Page 18 of Easton
“That’s awesome. I hope Dad lets me get a dog soon,” Meadow says.
“You can always hide one in your room,” Easton tells her.
“East!”
“I’m kidding,” he replies, but I see him giving Meadow a look that says he’s not kidding at all.
I couldn’t be frustrated even if I wanted to. At this point all I can do is laugh.
Meadow’s cell rings, and she pulls it out of her pocket. “It’s Dad.” She answers. “I’m at the park with Uncle Archer and Easton. He got a new dog.” He must be saying something because she’s listening before she says, “Okay. I’ll see you soon.” She ends the call and turns to me. “Dad said he’s done earlier than expected. He’s not far from us, so he’s going to come and pick me up so you don’t have to take me all the way home tonight.”
“Sounds good, kid.”
She takes off with the dogs again, and Easton says, “You two are close.”
“Yeah, she’s great. I love the hell out of that kid. She’s got the kindest heart of anyone I know. Cass is the best, of course. He would burn the world down for that girl if he had to, but outsideof that, she hasn’t had the easiest life, though you’d never know it to look at her.”
East doesn’t respond right away, looking out and watching Meadow with the dogs. “Do you want them?”
“Want what?”
“Kids.”
I lean against the fence. “I think so. Might be getting a little late for me if I don’t hurry up.” I laugh.
“You’re only thirty-six.”
“Aw, you know how old I am?”
“Only because you’re my brothers’ age.”
I clutch my heart. “You’re killing me here, East.” Today has been the most conversation we’ve ever shared outside of me trying to get him out of trouble. It’s interesting, seeing this side of him. Having him ask me questions like if I want kids, without me having to prompt him.
“I’m sure you’ll marry some woman who’s just as perfect as you, and then you’ll have perfect kids.” His voice has a rougher edge to it than a moment ago.
“First, I’m not perfect. I have my own shit to deal with. Second, I don’t expect the person I’m with to be perfect either. And last, it could be a guy. I’m bi, you know.”
“If you’re flirting with me, you’re doing a shitty job,” he replies, making me laugh. Part of me really fucking wants to flirt with him, and I guess I innocently have today, but the other part worries about that. If East is interested and we add sex to the mix, I would never want him to think that’s why I’ve been helping him out and spending time with him. Plus, I’m pretty sure fucking him would make him cut off this…friendship?…even quicker.
“Dad’s here!” Meadow points to Cass, who’s walking our way. Easton immediately takes a step away from me.
“Hey, Arch, Easton.”
“Hey, man. How’s it going?” I reply.
“Worried that this volunteering at the shelter is about to backfire on me.” Cass sighs.
“Oh, I can guarantee it is.” When I realize Easton hasn’t said anything yet, I tell Cass, “East adopted another dog today. Saved his life.”
“You would have if I hadn’t.” He keeps watching the dogs.
“You almost got a dog? Actually, that doesn’t surprise me. You’re always trying to save something.”
“Hey, I am not,” I reply playfully, before feeling Easton stiffen beside me. I give Cass a small headshake, and he frowns, but then I’m pretty sure he catches on.
“Thanks for letting her play with your dogs today, Easton. She likes them a lot,” Cass tells him.
“You don’t have anything to thank me for.”