Page 19 of Anchor Grey
Sixteen
Devon
Johnny fell asleep but I was wide awake. His worries were contagious and now I questioned once again if being in a band was really what I wanted. The two days we’d had without thinking about anything to do with performing were amazing and gave me hope the two of us could make it work if we were inthe band or not. I loved him now more than ever, and it was nice to know we had more in common than the band.
My fingers trailed across his back as I held him to my chest. He seemed to need the closeness, and I wanted to give him whatever he needed. I wasn’t sure if that included staying with the band. It seemed now it was obvious we were both at a crossroads. Either continue with the band and possibly spoil our relationship or build what we have together outside the band. We still had close to two months before we played again so there was plenty of time to decide. All that mattered to me was Johnny and keeping him in my life.
If staying in the band was what he wanted, then I’d consider moving on to something else. I wasn’t sure I could stay in the fray knowing it could come between us.
“I love you,” I whispered into his long hair he’d gathered in a knot on top of his head. He didn’t move or respond, and I didn’t expect him to, but I needed to show him my heart anytime I could even when he was deep asleep. I finally fell asleep to visions of us sitting on the deck playing Monopoly all day and how nice it was just to be with him.
We woke up early and this time Johnny made the coffee while I showered. Things were so easy here, and so light. Everything we did felt light and easy without the heaviness of a schedule andcommitments. “Good morning,” he said and handed me a cup of coffee as I dried my hair in the bathroom. “Are you still okay with eating breakfast out? I could cook.”
“Thank you. Let’s check it out. I know it’s a small place, but the owners recommended it.” I kissed him before taking a sip and walking past him to get dressed.
“Sounds good, babe, I’ll only be a few minutes.”
“Take your time,” I said as the water turned on.
I took a sweatshirt and some jeans out of my bag and pulled on socks and shoes just as Johnny stepped out of the shower. Walking past the bathroom, I stood at the slider that looked over the river and noticed the sky was full of grey clouds, and a light drizzle had started to fall creating a mist or maybe even fog. Either way I was glad yesterday was nice, and we were able to enjoy it from the deck.
“Hey, are you ready?” Johnny asked as he walked out fully dressed, hair wet, and downing the last of his coffee.
“Yes. I’m so glad we got to spend the day outside yesterday. The weather has really turned.”
“Good thing we have plenty of firewood and warm bodies.” He set his cup down on the counter before wrapping me up in his arms and kissing my cheek.
“Good thing. Let’s go see what they have at the store.” After putting coats on we jogged out to the car as the clouds rolled in heavier. Johnny drove down the dirt road and past the gate we’d opened onto the paved road that led to the store. We were there within a few minutes, and even though it was still very early, they were open.
Smoke billowed out of the chimney of the old stone and rough-cut wood building. A few cars were parked out front and as we walked up to the old screen door an older man walked out carrying a gallon of milk. “Mornin’,” he said with a tip of the cap he wore.
“Morning,” Johnny and I both said at once. We stepped inside and I was thankful for how warm it was. The small restaurant counter was empty so the two of us walked over to look at their menu board.
“What sounds good?” a woman about Johnny’s age asked. She was wearing an apron and had a scarf over short dark bangs.
“I’d like the breakfast croissant and a side of fries,” I said.
“I think I’ll try the big breakfast platter,” Johnny said.
“Okay, anything to drink?” she asked as she wrote down our order.
“Orange juice and a coffee for me.”
“I’ll have the same,” Johnny said.
“Have a seat and I’ll bring it out to you,” she said and disappeared through a door that led to the kitchen.
There were two picnic style tables nearby, covered with plastic tablecloths and silverware bundled in paper napkins were set out neatly at every space. We took a seat on opposite sides and glanced around while we waited. “This is nice,” Johnny said.
“It is, and it’s warm. I can’t believe how much colder it is today than it was yesterday.” I reached for his hand across the table and held it.
“I wonder how soon they get snow?” Johnny asked.
“No clue. I know some winters it snows in October but other years not until after Christmas.”
“We’re expecting snow the next few days,” the woman who had taken our order said as she brought our drinks. “Won’t be much longer for your food.”
“Thank you,” I said.
