Chapter Seven
Aster
Iwas pleased with the meal I’d made, and the progress I’d made researching who made what decisions about new projects around town, and who I could contact about the data center.
The problem was, that night, after dark, once Mickey had gone to bed and the world outside was pitch black again, all I could think about was the possibility of strangers wandering around the farm.
Strangers who wanted... what? To break in and attack us? To move the boundary lines and build some horrible massive structure?
Maybe there was someone out there, just watching.
It was all way too creepy.
I changed out of my binder and into my sleepwear and brushed my teeth. I was a grown man. I could sleep alone on the farm.
Only... I’d never actually slept alone at the farm, had I?The nights I’d slept here, Harlow had been in the room with me. Mickey in the next room over. Earlier, their parents had been there too. A comforting group of people to reassure me.
At my family place, there was always Dillon and my folks and Tane.
Plus, although they were at the end of Main Street, the grocery store and apartment were still in Foggy Basin proper. If I’d ever had any issues I could open a window and start hollering and someone would hear and come help.
Out here?
I didn’t really know the neighbors and they weren’t within hollering distance.
I was being stupid, really deeply pathetic.
But I went and knocked on Mickey’s door all the same.
“Come in?” Mickey sounded confused, which was pretty expected, since we’d said our goodnights already.
I pushed the door open, sheepish.
“Hey, um... I’m sorry to ask, but can I sleep in here with you again?”
Mickey’s expression was nothing but softness as he nodded.
“Yeah, I’m gonna read for a while before I switch the light out though.”
“That’s fine.” I went back to my room and grabbed my notebook, pen, and a novel and slip[ed into bed beside him, being sure to keep space between us.
I focused on my novel and he focused on his and it was totally not awkward and weird at all when he turned the light off and we both lay down facing each other in the dark.
I absolutely did not imagine myself running my fingers through his hair or touching his beard. I definitely didn’t dream about how warm and safe I’d feel if I rolled over and he wrapped his arms around me, spooning me.
I closed my eyes and told myself to behave.
Eventually, I got to sleep.
Once again, Mickey was up and gone before I woke up, which was sort of impressive since I’m usually not that deep a sleeper, but... well, he’d made me feel safe, hadn’t he?
It followed that I’d sleep soundly with him beside me.
I rolled over and buried my face in his pillow and inhaled his scent until I felt like a creep and got up instead.
With cinnamon rolls and Mickey’s granola for breakfast, I set myself up at the kitchen table with my laptop and reviewed the notes I’d made yesterday.
I automatically reached for my headphones onto to realize there was no noise at the farm that I wanted to block out.
I left them lying beside me on the table.
The names of the town council were public, so I emailed each of them and asked for information about any large-scale buildings planned for the near future.
I didn’t want to speculate too much on what I’d overheard, so I kept the messages vague, and implied I was interested in starting a town newspaper or newsletter where things of that nature could be shared.
What to do next?
There were too many tech companies to guess who was interested in building nearby.
I tried to navigate the state government website looking up what sorts of consents would be needed, but the whole thing was full of so much jargon, my mind filled with static. I had to give up.
I opened a new blank document on my laptop and started to write.
The tranquility of a town like Foggy Basin is an aspect that must be preserved...
I squinted at the line. Way too formal. It was boring to me, and I’d just written the thing. I hit the back button until it was all gone.
Foggy Basin is a small town, and we like it that way. The beauty of a small town lies in its community. Community thrives when everyone has what they need and no one takes from their neighbor.
I read back over what I’d written.
It was better. I could work with that. I could refine it.
I got back into it.
An hour later when Mickey came in, giving me a smile and a wave.
“How’s it going?”
I blinked up at him. When someone interrupted my creative flow, it felt like I’d been yanked between worlds. Like I’d been wandering some other universe and then I was forced back to the real world. My brain took time to connect back in.
Mickey’s eyes widened. “I just absolutely interrupted you, I’m so sorry. Ignore me!” He raised his hands and started backing away.
I had to laugh. Why was he so cute?
“No, um, it’s fine. I just... The context switching can take a minute. Um, it’s going really good, I think. I’m writing about the power of community and all that.” I ran a hand through my hair and swallowed. “I just need some way to get it out to everyone.”
Mickey approached the table and sat opposite me. “You have access to the place everyone goes to buy their groceries...”
“Right, of course.” I snapped my fingers. “Maybe if I printed out a whole lot and had it like flyers so people could take it when they check out? I’m sure Dill won’t mind. Too much.”
It was a change to his carefully planned store, but still, this was for a good cause.
And I am his baby brother.
He loves me and I’m the baby.
I could get him to agree.
“It’s way past when I’d usually eat lunch,” Mickey said. “Did you eat?”
My stomach rumbled and I realized I’d been so deep in the zone food had entirely slipped my mind.
“Um, no?” I said, although Mickey must have heard my stomach.
“Okay, maybe something like nachos to get us through and then a more substantial dinner?” He went to the kitchen. I wasn’t sure if he was
asking me or just talking to himself.
I made sure my writing was saved and backed up on the cloud and closed my laptop. Whatever he was going to do, I felt the need to be close to him.
“Nachos sound great.”
He was looking after me. I relished it.