Page 25 of Through the Storms
Riley pushed open the door to the outside and shielded her eyes against the sun that crept toward the horizon. “It takes a little longer for me to absorb.” Riley poked herself in the head. “But once it sticks, it’ll be cemented up here for a long time.”
“No shame in that. It’s the best way to learn. Memorization doesn’t always stick.”
They walked toward the van where Britt had taken up sentry. “Looks like that’s ours.” Riley pointed. “Do you want to choose our seats before the others get here?”
“Front, back, or middle?” Chloe asked.
“The newlyweds will want the back, so they can have a little privacy.”
Chloe shook her head. “I’m not sure how much privacy they’ll get. Remember the aisle is down the middle so everyone has a window seat.”
“You want to sit in back?” Riley tried to hide her disappointment. She’d hoped to sit up front so they could be privy to Britt and Oakley’s conversations, but she’d sit wherever Chloe wanted.
Chloe smirked and elbowed Riley. “Don’t look like someone just stole your lollipop. We can sit up front.”
Riley opened her mouth to protest but then shut it. She gave Chloe a sideways glance as they neared the van. “I was trying to play it cool. How’d I give myself away?”
“I’m a mother of a teenager. I see things.” Chloe winked.
“Okay, I’d like to be near the action. Listen in on what they talk about.”
“And fangirl.”
“Fine. And fangirl.” Riley grinned. “Happy now?”
“Yes. If we’re going to be attached at the hip this week, I want you to speak up.” Chloe met Riley’s gaze. “Don’t just go along with what you think I want.”
Riley stopped at the rear of the van and pretended to study the tires. “I thought maybe you’d like that. You know, for a change. It doesn’t sound like you’ve been allowed to make many choices in your life, and I live alone, so the choice is always mine.”
When Chloe didn’t answer, Riley looked up and met Chloe’s dark brown eyes. There was something that Riley couldn’t read behind the smile. Sadness? Confusion? Fear? “Did I say something wrong?” Riley asked.
“No.” Chloe shook her head. “But I don’t want you doing things because you feel sorry for me.”
Was that what Riley was doing? “I feel bad for you not sorry.”
Chloe frowned. “That’s splitting hairs. What’s the difference between feeling sorry and bad?”
Riley pursed her lips as she thought. She knew the difference but wasn’t sure she could communicate it. “Um, feeling sorry would mean I pity you, but I don’t. I just feel bad is all. Like I wish you’d had it better, but I know you will.”
The sunlight glistened off the tears that filled Chloe’s eyes. “That might be one of the sweetest and most empowering things I’ve heard in a long time. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Riley beamed. She debated whether she should say more. Then she looked into Chloe’s hope-filled eyes. “How about we make a deal?”
“What kind?”
“We be honest with each other. If we’re gonna be seat mates and roommates, it’s imperative that we speak up. Then we compromise and reach a decision together.”
“I like the way you think.” Chloe linked her arm through Riley’s. “We better claim our spot before the others get here, or we might lose it.”
They made their way around the van. Britt greeted them with a large smile. “Welcome aboard. You’re the first here, so the pick of seats is yours.”
“We’re choosing the front,” Chloe said.
Britt held up her hand. “Full transparency. Sometimes Oakley pisses me off.” Britt winked, and her blue eyes twinkled. “She makes me swear at her.” Britt put her hand against her chest and batted her eyelashes. “Of course, I was raised better and would never think of doing it, but you know she makes me and all.”
Riley and Chloe laughed.
“I understand.” Riley leaned in and in a conspiratorial whisper said, “I have two brothers, so I get it.”
