“Listen, we better get back out there, so we can eat. I’m sure Ellie is wonders what the hell is wrong with me, and Emma…well, um…she needs that thing from town,” I said.
Jeff gave me a funny look and pulled me in for another kiss. I wasn’t sure why I did it, but I kissed him back like it was our last kiss. I poured so much love into that kiss that it left me breathless.
“Jesus, Ari…. that was some fucking kiss, baby. ” Jeff said with a laugh.
We walked back out into the kitchen, and I looked at Emma who was giving me a questioning look. I just shook my head to her, and she looked down.
After we ate, we cleaned up and put away everything.
Then, Ellie pulled me into the living room.
“Ari, what the hell is going on? You’re pale as a ghost. What’s with this we-have-to-run-into-town shit?”
“Can we talk about this when we get into the car, Ellie? Please just go along with me. It’s a code blue. ”
“Alright. Well then, let’s get going. ”
I walked back out into the kitchen and grabbed my purse. Heather was already outside on the porch with everyone else. After she grabbed her purse, Ellie followed right behind me.
“Okay, so come on, Heather. We need to run into town to pick up that thing for Emma,” I said as I gave Heather a pleading look. She wasn’t catching on, so I mouthed code blue to her.
“Oh! Oh yeah, um…let me grab my purse. ” Heather jumped up and ran into the house.
I noticed Josh was watching her every move. After she came back out, Josh stood up.
“Do y’all want me to drive? I don’t mind taking you in. It’s getting kind of late,” Josh said.
“No!”
All three of us said at the same time. Shit.
Jeff started to laugh along with Gunner.
“Dude, they want their girl time. What do you need to get?” Jeff said. He looked at me first and then back at Emma.
I snapped my head at Emma, and she glanced at me with the most relaxed look on her face. “I need some mason jars for pickling in the morning. ”
Garrett looked confused. He was about to say something, but then Emma gave him a smile that just made him no even open his mouth.
Fuck, I need to learn how she did that!
Jeff stood up and handed me his truck keys. “At least take my truck. It’s dark, and the deer will be out. ”
I grabbed his keys and kissed him on the cheek.
“I love you, Jeff. ”
He tilted his head and looked at me funny.
“I love you, too Ari. Be careful, okay?”
***
Once we got in Jeff’s truck, I let out the breath I had been holding.
“What the hell is going on, Ari? You’re starting to scare me. I could even tell Emma was covering for you. Spill it,” Ellie said.
I looked at Ellie, who was sitting next to me, and then I turned to Heather, who was in the back seat.