Page 48 of Ask Me To Stay

Chapter 19

Summer 2001

Willow

“I think that’s everything.” I let my eyes scan around the living area. Today was the day. The day to go home. It sucked, but I was trying to make the best of it. Russ and I had gotten up early, and cleaned everything. Casey helped us, and by lunch time, we were finished. I made sure the fridge was empty. Russ told me they forgot something last time, and the fridge stunk of rotten food for days even after he bleached it.

“I think you’re right.” Russ sounded like a wounded puppy as he took the last bag from my hands to pack it in the truck. “I still don’t know why we can’t just move here.” He looked up at the house. We were standing in the drive, and the sun was shining bright overhead.

“Got a camera?” I smiled. Russ produced a small camera and I pointed to Casey. “Take our pic?” I smiled sweetly as I led Russ over to the stairs of the beach house. We climbed a few before I positioned myself in front of him. “Smile.” I grinned as we turned to face Casey. After a few shots, he handed the camera back to Russ.

“What was that for?” Russ tucked it back away.

“Every time I came with my family to the beach, my mom made us pose on the steps the day we left. We have an entire collection of us on the steps of the beach house. You shared so much of you with me, I thought I’d share a little of me with you.” I opened the door to the truck.

“Thanks.” Russ smiled softly. It was a moment for us. A sweet moment that we’d both remember.

“When you see this picture, you can think back and remember this summer. It’ll bring back all the good regardless of what happens with us.” I buckled my belt.

“I’ll treasure the picture, but nothing’s happening with us. I’m in it for the long haul.” He cranked the engine.

“You say that now, but long distance is hard.” I pouted.

“Stick that lip back in.” Russ chuckled. “We have a few more days, I think.”

“You think?” My head swung rapidly in his direction.

“My boss called. I may have to go back early. Something about restructuring the staff. I don’t really know what that means.” He turned onto the highway, and the beach slowly shrunk in the rearview mirror. I understood why he was so melancholy, I was too. It was harder than I ever thought it would be to go back to reality; and to think, I didn’t even want to come in the first place. If it wasn’t for Aimee, this trip might not have ever happened. I needed to take her out for a girls’ night as a thank you. Maybe we could do that once Russ left to go home. I’d need a distraction so I didn’t spend my time sulking as I waited for Fall Break, which seemed to be the first time we were going to be able to get together.

“What you thinking about over there?” Russ shoved at my thigh.

“Not much,” I murmured. “Life, how much it’s going to suck when you leave, how I’m going to have to take Aimee out to thank her for forcing me to come to the beach.” I shrugged as I pulled a leg up in the seat, and rested my chin on my knee.

“I might have to take her out for a thank you, too.” He laughed lightly. “Hey, maybe we can do it together.”

“Nope. You’re not taking my distraction and using it. I need Aimee to keep me occupied when you’re not around,” I scolded.

“Fine, fine, fine.” He sighed. “I’ll take her out when you’re busy.” He winked before making the final turn off the highway. We pulled into a parking lot, and I looked around.

“What are we doing here?” I pursed my lips. We were like a mile from my apartment.

“I need directions. I knew where this was, but I don’t know where your place is.” He looked at me as if I’d grown another head.

“Oh, yeah. Directions would be good, huh? We’re going to take the long way.” I grinned. “Turn right up here, and when you get to the light, go left, then two blocks and go really slow.” I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back. Taco whined as he shifted.

“He might need to go when we get to your place. It’s been a while.” Russ rubbed Taco’s head.

“I have the perfect spot for that.” This was going better than I could imagine. “Pull over at the brown house up on the right.” I giggled.

“You live here? It’s nice.” Russ pulled along the curb.

“Not exactly.” I hooked Taco’s leash on, and climbed out. Taco was more than happy to get out, and ran into the front yard to relieve himself.

“Hey!” David shouted as he ran out onto the porch. “What are you doing?” He pointed at me just as Taco assumed the position and began dropping a deuce in the yard.

“Giving you a present!” I shouted as Russ came around the front of the truck and stood beside me.

“What are we doing?” he leaned down next to my ear and muttered.

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