Chapter 12 Wes
Waking up to a flurry of message alerts is always a little unnerving. It’s that moment when you don’t know if it’s an emergency, or just people being chatty. It’s the worst. Today it was Erick apologizing profusely for something I didn’t quite understand, and a text from an unknown number.
Erick : I’m so so sorry, you were still sleeping when I left. Way before we talked about Rose, Elle asked me to do a kayak thing with her and a couple of their friends. I didn’t think anything of it, so I gave her your number to invite you.
Erick : You don’t have to go if things are still weird.
Erick : You remember Elle, right?
There were three more apology texts after those. Each more concerned than the last. Explaining that he forgot about the whole thing and that he would make up an excuse for me if needed. I hadn’t seen him the past few days with working odd hours, and overnights, so I hadn’t had a chance to tell him about my few run-ins with Rose.
Unknown : Hey, Wes. It’s Elle! I heard you’re back in town! A group of us are going to kayak down Moony River and thought it would be fun for you to come and catch up.
Elle was one of Rose’s best friends growing up, and I know Rose lives for adventures, which means she’ll be there for sure. I’d bet on it. But truthfully, I’m not sure how I feel about a whole morning with Rose. She was pretty frosty at first, and while things seemed a little better, I’m not sure what to think after our last talk. I don’t want to upset her more, or bring up more things for her. But she also didn’t seem to be upset with me directly, so this could be okay.
Although, I can’t imagine what it would be like for a whole kayak trip if she was upset with me. At least we’d be physically distanced with the boats and all. My mind drifts to her smile, the way she pulled on a small length of her hair as she handed me my tea, the way her eyes lit up when I caught her from falling. I’d be kidding myself if I tried to pretend there wasn’t something there still—at least on my end. Seems like there are some things time and distance can’t change.
After replying to Erick and Elle, I jump in the shower and start getting ready for the day. At least it will be good to see some other people and friends from my past, maybe make some new ones. Without family here anymore, I’ve known I needed to make some more connections. A sigh escapes my lips as the warm water steam surrounds me.
This could be good, right?
Erick comes home just in time to pick me up. We grab all the gear we’ll need and start the thirty or so minute drive to the river.
“How are you feeling about it all? I mean seeing her?”
“Eh, I’m not sure how she’ll feel about seeing me after yesterday. She was clearly upset by something? I always knew she might still be angry about how things ended—our fight and then me leaving. As we’ve established, I was a jackass, so there’s that . . .” Trailing off I look out the window. Trees, cliffs, and water race by as I get lost in thinking about seeing Rose the other day. The way she smelled, the curve of her hips and that brief flash of a smile.
I bury my face in my hands with a deep breath, the past week has been so confusing.
“It’ll be okay, maybe she won’t even talk to you. And if she does, just tell her the jackass thing. I think she’d like that.” He lets out one of his deep laughs and I turn to see him, arm out the window, soaking up the sun on his tanned skin.
“That seems worse, somehow. I want her to talk to me, you know?”
“I’ll be there and can keep her from killing you at least? But hopefully things are good and you two can talk more.” Erick raises his eyebrows and shrugs, turning his attention back on the road.
“I don’t know, from what I remember she used to be pretty strong and now she’s moving all those books around . . . she could probably deck me pretty well.”
A chuckle radiates from Erick. “Maybe that’s what she needs, you never know. Oh, I meant to ask you, are you helping with the spring festival? It’s coming up in about a week.”
“Tonya asked me about it, too. I haven’t decided yet. Maybe we’ll see how today’s round of socializing goes.”
We pull in and I scan the lot for Rose, my eyes catching hers. She’s leaning against a car, arms crossed in front of her, and a scowl on her pretty face. Dragging my gaze away from her, the river curls in a bend through thick forest on either side. Pines and birch trees, along with bushes and brush wave gently in the breeze. My eyes land on her again and I try to ignore how good she looks in her leggings and sports bra, but it’s a losing battle, and from the way she’s looking back at me, I think we both know it.