Chapter 6
Chapter Six
CARLOS
“We’re not lost,” I insist, choking down my rising panic.
How could I have fucked up a drive in the country so badly?
Ned was smiling, he was happy to spend time with me, and all he asked for was a fucking car ride, and somehow I managed to get us lost. “It’s Illinois.
There’s no wilderness for us to get lost in.
” Is there? I wish I’d paid more attention in school all those years ago.
“It’s fine if we’re lost,” Ned says in his resigned voice that makes me feel like a complete failure. That voice has been coming out more and more lately. “We’ll just stop somewhere and get directions.”
I want to snap that we won’t, but that’s just stupid.
Of course we should get directions if we’re lost. I’m a city boy; I navigate by street signs, not…
whatever they use out here in the country.
And it was my dumb idea to get off the highway.
I wanted to give Ned a real drive in the country, not just on the highway.
It’s felt more and more like he’s pulling away from me, like he’s just sick of being with me.
I wanted to show him I care about what he wants and can give it to him.
“It looks like there’s a town up ahead,” I say. “Let’s stop for coffee and snacks.” And directions. And fuel. Because unless we’re miraculously only an hour from Larry and Tonya’s place, we’re going to need it.
“Sure. That sounds good.” The resigned tone is gone, and I take a cautious breath of relief.
Maybe this town will be adorable and charming and remind him of that first trip we took to Europe.
He’ll be swept away in a flood of memories of how happy we were and remember that he loves me.
That’s all I need—just a chance to remind him how good we are together.
I’m hanging on by my fingertips, desperately trying to recreate our happy times so he won’t leave me.
I slow the car as we enter the town. It’s not the smallest we’ve seen today, but it’s definitely not large.
There’s a bar on the outskirts, then a scattering of houses and small businesses.
It doesn’t take long to reach the main drag, and the tension in me loosens when I see that it’s pretty charming.
Not like the villages we saw in Europe, but as far as Americana goes, it’s got some nostalgic appeal.
Most of the buildings here are Victorian in style, and the residents clearly pride themselves on keeping things maintained.
I see a parking space and pull in, turning off the engine and pinning on a bright smile.
“Let’s have a walk and find somewhere to grab food,” I suggest, pretending that’s the main reason for our stop and not because we’re completely lost. Maybe one of the shop signs will mention the name of the town and I can look it up on the map and not seem like a complete waste of space.
Ned gets out of the car and glances around. “This is cute,” he says. One of the people walking past glances over and smiles, and I seize on the encouragement.
“The cutest place in America!” I declare, and am rewarded by Ned’s chuckle.
I lock the car, grab his hand, and tug him along the sidewalk.
“Look at all the ornate plasterwork,” I enthuse.
The buildings are nice, and my background in construction gives me appreciation for what I’m seeing, but in the end, they’re not that special.
I just need a way to convince Ned that getting lost was the best thing that’s happened to him all week.
We find a little bakery with an espresso machine and plant ourselves at a table in the bay window. A teenager with a Britney Spears hairstyle and way too much eye makeup comes to take our order, then hesitates and asks, “Is that an Armani shirt?”
I look down at my chest. “Yes.”
“Cool. So… are you guys like, a couple?”
All my tension comes flooding back, and she must notice.
“No, it’s cool if you are! One of the guys at the middle school just came out as gay, so the town had this, like, information session so people could ask questions and not accidentally be a dick—I mean, a jerk.
” She sneaks a glance toward the counter, but nobody seems to have heard her swear.
“I think the kid wanted to die, but everyone learned a lot. I think they’ll all be really accepting. ”
I can see from Ned’s expression that he has no idea how to deal with that. Even I think it’s weird. But I muster up some enthusiasm and say, “That’s great! This town is such a gorgeous place and has such a welcoming vibe. It’s great to hear the people are the same.”
The teen beams at me, then goes to put our order in.
Ned looks across the table at me. “What the fuck?” he whispers, and I laugh.
“I know. But… in a way it’s nice? That kid could have been treated like crap, but instead they tried to make things easier. They educated themselves.”
He shakes his head, but he’s smiling. “I guess. Bet he doesn’t think it’s so great though.”
I think back to my middle school days and have to agree.
Our drinks are brought out by an older woman with a sharp-featured face but kind eyes. “Here you are. Teri was just telling me how much you like the town. It’s nice to meet city people who can appreciate small-town living. Most of your type don’t even get off the highway.”
Ned immediately picks up his cup and takes a huge swallow, leaving me to come up with a response. Is she complimenting us or insulting us? Or both?
“We’re loving it so far. In fact, we were just saying it’s a shame we can’t stay longer.”
Her face lights up. “Well, why not? We’ve got a great B&B right down the street. I’m sure Lenore will be able to set you up with a room. You can take a few days to explore the area properly.”
Oh my god. How did this happen? What do I say?
I look across the table at Ned, and he looks back at me. For the first time in so long, the worried frown between his brows is gone. He’s smirking, white teeth flashing behind his beard, and I can almost hear the challenge.
“What a great idea.”