Page 92 of No One Wants That (Blitzen Bay)

BUTCH

“Quit trying to get out of this.”

Raine’s tugging on my hand, trying to pull me the rest of the way to the marina. I was hoping she’d lose interest in our canoe outing so I could get some time to think about everything. No such luck.

“I’m tired, Raine. I want to take a nap.” I pull my hand away. “And you don’t even like this shit.”

She grabs my hand again. “I love canoeing.”

“Name one time you’ve been in a canoe.”

“Fine,” she says, releasing my hand and marching down the hill. “You’re being a big baby. I don’t even want to spend time with you. I’ll go by myself.”

She doesn’t look back once as I follow her down to the marina. She doesn’t need to. She knows I’m always behind her.

“Which seat should I take?” she says, waving her hand over the canoe.

“Do you want to steer or provide power?”

She looks at me blankly. I shake my head and climb into the rear seat.

“Come on, nature girl,” I say, holding the canoe steady. “Climb in.”

She crawls in and sits on the front seat, facing me. Her arms are crossed and she has a deep scowl on her face.

“You’re facing the wrong way,” I say, spinning my hand to try to get her to turn around. “This isn’t a rowboat. Grab your paddle.”

She stays firmly planted where she is. “I’m not here to paddle. I’m here to lecture.”

I look at the sky and sigh loudly. “You can lecture on dry land. God knows you’ve done it plenty of times before. Do we really need to take to the water?”

“I want you isolated,” she says, pointing at my paddle. “Get us on the lake. Start paddling or whatever.”

I push us off and start paddling. She glares at me until we’re well away from the dock.

“Okay, lecturer, we’re on the lake,” I say, putting the paddle across my lap. “Say what you’re going to say.”

“Kit is perfect for you. You know that, but you’re scared of getting hurt so you’re trying to sabotage the relationship.”

“She’s not in a place to have a real relationship—”

“Bullshit!” She lunges forward causing the canoe to rock.

“Sit down, canoe master,” I say, pressing my weight into the sides of the canoe to steady it. “I’m sure you know from your vast canoeing experience that they capsize easily.”

She slides carefully back into her seat. “I’ve never been in a canoe.”

I gasp. “Shocking.”

“Shut up.” She crosses her arms again. “We’re not here to talk about me. This is going to be all about you.”

“Well I’m not volunteering anything. You know me better than that.” I start paddling again. “Ask if you want to know something.”

She smiles. “Who’s the best CIA analyst you know?”

“You are, oh great one,” I say, flipping some water on her from my paddle. “Analyze my life, please.”

“Kit’s been out of that relationship with the Spanish guy for a long time—in her mind, anyway.”

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