Page 78 of Hide and Sneak
Sutton and I have spent most of the day apart, doing our own thing and it’s ridiculous how eager I am to see him when I lock up my place for the night then head back to the trailer. He hasn’t arrived yet, which means I can claim the first shower before we head over to the party for Pops and Archie.
Sutton had a little setback with his solar panels once the city electric was connected, but he finally got it working today. We’ve been staying at my apartment most of the time, but we’re spending tonight at the trailer since it’ll be the last. We promised to hand over the keys tomorrow. All of my things have been moved except for some clothes, and Sutton will get the last of his stuff moved tomorrow. Everything is in disarray and I can’t find the sweater I planned to wear tonight. Thinking it may have accidentally ended up hung in Sutton’s closet, I take a look.
The sweater is there, tucked between two of his hoodies, but another object catches my eye on the top shelf. I can’t help but laugh even as I’m cursing him in my head. He’s going to pay for this later.
I’m in the shower when Dusty’s bark lets me know Sutton’s home. He’s always so excited to see him. It should be a fun night, hanging out with my neighbors and friends. I’m in my own little world, picturing what I want to do to Sutton after the party when he scares the shit out of me by whipping back the shower curtain.
“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” I exclaim, and splash some water at him.
“Ah! Why do you have the water set on lava, you demon? Do you miss the hellfire?”
“It’s not even that hot, you big baby. And don’t start anything with me.” His gaze is crawling over my body and I know what he’s thinking. “Save it for tonight. The party starts in less than an hour.”
“Psh, I can make you come three times before then. You’d just have to walk around with your legs all rubbery.”
“Go away,” I laugh. “We won’t stay long. We’ll pop in for an hour or so, congratulate the happy couple then come back here. I have plans for you.”
His eyebrows rise. “Is that so?”
“Yep.”
“Now I’m excited.”
So am I.
The whole neighborhood has turned out for Pops and Archie’s party. The main room of the community building has been transformed with a makeshift bar and dance floor. Folding tables in the next room are overflowing with food and drink. Teenagers have taken over the last room. Maren’s idea of having a gaming room with a virtual reality setup for them was a great one. Maybe it’ll keep them out of trouble.
In true Happy Haven fashion, the party has spilled outside, despite the cold. Multiple bonfires burn in portable pits outside the community building. We stop to congratulate Pops and Archie, then grab a plate and join Cara, Maren, Rita, and Holly at one of the tables.
“They look so happy,” I remark.
“They are.” Maren beams at her grandfather. “I’m glad so many people came.”
“Pops was the neighborhood grandpa. They miss him.”
Rita nods her agreement. “He was.” She glances over at me. “Are you going to miss this place?”
Looking around, my answer is obvious. “Of course I will.” It occurs to me that this is my last party here. At least as a resident. It’s a good way to say goodbye. I’ve had some great times here, even when it was a rundown mess. It’s the people that make a place home and I’ll miss them. “But I’ll be around to visit.”
“Are you both still moving out tomorrow?” Holly asks.
“That’s the plan,” Sutton replies, sliding an arm around me.
As we’re finishing our meal, I’m surprised to see Susan wander over. She’s the neighborhood Karen and more likely to call the police on a party than join in.
“Do you know when bingo starts?” she asks Maren.
“Ah, you’d have to ask Louise. She’s running it.”
Rita stands up. “Come on, I’ll go with you.”
“Bingo at a party?” Sutton says after they walk away.
Cara and Maren grin at each other. “Baked bingo. It was Pop’s idea. Louise is taking some people over to her trailer to smoke before it starts.”
“Not Karen?”
“No way, but she can still play with them when they get back.”
