Page 19 of Your Love

“Damn straight, is it,” he confirms. “So, yes, she’s here, but I don’t think she’s good company given, you know, her situation.”

The next thing I hear is Kerri yell, “PAPA! What are you telling him?”

“I was telling him the truth, Kerri Ann—that you’re not feeling well, on account of your period and all—“

“OH MY GOD!”

Suddenly, the line goes dead. I’m actually worried for Earl’s safety. If this is what a wet panther is like, I think he might be right. So, today may not be the day to bring Paisley over, but that doesn’t mean I can’t visit her. I’m risking my life, but it’s worth it.

An hour later, my pickup rattles down the dirt road, kicking up dirt and dust as I drive to Kerri’s house. The bag of supplies I brought shifts around in the backseat, and I slow down so they won’t tumble out.

I catch sight of Kerri’s grandparents over by the barn as I climb out of my truck. They seem to be in deep conversation, so I continue on to the front door. When I reach it, I knock loudly to announce my arrival before turning the knob and letting myself into the house.

“Hello?” My voice echoes through the quiet rooms. A small, muffled squeak echoes from the living room as I make my way towards it.

“Landry?” I hear her voice, barely audible over the sound of the television.

Stepping into the room, my eyes are immediately drawn to the form lying on the couch, cocooned in a thick brown blanket. Only her head and the wild, messy bun perched atop it are visible. As I approach, I can see her face peering out from under the covers.

“Yeah, it’s me,” I reply. “I came by to visit you, and I brought provisions.” I hold up a bag of supplies that I brought along. The living room is dimly lit, casting shadows across her features and giving the room a cozy, intimate feel.

Her eyebrows furrow in skepticism as she asks me, “What do you mean you brought provisions?”

I can’t help but smile as I set the brown paper bag on the coffee table and begin to dramatically remove items one by one. “First, we have chips,” I state, placing the bag on the table. “They’re nice and salty.”

She perks up at the sound of her favorite snack and peeks out a bit more from her cozy blanket cocoon.

“Next, some herbal tea and chocolate,” I continue, holding up the box for her to see. Her interest is visibly piqued as I pull out a bar of rich milk chocolate.

“Wait, there’s more,” I tease, revealing a familiar blue box of macaroni and cheese. Finally, I reach into the bag and withdraw two items: Midol and a heating pad. As she watches with growing curiosity, I place them carefully on the table next to the other goodies.

Kerri’s jaw falls open in disbelief, her eyes widening in astonishment. “Are you for real?”

“Yes, I am,” I reply with a teasing grin. “So, did I successfully tempt you into spending time with me?”

Her lips curl into a playful smirk as she challenges me. “Only if you promise to make that mac and cheese.”

“I can do that.”

“Well, then, you can stay as long as you’d like. But fair warning, I’m not the best company,” she says with a self-deprecating chuckle.

I shrug. “I don’t mind. We can watch movies and lounge around all day.” As I speak, I imagine us cuddled up on the couch together. The thought brings a warmth to my chest. I shouldn’t allow it, but I couldn’t push it down if I tried.

Kerri’s face lights up with joy. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Christian Landry, but I’m happier than a pig in mud that you’re my friend.”

A hearty laugh escapes my lips as I shake my head in amusement.

“What?” She asks.

“You and your grandpa,” I reply, a smile still playing on my lips. “Always comparing things to animals.”

“What did he say?” she asks, the curiosity evident in her tone.

“He said you were meaner than a wet panther,” I reply.

Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she releases a hearty laugh. “Well then, I’ll have to show him how fierce a wet panther can be.”

As the sun sets in a blaze of oranges and pinks, Kerri’s grandparents venture out for dinner, leaving Kerri and me to commandeer the couch. For hours now, we’ve been perched in our designated spots, engrossed in a marathon of movies.