Page 99 of Fly's Path

“Would it be weird for me to ask you what you’re thinking? You always seem so methodical. Like you’re evaluating everything.”

“That’s because I am. You’re surprisingly observant.”

“That’s what authors do. We watch people. Take in all the tiny details and then create stories around life.”

“How does watching people help you write science fiction?” I reach for a cookie of my own.

She shrugs. “Everything helps and nothing does, I guess. My stories aren’t real.”

The sun starts to set, and Sheri turns to the show in the sky.

“Did you know this was set up not just for eating, but also for enjoying the show?” I move everything to the side and lean back on the stack of pillows that are supported by a few boards in the back so they don’t go sliding every which way. “Care to join me?”

Sheri glances at me and smiles. “You set this up just to do that, didn’t you?”

“Absolutely. And it will be the best angle to watch the movie in the park in a few minutes.”

“What movie is it?”

Movie? Why didn’t I look that up?

“So all of this was to get me in your arms when the lights were low.”

Absolutely. Tell me your dream, especially when it comes to me holding you, and I’ll make it happen. “Do you mind?”

“Not in the least.” She scooches over, settling into my arms. “Just in case you were wondering, this is the best date ever.”

***

It turns out it was a double feature. First, we watched a family comedy, sharing a box of popcorn. And now we’re in the middle of a cheesy old science fiction. But Sheridan fell asleep over an hour ago, exactly like I hoped she would. Not that I would have minded holding her when she was awake, but this is nice.

Sheri snuggles in closer, wrapping a leg around mine.

What she doesn’t know is that we moved past the first date planning into future planning the second she fell asleep.

That act alone showed me all I need to know about the trust she’s already placed in me. Ignoring our physical attraction—which is almost impossible—there’s nothing about this woman I don’t like. She makes me laugh. She doesn’t take herself or life too seriously, but she also isn’t flighty. She runs, just for the pleasure of it, and she does it at the same time I do it.

We fit. We make sense together. What I need now is for her to see that. And quickly, because there’s no way she’s going back to Beach Haven. I need her to stay here and figure us out.

The question is, how do I convince her of that in the next week and a half? We could just start kissing and not stop until she agrees to all my demands.

That idea has merit.

My phone vibrates on my hip. Carefully, so as not to wake the bundle up in my arm, I lift it up and read the message.

Cyclops

Vandal’s party needs a clean-up crew. This is going to be an all-hands project.

What? Did he find out who The Ghost is?

Is it done?

Fly

My arms are kind of full now. Can it wait two hours?

Cyclops