Page 14 of Ask Me To Stay

Chapter 6

Summer 2001

Russell

As we sat on the deck eating our burgers, it didn’t seem like any time had passed. Willow was still the quiet one, and Aimee was the loud one. “I think I’m going to go back and let you two catch up.” Aimee stood and stretched.

“Wait, what?” Willow looked almost frightened at the prospect of being here alone with me.

“You two haven’t seen each other in years. You got a lot to share, I’m sure.” She shrugged. “We’ll hang tomorrow.” She waved as she slipped inside. I watched through the glass until she left.

“You can go if don’t want to be here,” I offered to Willow. She seemed uncomfortable.

“No, that’s not it at all. I’m just surprised. She has to leave tomorrow to go back to work. I’m staying for the week.” She began twisting a piece of loose hair around her finger.

“So, you’re going to be here by yourself?” I smiled to myself, thinking that maybe we could stroll down memory lane and have fun like the good old days.

“Mmm hmm.” She nodded as she sipped her beer, which had to be warm at this point.

“Wait here.” I motioned with my finger as I got up to go inside. Watching her nurse that thing was painful at best. I grabbed a glass, filled it with ice, then poured some vodka and OJ in. I gave it a stir, and then came back outside to see Taco curled up beside her on the bench she was sitting on. He had his head on her thigh, and I wished it was me. “Here.” I handed her the glass, and took the beer away.

“Juice? Do you think I’m still a kid?” She narrowed her gaze.

“It’s a screwdriver,” I clarified. “I could tell how much you were enjoying the beer. I thought you’d like to try this.” I shrugged as I took the spot across from her.

She stared at the glass for a moment, and then took a tentative sip. She nodded in appreciation. “Much better.”

“You’re welcome.” I laughed as I leaned back and relaxed. The sun was setting at this point, and the evening made for a romantic atmosphere.

“It’s getting dark,” Willow mused as she rubbed her hands on her bare arms.

I lifted my hands and clapped twice. The twinkle lights that were strung up around the deck came to life. I reached behind me, and grabbed a sweatshirt I’d brought out for this very reason.

“You have a Clapper?” She laughed as she took the sweatshirt from me.

“I do.” I nodded. “Best investment ever.”

“You are quite the mystery, Russ Bradshaw.” She slipped the sweatshirt on, and it fell to her midthigh.

“Is that good?” I watched her to see what she’d do.

“I’m still trying to decide.” She sat back down, and Taco moved closer. “I might have to take your dog home with me.” She scratched his ears, and he made a groaning noise.

“What have you been doing these last six years?” I needed to talk. If I didn’t start talking about something, I was going to go over there and kiss her.

“College, and now I’m a teacher.” She sat up a little in pride.

“Teacher, huh. What kind of teacher?” This intrigued me because Willow had never talked about going into education.

“I teach puberty.” She rolled her eyes.

“What?” I coughed and started choking on the mouthful of beer I was trying to swallow.

“Middle school. I teach middle school. Pretty much the same thing.” She shrugged.

“What made you pick that?” I pressed.

“I don’t know, really. I wanted to make a difference. It’s only been a year, and I’m thinking I made a mistake. What do you do?” She tucked her legs under herself.

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