22. Mac
Mac
M id-July in Oakridge is not for the faint of heart—or for leather seats.
Between the couch at the shop and now the seats in my car, I make a note to invest in some seat covers or at least a nice piece of cloth to cover the passenger seat for MJ.
Her legs squelch as she adjusts herself in the passenger seat on our way to Movie in the Park.
My knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel and my jaw is sore from clenching it.
The last thing I wanted to do after my trial on Monday was a town event, but I have a hard time saying no to the girl sitting next to me.
MJ places her hand on my thigh and squeezes gently. I glance over and see her bottom lip between her teeth. Apparently, I’m not the only one on edge. I place my hand on top of hers and sigh.
“We don’t have to go,” she blurts.
I slide my hand under hers and flip it palm up, lacing my fingers with hers to squeeze three times. She smiles.
“I love you,” I whisper, but the worry in her e yes hasn’t dissipated. “We’re going, okay? It’s just gossip, right? Who cares what they think?”
She nods but has yet to release her lip.
“It’s going to be fine. It’s family movie night, no one is going to make a scene.
There will be talk, I’m sure. But . . .” I trail off.
But what? The rumors don’t bother me, but I’m afraid they’ll bother MJ.
She’s never liked how easily people cut each other down here.
What if it makes her want to leave again?
What if it’s too much? She’s inserting herself right into the talk of the town by being with me.
“You’re right,” MJ says, pulling me from my thoughts. “It’s going to be fine. Our friends will be there, and we’re going to have a good time.” She smiles weakly and I smile back.
We pull into the gravel driveway at the shop, and I park, hustling to help MJ out of the car while she waits patiently for me. Peeling her legs from the leather seat, MJ exits the car. Her giggle keeps me from frowning.
“I promise I’m going to cover those seats next time, okay?” I tip my head under hers and look up at her.
She nods, and I capture her lips in a chaste kiss. She slips her hand into mine and we both turn to walk toward the grassy area in the middle of town.
My phone buzzes in my pocket but I ignore it as we walk. It stops and then starts up again immediately.
“Hang on, MJ.” I pull my phone out and see it’s Jake calling me. That’s odd, he doesn’t usually call. I gesture to MJ and she nods, waiting with me while I take the call. “Hello?”
“Alex, I need your help.” My stomach drops to my feet hearing thos e words from my older brother again.
By the time I hang up, I give MJ a sympathetic look. “MJ, I’m sorry. Jake needs my help out in Cedar Bend.”
“Is he okay?”
“Yes. No. I don’t really know. He got into some trouble at work, and the halfway house is kicking him out. When it rains it pours and all that. I’m gonna head out there to help him out though. See if I can get him settled somewhere new at least.”
She nods, understanding.
“You’re welcome to stay at the loft if you want, I can leave you a key,” I offer.
“No, that’s okay. I should probably head home and face my parents,” she says.
“You sure?” I reach forward and grab her waist, pulling her into me as she nods. “Okay, I’m going to head back, why don’t you still go enjoy the movie? I think Blake and Austin are going to be out there.”
“Yeah, I’ll figure something out. Be safe.” She tiptoes up and kisses me softly.
“I love you,” I whisper against her lips and then let her go, taking off back toward the shop to grab a few things and head out to help my brother, yet again.