Page 69 of Teach Me How

My cheeks color, but then I spot the novelty mug my drink came in. A ceramic pineapple that makes my heart happy.

Mitch settles back into his seat. “How’d the interview go, Reese?”

“Good?” I glance up at Skyler, who smiles at me. “I don’t want to jinx it…”

Mitch crosses his ankle over his knee. “They kept you at city hall all day?”

I nod. “Yeah. After the first interview, we did some tours and then they took me to lunch. Your friend Michaela is hilarious, by the way.”

“She texted me and told me how much everyone loved you.” Mitch says, sitting back.

“Already?”

“Yep.” He winks at me. “Sounds like you better start looking for apartments in Boulder.”

Skyler squeezes my hip. Nervous excitement fills my chest. Can I really do that? Just pack up and start over somewhere completely new?

Mitch glances at the door. “I invited a few of my friends out tonight. Hopefully, you guys don’t mind. I thought maybe Reese should get to know some people around here.”

I spot Michaela, and she waves at me with a huge grin on her face. She’s got a few lanky outdoorsy guys behind her. Mitch climbs to his feet and meets them partway, slapping the guys on the back in manly greeting.

I feel Skyler peel away from me. He slides to the other side of the bench.

“Where do you think you’re going?” I curve my hand around his thigh.

He pauses. “You should mingle. I don’t want to get in your way.”

The implication is clear. I might leave Silver Bend, but he won’t. My hand stays firm on his leg and I scoot closer, take up the space he vacated. “IfI move, I’ll have plenty of time to meet new friends. I want to spend time with you.”

His shoulders ease a bit, and he settles back, wrapping an arm around me. I sneak a peek up at his face, trying to decipher that expression.

I get the feeling he’ll be lonely when I’m gone. A few years ago, he had his bosom buddies to keep him company. But one by one, they’re moving on. Growing up. Leaving him alone.

And I’m just one more person who is leaving him in the lurch.

As much as I loathe the idea, it’s probably time I start helping him find a partner.

When we get back home, I’ll get started in earnest.

But we aren’t going to find a Silver Bend girl in Boulder. So, until we get back home, he’s all mine.

46.

Skyler

We have identified Reese’s kryptonite.

And it comes in chunky pineapple mugs.

For such a little thing, she handles her alcohol pretty well.

I can tell she’s getting tipsy, but only because I’ve known her for years.

These new friends don’t know that her cheeks don’t usually flush that pretty color. They don’t know that she has big eyes, but they’re open a little wider when she’s feeling good. Like she doesn’t want to miss a damn thing.

I can’t quite keep up with Mitch’s friends—the rapid-fire conversation. I need Bo or Dusty to take the spotlight. They’re good wingmen.

Or maybe, I’m the good wingman. I’ve never liked too much attention. Never been quick enough with a joke. But I like being present—content to just sit back. And I like being the one who gets to hold Reese steady. She’s telling a story about her sisters that has everyone on the edge of their seats. I glance at Mitch, and he grins, his eyebrow popping up. I know what he’s thinking. Where did this little cherry bomb come from and what happened to that shy girl who used to chill with us in Josh’s basement?