Page 57 of Emerald Moon
“Guess we’re both just gooey romantics at heart.”
“I guess so.”
Another episode started and Cass’ attention turned back to the TV.Jo kept making comments, like before, but they kept glancing at Cass and wondering about her past relationships.She’d talked about them vaguely before, but they must have meant something if Cass still wanted to get married — unless Cass hadn’t been thinking about marriage back then.But Cass seemed like someone who knew what she wanted and went for it.
The couple on the show ended up being more fun than the last episode.Jo commented that they actually seemed to like one another, and Cass agreed.On top of that, they chose the correct house, in Jo’s opinion, and Cass decided they seemed like good people and she was glad they had a new house.
Another episode started and Cass stood.“I should let you get to bed.You said you were tired.”
“Aw, but this has been fun, too.”
“Still, I probably kept you up later than you wanted, and you have a busy afternoon before an even busier evening.”
“You’re not wrong.”Jo slid off the bed and stood next to her.They threw their arms open wide for a hug and immediately thought about pulling their arms back in, but decided to just go with it.Jo waited for it to be awkward but, like everything with Cass, it was good.
Cass wrapped her arms around Jo’s shoulders and they squeezed around Cass’ middle because that’s all they could reach.Jo decidedly did not rest her head on Cass because their head was right at Cass’ chest height and that would definitely make things awkward.
When Jo pulled back, Cass gave them one final embrace before letting them go.
“Night, Cass.”
“Good night, Jo.”Cass ruffled their short hair and turned to leave, casting one smile back towards Jo before she walked out.
Jo collapsed on the bed as soon as the hotel door shut behind Cass.A shower was out of the question.It was going to take the last of what they had to change out of their clothes and brush their teeth.All Jo wanted to do was sleep.
They went through their routine like they were dragging their feet through thick mud.Every part of them had a dull ache that sunk into their bones.When they finally pulled back the sheet and crawled into bed, Jo heaved a sigh of relief.There was no energy left to read.They’d just fall asleep as soon as they could.
They shut off the light, snuggled into the pillow, closed their eyes, and immediately pictured Cass in the tent, leaning closer.Jo’s eyes shot open and they groaned.All they wanted to do was rest, but, of course, their brain had other ideas.It never behaved.
Jo’s mind was filled with recollections of the way Cass’ arm had felt wrapped around their shoulder that night, of Cass calling them “babe,” and all the times throughout the day that Cass’ lips had quirked up in corners, in that subtle way she smiled.
This was bordering on a friend crush.Only, no matter how much Cass did that was kind or adorable, Jo didn’t go all awkward and fumbling around her.Whatever it was, it was getting a little frustrating to figure out, so Jo shoved the confusing thoughts into the locked box inside their brain and thought about macaron recipes until they finally drifted off to sleep.
eighteen
Johadpushedtoohard the day before.Their brain and body felt like it was full of bricks.Getting out of bed had been almost impossible.This was a terrible day to feel awful, and Jo didn’t have time for this nonsense.It was unfortunate their meds weren’t magic.They didn’t cure everything, but they did help.Some of Jo’s personality was turned back on for June and her bridesmaids.After all, the goofier they were, the less the others would notice or comment on how Jo wasn’t participating in every part of getting ready.
Jo hadn’t made a fuss about wearing a dress.They would have felt more strange being in something else and sticking out like a sore thumb.Being back here was about blending in with little bits of bringing in who Jo was now.Blending in did not, however, include a full face of makeup and a fancy updo.Jo was testing out boundaries with baby steps and they were glad June understood enough to not push them to do anything they didn’t want to do.
One by one the bridesmaids got their makeup done and went off to do other things like grab more coffee or take a phone call, until it was just Jo and June in the room with the makeup artist who was getting all of her supplies ready to prepare June for the big day.
“I still can’t believe this is the first time you’ve ever brought home a girlfriend.Our little Jo, all grown up,” June teased.
”I’m older than you,” Jo shot back.
“I’m taller than you.”
“Ouch.True, but you don’t need to rub it in.”Jo laughed, glad it felt like they didn’t have those few weird years of distance between them.It’d look a little different, but it could still have that same type of connection they used to.
“Speaking of, Cass is so tall.How do you even kiss her?Does she pick you up like a little goblin?”
“I thought you were going to say baby.”
“Goblin is a better description for you.”June snickered, but her expression quickly faded into something softer.“I understand why you left, tiny goblin” June said, taking a breath and looking at Jo behind her in the mirror.“It’s the same reason I spend all my time studying.I need to study to do well, sure, but being too busy is my own way of getting out of here even though I stayed.”
“Why did you stay?You could have gotten out, too.”
“I don’t know.I honestly don’t know.I think you’re just braver than me.”
