Page 11 of Intermission
“I work for MacIntosh Contracting.” He covers a yawn. “Sorry. I also wait tables at The Smoked Salt Grille in Sommerton. I worked the lunch crowd shift today after school. I’m taking a few classes at Sommerton Community College. You know, general ed requirements. Just in case I don’t get in...”
He winces.
“Wow.” I fill the gap. “You’re busy.”
“It’s not as bad as it sounds. I like to be busy. But I should probably call it a night.” He stands, offering his hand for the second time. “It was very nice to meet you, Madeleine Faith.” He tilts his head. “Sorry. I don’t remember your last name.”
“I don’t think I told you.” I take his offered hand to rise. “It’s Prescott. Madeleine Faith Prescott, of Faith & Janey’s Rescue Service, at your service. Come on. We’ll walk you out.”
The hike to the entrance of the nature preserve is a lot longer than—and in the opposite direction of—the hike home. But because I’m talking about the theatre with someone who not onlygetsmy obsession, but also shares it, the trail seems half its normal length. I’m almost surprised when we reach the gate.
“Nice truck.”
“Yeah.” Noah moves around to the tailgate. “Too bad it’s a loaner.” He peers to the left and then the right. “Where’s your car?”
“At home.” At Noah’s blank look, I explain. “I walked. I live in Parre Hills.”
“That’s pretty far from here, isn’t it?”
“If I were walking by road, yes. But it’s not far at all from the waterfall.” I smile. “This was... fun. Thanks for sharing your rock with us.”
“Thanks for sharing your waterfall.”
“Any time.” I mean it, too. “I guess I’ll see you late—”
“Wait. I could drive you home. If you want.”
My stomach does a little jump. “Really?” Noah Spencer spent the evening with me... and now he wants to drive me home? Uh, yes, please!Act cool, Faith!“I mean, I don’t want you to go out of your way.”
“It’s the least I can do after you rescued me and all. Will Janey mind riding in the back, though? It’s my boss’s truck.” He patsJaney’s head. “No offense, girl.”
“She won’t mind. In fact, she’d be offended if shedidn’tget to ride in the back.”
He opens the passenger door, and I climb in. Sudden shyness has me looking at my lap when Noah gets in the driver’s seat, but once he climbs behind the wheel and the dome light goes off, our conversation resumes... and my brief moment of shyness disappears.
When we reach Parre Hills, Noah pulls up to the manual code entry box. I recite my gate code, and he punches it in.
“Turn left at the Y,” I say once we’re through the gate. And then, “Take the next left.” A few curved hills later, “Turn right, there. That’s our driveway.”
“Are you sure there’s a house down here?”
“Fairly certain,” I quip. “There’s a little curve to the driveway. That and the trees block it from view. But it’s back there, I promise.”
I’m surprised the house is dark. Gretchen and her party must have moved elsewhere. It happens sometimes. Another upturn for me.
I cringe at the selfish thought and shoot a silent prayer into the night, hoping there are a few designated drivers mixed in with Gretchen’s party crowd. Considering the number of cars that were here but are now gone, however, it’s doubtful.
Noah pulls into the now-empty U-shape in front of the house, and the motion light kicks on, illuminating the area. “Is here okay?”
“Yeah. Thanks.” I open the door and slide to the ground.
“I’ll get the tailgate for Janey.”
After he lets the dog out, Noah comes around to where I stand. He puts his hands in his coat pockets, rocks back on his heels, and smiles. “Ah, sothat’swhat you look like.”
“What? Oh. Right.” I squint up at the motion-activated light and back down. The harsh artificial glow makes Noah’s skin seem pale next to his sandy-blond hair. There’s a hint of stubble on his chin and a few specks of dirt on his face.
Remembering the feel of splatter from one of the times Janey shook herself dry, I touch my own cheek, finding texture uncommon to my skin. “I have mud on my face, don’t I?”
