting to stand. “This is so embarrassing. I’m going to go back to the party.”

“No, don’t,” he said, grabbing her hand. “Deanna, I wanted to ask you on a date. For the last three years! But every time I got close to you, freaking Josh got in the way.”

“Oh, yes. My guard dog,” she laughed. “Josh is a bit slow and doesn’t take hints well, but he means well. He’s always watched out for me and made sure I got to and from school safely. My folks live closer to town, so it’s a drive to get out here to this school.”

“I wish I had known,” he said, shaking his head. “I can’t believe I missed out.”

“You didn’t miss out, Pax. I guess we’re just a bit late. But you’ll be back, right?”

“Yeah. Definitely, I’ll be back. I mean. I’m not sure how often or when, but I promise I’ll be back.” She just nodded, staring out at the bayou. “That wasn’t a very good answer, was it?”

“It was a fine answer, Pax. I know enough about you and what kind of guy you are that you wouldn’t want to start something that you couldn’t finish. We’re both so young and have so much time.”

“That’s true,” he nodded.

“I’ll be busy at school, then working for my dad or someone else. I’m not sure yet. You’ll be saving the world, like all the Belle Fleur boys,” she grinned.

“I don’t know about that,” he laughed. “Can I call you? Can I write or text while I’m gone?”

“I’d like nothing more.” She heard the crowd beneath the tent and the soft, melodic voices of Bull and Amanda. “Actually, there’s one thing I’d like more. Will you dance with me? Here?”

“Damn right I will,” he smiled, standing tall above her. He reached out his hand, and she stood in the pretty floral sundress. Her tanned skin was sprinkled with those damn freckles, and he wanted to kiss every last one of them.

Pax was mesmerized by the feel of Deanna in his arms. She was soft yet firm and strong. He smelled her perfume mixed with her shampoo and soap, strands of hair breaking free from her barrette, tickling his cheek.

The music ended all too soon, and Pax wanted to scream at Bull to do another chorus. Instead, he pulled back, smiling at Deanna.

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