Page 90 of Boston
“EvenIpicked it up,” she said. “What does that mean?”
Boston hadn’t specifically looked at her shoes when he’d come out of Ernie’s office, but he wouldn’t be surprised to find them bedazzled with red, white and blue, and made of more straps than anything else.
“Doesn’t mean anything,” he said.
Cora got to her feet, and Boston scrambled to his too. “You’ve got to go,” she said. She marched over to the door and opened it, standing back out of the way. She had completely closed off, and Boston’s heart pounded at him, screaming at him not to leave the situation like this.
“Honestly, Cora,” he said, moving closer. “It didn’t mean anything. It was a compliment, if anything, that you’ve picked up on everything we have going on—everythingyouhave going on here at the lodge.”
He cleared his throat. “Because you’re so smart and capable.” He put one hand on her hip, and she didn’t slap him away, which he counted as a win.
“I was just saying that Cash would probably pick things up like that,” he said. “He’s in good shape. Oh, and like I said, he’s good with people. just like you.” He ducked his head closer, swiping off his cowboy hat with one hand so that he could run the tip of his nose down the side of her face. “Are you really mad at me?”
He did not like anything that had just happened, and relief flowed through him when Cora softened, “No,” she said. “I’m not mad.”
“Good,” he said. “What are you gonna do today?”
“Sit by the pool, get a drink, have a big pizza feast with everyone here at the lodge.”
He grinned at her. “That sounds nice.”
She gave one curt nod and did move to the side, which forced Boston to drop his hand and step back. “I really didn’t mean anything by it, Cora.”
“I know you didn’t,” she said. “Have fun with your family today.”
“I’ll be back at four-thirty,” he said. “Get all showered and patriotic up.” He grinned at her, his eyes sliding down to her feet. He’d been right. She wore a white pair of sandals that had three red dots and then a blue star along every strap. They glittered like gems, and he wondered if she’d bought the shoes like that, or if she’d prettied them up herself.
“You’ll be ready to go at five-thirty?” he asked
“Yes.”
Boston didn’t know what else to say, so he nodded and stepped out into the hallway. “All right, see you then.”
He walked as surely as he could all the way to his truck, and with the AC blowing, he texted his mom.I’m leaving. I know I’m twenty minutes late already.
It’s fine,Momma said.I know you have a lot going on over there. Your daddy just got the slip and slide set up in the backyard. Uncle Luke, Uncle Gabe and Uncle Blaze are bringing their kids after lunch, so you might want a swimming suit.
Boston heaved a sigh, left his truck running, and ran up to the second floor to get his swim trunks. He called Cash once he was back in the truck. “Are you coming over to my place this afternoon? I guess my Momma and Daddy are having a barbecue and a slip and slide.”
“I just got the memo,” Cash said. “And I left ten minutes ago to get to my parents’ place.”
“I’m just leaving the lodge,” Boston said. “You want me to stop by your house and get your swim trunks?”
“Yeah, that’d be great,” Cash said. “I think they’re in the blue bag.”
“I’ll find them,” Boston said. “See you there.”
“Yep.” Cash spoke in a clipped tone, and Boston said, “Good luck, Cash. It’s gonna go great,” before they truly said goodbye and the call ended.
It took Boston a half-hour to calm down, as he did hate running late, and he had to stop at Cash’s, which only added more time and more anxiety to his plate. By the time he hit the Apple Highway and headed south, he could finally turn his thoughts to Cora.
“I really didn’t mean anything by it, Lord,”he said.“Please, bless her to have a soft heart and accept my apology.”
He pulled into his parents’ a while later, and before he got out, he picked up his phone to text her again.I really am sorry. I can’t wait to see you tonight. Do you need me to pick anything up in town and bring it back to you?
She didn’t answer right away, and Boston looked up and out the windshield, only to find that his parents and Lars and Emilia had gathered against the railing and were waiting for him.
Boston chuckled as he got out and jogged toward everyone. The four of them opened their arms and engulfed him in the middle of their circle, and Boston definitely felt like no matter what happened in his life, he would always be able to return to this home and get this kind of welcome reception. He hoped Cash had gotten the same thing, and all he could do was pray that he hadn’t messed up too badly with Cora.
