Page 65 of Debts and Desires
“Just clearin’ out all the fumes that must be in here ‘cause you sound crazy.”
“That’s because I am crazy. I’m bored out of my damn mind. It’s melting my brain!”
“I can find somethin’ else for you to do in the shop.”
“Out of the AC? Now who’s talking crazy?” I scoffed.
“It ain’t that hot out there.”
“It is too. And don’t change the subject. I need a real job, Carter. You can’t keep me to yourself all the time.” He stalked to where I was laying, towering over before he leaned down, his arms caging me in.
“I absolutely can. We have an agreement. You are to be available to me at any time, anywhere, and in any way. Matter o’ fact, take your pants off. I think you’re right about needin’ a break.”
And that’s how I found myself out in the bay afterward, barely able to walk straight.
Carter, one. Emmy, zero.
A song started and Carter hummed along. He had his jumpsuit tied around his waist again.
“I didn’t take you as a rock fan,” I said.
“I like most music,” he responded. “I saw them a few years ago at the fair before they were famous.”
“I’ve never been to a fair,” I admitted.
“What?”
“I’ve never been to a fair,” I repeated. “We should go. When is it?”
“Couple days.”
“Seriously?!” I stood with excitement. “Can we go?”
“I don’t know, Buttercup. Shop’s been busy. Plus, I promised I’d start on yours.”
“Okay,” I said, feeling myself deflate. It was fine. I’d go to one, eventually.
I tried to work on some songs, but couldn’t. Watching Carter work was too distracting. He was hot as he moved, even when he got pissy with the car. I needed to focus elsewhere, so I looked around. My eyes landed on my chest and a question buzzed until I finally gave in and asked.
“So, what’s the ‘L’ stand for?” I had the shirt I was wearing pulled out, looking over the logo. This morning, I had grabbed one of Carter’s shirts to wear since it was bigger, more comfortable. It was a good, unintentional choice, considering I had been wanting to ask Carter about his name since learning about it. It felt weird bringing up Jed in any way, why I didn’t know.
“Ain’t you supposed to be writin’?”
“I’m taking a break. Admiring your logo. Did you design it?” I said, letting go of the shirt.
“No. Ty did.”
“That’s cool.” There was a long pause. “Carter?”
“Yeah?”
“The ‘L’?”
“It’s my first name,” he answered with a sigh, not looking up.
“What’s your first name?”
“What did you want to do for dinner?” he asked, ignoring me. I gave it a moment before talking again.
