Page 53 of Every Thought Taken

Thank you for him. Thank you for his forgiveness.

CHAPTER30

ANDERSON

Things are better with Helena, but they still feeloff.

With her college applications in and her grades better, her parents thought it was a great idea to get a summer job. I’m not so keen on the idea. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy she enjoys the fifteen hours a week she works at the local clothing boutique. But it sucks to see her less. Again.

So, I take it upon myself to frequent the store on the days she works. The owner isn’t there most days when she works, but I get a few strange looks from the women in the store. Which I completely understand since the store doesn’t hold a single piece of attire I’d wear.

“We should go hiking this weekend,” I suggest as I sift through colorful sundresses. “Since you’re not working, and you’ll probably miss the annual camping trip, we should get away for a couple nights. Hike and camp one of the trails nearby.”

She folds a shirt on the front display table and straightens others that are out of place. “I like this plan.” Moving to the accessory rack near the wall, she peeks over her shoulder. “Friday and Saturday? Then back early Sunday?”

God, just the idea of being completely isolated with Helena makes my skin buzz. Months apart damaged both of us in different ways. But a weekend away together… damn, I can’t think of anything better.

“Sounds perfect. Think your dad will be cool about it? Just the two of us camping with no adult supervision.”

She organizes the hair accessories then shifts to the jewelry. And for a beat, I simply watch her move. The sway of her hips as she somewhat dances to the music in the shop. Her delicate, thin fingers as they pluck a necklace from the wrong hook and place it on the correct one. The occasional bop of her head as she hums to herself.

Helena Williams isn’t just beautiful on the outside, she radiates love and charm and everything good from within. We may have had hiccups and bad days in our relationship, but every couple does. How do you love the good days if you don’t know what a bad day looks like?

“After second semester, I’ve earned a weekend away without criticism. Dad will probably freak out at first”—she looks across the shop where I sit—“but he’ll get over it. I mean, he knows you. Has known you for twelve years. What is there to argue about?”

Her question is rhetorical, but I answer anyway. “Uh, let’s start with the fact that I’m your boyfriend. Then there’s the whole thing about dads not wanting their daughters to spend time alone with boys.”

She finishes straightening the jewelry and makes her way across the shop, dropping down in my lap and wrapping her arms around my neck. She presses a chaste kiss to my lips then straightens.

“Ander, you’re not just any boy. We’ve spent plenty of time alone together over the last however many years. We’ve camped together every summer since I was five. You’ve seen me in my bathing suit, held my hand in public, called me a nickname no one else does for years.”

I hug her close and inhale her sweet, earthy fragrance. “And your dad thought I was just a friend during all those moments.” I sit back and look up at her. “We’ve been more than friends for longer than they realize.” Once her dad learns this, his mind will scour every single moment we have spent together.

The bell over the door jingles and Helena bolts from my lap. “Welcome to In Stitches. Anything I can help you find?”

Two ladies weave through the clothing racks and head for the swimwear. “No, thank you.”

I rise from the chair and straighten my shirt. Taking her hand in mine, I kiss Helena’s cheek. “See you in a bit. I’ll tell my parents I’m camping, but I’m leaving you out of the equation. Mom gives me enough shit as is, I don’t need more.”

A soft pout plumps her lips. “I’ll talk to Mom and Dad tonight. Maybe have dinner at my house and we can talk with them together?” She phrases the last part more like a question.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams have always been nice to me and my family, but I have to wonder if they will see me differently if they know I am more than Helena’s friend. And which of them will be worse? Dads can be pretty fierce when it comes to their daughters, or so I’ve heard. But from what I know, all the wrath comes from mothers.

“Dinner would be nice. Text me when to come over.”

She lays a peck on my lips. “Love you, Ander.”

“Love you too, North.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Dad…” Helena admonishes. “Can you not be a jerk? Please.”

I stab a piece of chicken on my plate and shove it in my mouth. Sitting across the table from Helena, I nudge her foot under the table. At least, I hope it is her foot. Her eyes meet mine a second later and I sigh in relief.

“So let me get this straight. You and Anderson want to go camping this weekend? Alone. For two and a half days.”

I swallow the bite in my mouth and take a sip of water. Helena’s cheeks are pink as her dad gives her questioning eyes. Taking a deep breath, I decide to speak up, even though Helena said she wanted to do all the talking.

---