Page 157 of Paradox
"When you made me wait an extra three minutes because you forgot something."
"I didn't forget anything."
"Don't start with your judgy semantics again."
I snicker to myself and move Eden's leg so I can sit properly beside him. "Saying shit like that doesn't bother me anymore. So if you wanna get a rise out of me, then you'll have to try harder."
"Don't challenge me, Little Man… What did you have to get, anyway?"
"A book."
"A book!?" Eden pushes me so hard I fall over sideways on the bench. "What the fuck do you need a book for?"
"To read—to do—fishing is boring," I say, struggling to get my words in around my laughter.
Eden helps me sit back up again. "We're going there to spend time together. You should want to talk to me."
I kick off my shoes and turn ninety degrees so I can lean back against the door. With both legs out in front of me, I poke at Eden's leg and side with my toes while he starts the truck. "I do wanna talk to you. But sometimes silence is nice, too."
Taking each foot by the ankle, he brings them to rest on his lap then reaches over to move the gear stick out of park. "I'm sorry if I'm boring."
"Oh my god. Stop it."
With a tight lipped smile, he gives me the side eye. "Why?"
"Because I will talk to you. But I won't listen to you fake whine."
"I'll put Metallica on if you don't watch it."
"Ooo, such a threat."
Eden releases the clutch and the truck starts off down the track.
I look through the tray and out the dirty back window of the canopy until I can't see the opening of the little clearing where the cabin is.
In spite of the snow, I'm surprised by how bumpy the road is. I really don't remember it being this bad the last time we came out here, but when I really think about it, I don't recall much other than being terrified. Terrified, and numb.
"Why did you pack so much?" I ask, wiggling my toes.
"Didn't want to get caught out."
"But last time you carried everything and we were fine."
"Would you stop asking questions?"
"Never." I shake my head.
"Good," Eden mumbles, and pats his lap. "Get over here."
I take my feet off and spin around. He lifts his arm up and I lay on my back with my head on his thigh.
Looking up at him as his eyes remain focused on the track ahead, makes me feel so happy in the silliest of ways because I can see how much effort he's putting in to drive safely. I should have a seatbelt on, and he should have roused on me for it, but I know he's going slower than he needs to. And I know he'll never let anything hurt me. Not now. Not ever again.
"You're so handsome."
"I guess I've gotta have one thing going for me."
I reach up and slap his cheek, but only lightly. "You've got so many things going for you." I let my fingers slide down his face and over his stubble. "It should be illegal to have a jaw like this." I can feel him clench, but it's not on purpose.
