Together in companionable quiet we share the rest of the ice cream, trading spoonfuls of our respective containers. It might be wishful thinking, but she appears lighter, happier, and I want to write Ben and Jerry a thank you note for that alone.
“Well, I better turn in.” She glances down at her hands and the spoon she holds. I want her to lift her gaze, and yet at the same time it’s probably safer this way. If she did I’d be tempted to kiss her. She pushes off the ground and takes a step forward before looking back. “Thanks for the ice cream.” A smile stretches her lips, faint and more beautiful than any I’ve seen her wear before because this one’s meant for me. “Good night.”
“Good night, Opal. Sweet dreams.”
She turns away and drops her spoon in the sink, gathering her toiletry bag on the way to the bathroom, but before she’s completely down the hall I catch her gaze again. She’s still smiling, but there’s something more, something so real, and I can’t help but lift my hand, waving as I smile back like an idiot. Her lighthearted giggle is worth the embarrassment. I might be a fool to think I could have anything more than this moment with her, but by the way warmth spreads through my very soul, the risk might be worth it.
19
Opal
“Freedom, mother fuckers!”Austin bursts through the bus doors like a man released from prison. We’ve only just stepped out into the streets of a town I can’t recall, somewhere in Ohio.
Before I can ask, Trent turns his attention to Leighton. “Austin acts like he’s never had a day off in his life.”
There’re no clouds on the horizon, and the day feels full of promise despite my lack of itinerary. With my bank account fuller than it’s ever been, my only plan is to hit up the local mall for new clothes.
“Don’t tell me you aren’t up for a break?” Austin shakes his head and slides on a pair of dark shades.
“Oh, I am. Especially with Lexi’s birthday coming up.” Trent smiles the same way he does whenever he mentions my sister. She’ll be joining us next week and I’m impatient to have her back. The tour is severely lacking in female company. Not that I expect her to spend every second by my side.
“We passed that row of vintage stores a few miles back.” Sean points down the road before taking another sip from his coffee. “Wanna head over?”
“Yeah, that’d be cool.” Trent nods.
“Have fun with that.” Austin claps them both on the back and takes a few steps backward. “See you suckers in eight hours.”
“Where you headed, Mr. Trouble?” Sean calls out through his laughter.
“Love the nickname.” Austin points at Sean and slings a backpack over his other shoulder. “And none of your damn business.”
Sean rolls his eyes, but Austin’s already halfway across the lot, his long strides faster than usual.
“Hey.” Leighton bumps against my shoulder with a whisper. He places a scrap of paper into my hand and then gathers near Sean and Trent.
I turn the note over as inconspicuously as possible.
Tattoos?
Crazy how one simple word strikes excitement in my core and sends my pulse racing. He wants to get tattoos? Not so surprising since it came up last night. It’s something my grandparents would never approve and while that should trigger caution or pause, it only makes the idea more appealing. Hell, I’ve already broken many of their rules. What’s another?
“Opal, you want to come, too?”
“Oh, um.” I worry my lip between my teeth and glance beyond Trent to find Leighton’s hopeful stare. “Leighton and I . . .” Why can’t I say it? Is it because I’m worried they’ll try to talk me out of it, or because I want to do this alone?
Or because you want Leighton all to yourself.
Bingo.
“I asked her to keep me company.” Leighton interrupts and draws their attention. “That okay?”
Trent and Sean both look between us with pointed stares that douses my thoughts with embarrassment, as if they can see how much I’m crushing on Leighton despite the fact he’s way out of my league.
“Everyone got what they need? I’m gonna lock this baby up.” Jay steps out of the bus.
Sean nods to Jay. “We’re good.”
“I’ll keep her safe. Promise,” Leighton says and it’s as though some silent conversation passes through the men. Whatever it is, they must come to an agreement.
