Page 34 of End Game
“The way your legs look in that dress, I hope so.”
“Ha. Ha. Ha.”
We walk slowly through the streets, stopping for a brief minute to listen to the band and watch couples dance to themusic. Everyone from little kids to old people in wheelchairs are clapping their hands, some are whistling, others are talking with the people around them.
I stand next to her and take it all in. There’s something so pure and relaxed about this that I can’t quite make it out. People don’t act this way anymore. Places don’t have this feeling of camaraderie. It’s amazing this even exists.
Then I look at her, dancing with an old man in a pair of bib overalls to an old Waylon Jennings song. She’s chatting him up as he does his best to lead her in a little circle. There’s no doubt he’s having the time of his life.
The band plays the final few notes and Layla kisses her partner on the cheek. Catching me watching, her cheeks turn the faintest shade of pink.
“Sorry,” she says. “That’s Peck’s uncle. He’s like a million years old and the sweetest old thing in the world.”
“Don’t be sorry. That was nice of you.”
“I love it here,” she sighs, looking around. “Doesn’t being here just make you feel nice?”
“That’s the sugar talking,” I joke as we start towards the games.
“It is not.”
“No, you’re right. It is nice here. I’m actually having a good time.” I bump her with my shoulder. “Thanks for bringing me.”
She looks at me out of the corner of her eye. “Thanks for coming.”
“Like you gave me a choice.”
“True, I didn’t. But I had a suspicion you’d like this.”
“Really? Do I come across as the guy who likes kiddie rides?” I whistle through my teeth. “I need to work on my reputation.”
It’s her that bumps me this time. “No, asshole. But you do come across as a guy who needs to be reminded every now and then that it’s okay to just chill out.”
“I chill out all the time.”
“I think you misunderstand the term ‘chill out,’” she says.
“It’s an easily understood term. I don’t think you can misunderstand it.”
She side-eyes me. “It doesn’t just mean relax or not work out for a day. It means to have fun, take it easy, you know? To kick back and enjoy yourself.”
“Well, I ‘chilled out’ a lot lately then,” I grin. “I’d like to ‘chill out’ like that again.”
“I bet you would . . .”
Stopping in the middle of the street, I shake my head. “And?”
“And what?” she giggles, turning to face me.
“And you wouldn’t?”
“I didn’t say that. I just didn’t reply.”
“And . . .”
“And, yes, Branch. Once you play me in a game of Skee Ball, I’d love nothing more than to ‘chill out’ with you.”
“Skee Ball? Are you fucking serious?”
