Page 64 of Tracing Holland

“Case, that’s phenomenal.What is that?”

He’s so excited that I find myself hoping he’s buckled into his seat.“I know, right?I just got this sweet new bass module.With that filter and chorus echo, I just about shit my pants.And then the killer drop after the bridge?What do you think?”

“I think it’s amazing.And when did you learn to sing like that?”I laugh, handing his headphones back.

He only shrugs with a shy smile and throws them back on.Callie is giving me her fake-irritated look, but I can tell she’s as proud of him as I am.

“He never shuts off, does he,” I observe with a grin, and she rolls her eyes.

“Never,” she mouths.

I feel a sudden pressure on my leg, and glance down at Holland’s hand.I instinctively cast a look across the aisle, but the others aren’t paying attention to us anymore.

“Living on the edge, huh?”I tease.

“Time for you to meet my wild streak,” she returns, matching my grin, and it’s everything I can do not to kiss her right then.I know she wants the same thing when her fingers tighten on my thigh, the pressure intensifying as she moves higher.My heart starts to pound.

“I mean, they have a bathroom,” I offer with a mischievous look, and she rolls her eyes.

“I can’t get you to make love to me in a four-star hotel room, but you’ll take me in an airplane port-a-john?”

“Oh, whatever,” I return, grabbing her hand from my leg and giving it a playful squeeze.She chuckles, drawing the attention of the lady to our left.

“You two make a sweet couple.How long have you been married?”the lady asks, eyeing my ring.

My stomach drops, but Holland doesn’t catch on and only laughs.

“Oh, we’re not married,” she corrects, glancing at me when I instinctively pull my hand out of sight.

“It’s complicated,” I mutter.

“I see,” the woman replies with clear disapproval, and Holland seems startled, then embarrassed as she finally clues in.

“Oh, no, we’re not having an affair or anything,” she explains quickly.“He was married, but his wife…” She stops, the woman looks away, and I choke a little.Now, we’re all miserable.

“Oh, well, it’s certainly none of my business,” the woman continues with a stiff smile.She turns back to her window, and I feel Holland’s eyes on me.I give her a weak smile of my own to try to reassure her, but my body suddenly goes cold at a whole new thought.I glance at Callie and Casey to make sure they’re not paying attention before leaning toward Holland.

“As awkward as that was, she brings up a good point,” I say quietly.“Where we’re going, Houston…it’s just better if none of this comes up, ok?We’re going to be surrounded by Casey and Elena’s family and friends.There will be enough drama without me showing up with a new girlfriend.They already despise me.”I sigh, hating everything about this conversation.“It’s not even for my sake.It’ll be much better for you, for all of us, if you’re just Casey’s friend Holland while we’re there.”

She searches my eyes, and I’m relieved when she nods.“Of course.I totally understand.Casey’s buddy Holland.Got it.”She pauses as her serious expression turns into a grin.“But girlfriend, huh?”

“What?”

“You said girlfriend.”

I return her grin and give her a look.“Please.You know what I meant.”

“Actually, I don’t know if I do.Did you mean girlfriend?”

“Um, really?Because I’m pretty sure you just want to know if that would entitle you to my J45.”

She huffs and sits back.“Dammit.”Then, gives me another smile.“Would it?”

I laugh and shake my head in amusement.

We havea two-hour layover in Chicago and grab coffees and snacks while we’re waiting.I know what Holland’s thinking as the four of us sit around the small table, nursing our cups, because the thought is plaguing my head too.I just have no clue how to broach the subject with my two best friends whose minds are rightfully elsewhere.Besides, blurting awkward announcements is Holland’s area of expertise, not mine.

“How you doing with all of this, Case?”I ask, breaking the initial silence.He shrugs and glances up at me.