My walk back to the clinic is quiet. Nature’s background noise is soothing to my soul. Dallas is there locking the door, head down, a backpack sling over his one shoulder as if he’s just getting done with school. He walks away in the opposite direction, his hand in his pocket. I watch as he goes by my car, a fingertip traces the front, gliding across the length of it before ending at the back. He puts his hand back in his pocket. Even strides carry him away. I just stand there looking at him before I decide to call out to him.
“Hey, Dallas! Do you need a
sed a ride home?” I jingle my keys in my hand,
waiting for an answ
Mauer.
Surprised, his smiling eves meet mine. “Il you’re going that way, sure.
Η
“I’m not sure where you even live, but I can drive you. I’m not really busy at the moment.”
“Thanks, I appreciate this.” He’s at the side of my car. Opening it) let him in. He’s nervous but maintaining appearances.
Rolling down his window, he takes some deep breaths in as the wind swirls around inside between us.
“Turn right here, just at the end of this road. “I pull off the main road onto a dirt road winding like a snake into the forest. A small cottage just like minests solitary on the edge of the laloo. It’s on the opposite side from my house.
I wasn’t expecting this. I thought he would have something grand, doctor–ish. Looking around, it’s a simple,small home, well built with dark grey siding that blends well with the scenery
“Would you like to come in?I could make us dinner if you haven’t eaten yet today. “I can tell he’s slightly nervous with the way he says it.
I hesitate, not sure of what to say.
*t’s okay. Sorry, I just thought if you haven’t eaten, and I haven’t it’s just better sometimes, not eating alone.” His words hold a touch of hollowness.
“Why not?” Putting the car in park and shutting off the engine,I get out, following him to his home.
#Twasn’t expecting company, so it’s a little messy” Opening the door to his home he waits for me to walkin first
It’s all open concept, everything in one room except the bedrooms and bathroom. It’s clean, modern; the only thing out of place are some big medical books and a guitar on the couch. Some of the sun–ripened vegetables that brought to the pack gathering are sitting on his table just waiting to be eaten
“Come, sit.” He pulls out a chair for me at the island. The gas range sits in the middle, high quality.
“Drinks.” He says this to himself as he looks into the fridge.
“I have wine, beer, vodka, pop, water? Whatever you would like.” “I’ll take a glass of wine”
pulls a bottle of blushing pink wine out and pours two glasses. My fingertips brush against him as I take the glass from him. His eyes find mine before looks away.
I notice his deck outside is bigger then his home, layered steps and landings that go all the way to the lake. He notices where my eyes are wandering,
“Would you like to go outside?” He opens the glass doors, letting the hot summer breeze in. Stepping outside, I see he has canoes, kayaks, and stand–up paddle boards that line the side of the deck.
“Wow, you have a lot of stuff.” “I like the water. Do you kayak?”
“No,I have never been.” He looks surprised.
“I really was never invited, plus my parents don’t live on the water. I always wanted to, but I just didn’t have the opportunity.”
“Well, if you want, I could teach you. Maybe if it’s a nice weekend, you can come over in the afternoon and we can take a little tour of the lake. He’s looking at the water, not at me. I can tell he’s waiting for an answer,
“That would be fun, thanks.” He lets out a breath with my words,
Sipping my wine, look out at the lake shimmering in the afternoon sum. “Beautiful,” he says.
“It is,” Tagree, but when I look at him, he’s looking at me.
