The hair on my arms stood up on end, and I felt a pair of eyes that I was hoping to escape by coming here.
I opened my eyes behind my reflective sunglasses and saw Riley standing at the edge of the river. He was in his trunks holding a beer. Melanie’s boyfriend waved to him. I didn’t know he was invited. If I had, my ass would be on my couch, not on this inner tube.
I diverted my gaze. His muscles were on full display, and I had no doubts my body would turn into a traitor in his unclothed presence.
“Hi, Riley,” Melanie greeted him.
“Hi, Mel. Hi, Emma.”
It may be childish, but I ignored him. Melanie glanced at me when I didn’t respond.
“Care if I join you?” he asked Melanie.
“Not at all,” Mel said.
I remained quiet.
“So Emma, what’s been going on with you?” she asked.
She must have finally run out of steam talking about herself. I liked Meg, I really did, but she was not humble.
“Nothing much,” I said, looking only at her.
“Nothing? There has to be something going on,” she pressed.
“I work, study, and occasionally I sleep and eat. It’s the same old thing,” I said.
“That’s not true,” Riley cut in.
I pretended I didn’t hear him.
“What’s really happening in the life of Emma?” Mel asked Riley.
“She’s helping me, teaching me more about life on the farm. She is helping me learn what I need to, to one day take it over.”
“Emma, that’s a big something,” she pressed.
“Mmmm,” I said noncommittally.
I wasn’t helping him anymore. I was done, but I wouldn’t throw shade in front of others, like he used to do to me. I threw back the rest of my beer and grabbed another from the cooler floating next to us.
Mel offered Riley another beer, but he refused it.
“What is going on in the life of the famous Rodeo Romeo? Aside from studying to take over the family farm?” she asked.
“Growing up,” he answered and spared a glance my way.
Sure, he was. I didn’t say a word in conformation or rebellion. I just floated with indifference, closing my eyes and pretending he wasn’t there. What I would give for utter silence right now.
“Any rodeos coming up?” Mel asked.
“I was going to enter into one next week, but I am giving Tigger a break. I have pushed him too much. He needs some time to rest up.”
“Aw, that’s too bad.”
I opened my eyes behind my glasses to catch his reaction. He shrugged his shoulders, not seeming to let it bother him too much.
Melanie must have picked up on the tension or the awkwardness, as she excused herself to go check on the food.
