After Tuesday by Renee Ericson Page B

doesn’t.
    Well, holy crap! How am I supposed to sleep now?
     

Chapter Ten
     
    When Brent came to see me on Sunday evening, I was completely taken off-guard. Since Lexi was in on the whole thing, she, of course, insisted on more information about what was going on between Brent and me, but I didn’t know what else to tell her. Before last Friday, he didn’t even know me.
    While it feels like we’ve known each other longer, I can’t help but remind myself that this could be more along the lines of summer fun. Lexi tries to keep my negative thoughts away by reminding me that Brent literally went out of his way to come and see me last Sunday.
    Since then, he’s called me every day. Who does that? Lexi’s right. I’m psyching myself out by obsessing a little too much. However, our phone conversation on Thursday night makes me feel a little anxious.
    “So, you’re still up for tomorrow, right? No plans?” he asks.
    “No. I already told you that I’m pretty boring on the weekends.”
    “Well, I guess we’ll have to change that.”
    “Oh, really?” I joke.
    “Yeah.”
    “What did you have in mind, Mr. Cruise Director?”
    “Nuh-uh, I’m not telling you.”
    “Why not?”
    “Where’s the fun in that? You’ll just have to sweat it out,” he teases.
    I can almost picture him shaking his head.
    He adds, “Surprising you is fun. We can talk about it when you get back.”
    Although I’m a bit nervous, I think I like his surprises, so I’m game.
    Thank goodness camp has been a good distraction. These kids have been as ornery as ever, making the last few days linger at a snail’s pace. I guess that’s what happens when all I’ve been doing is waiting for the week to end.
    When Friday afternoon finally rolls around, Lexi and I say our good-byes to the kids and the staff. After I gather my things from my cabin, Lexi meets me at my door, so we can walk to the parking lot together.
    I’m starting to get butterflies in my stomach. I’m nervous about seeing Brent again for the first time in days. Even though I just talked to him last night, I still can’t convince myself that last weekend wasn’t just a dream. I even consider that my imagination made up my feelings. Thinking of the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” I wonder if I’m the only one experiencing this.
    “So, what are your plans for this evening? Do you know yet?” Lexi asks.
    “Nope,” I tell her between biting my nails. “He won’t tell me anything. Apparently, he likes to surprise me.”
    When we round the corner of the path, leading into the mouth of the parking lot, Lexi grabs my arm.
    As I look at her, she mouths, “Holy buckets.”
    Holy buckets? Who says that?
    I turn to where she’s staring to see Brent and Owen walking in our direction. When they reach us, Brent scoops me up, causing me to drop all my belongings, as he twirls me around in his arms.
    When he puts me down, he leans his head on mine, flashing those dimples. “Surprise.”
    He knows he’s got me. Sneaky, sneaky.
    “What are you doing here? I thought you were going to call me when I got home.”
    “Yeah, but isn’t this better?”
    “Well, yeah, of course, it is.”
    He quickly kisses me innocently in front of Lexi and Owen. Calming myself but still left wanting more, I take a moment and look into his eyes. In an instant, I know that absence has made his heart grow fonder, too. Seeing it there in his eyes, my inhibitions drop. I kiss him back—this time, not so short and innocent.
    “So, can you give me a ride? I came here with Owen, and I don’t want to be a third wheel,” he pleads humorously, trying to cover his breathlessness. “We could go do something fun.”
    “Sure, what did you have in mind?” I squeeze him, not ready to let go.
    “Why don’t you surprise me?” he asks with an insistent look.
    “All right.”
    Brent grabs my things, and we wave good-bye to Lexi and Owen as we walk to my car.
    “I need to stop and get some