Page 48 of Crash

“No. I just need to clear these feelings and move on.”

“Damn. I just knew you two were perfect for each other.”

“She is perfect for me.”

Courtney hugs me, and we walk back to the table where Caleb appears ready to go.

“Hey, Courtney,” he says to my sister.

She looks at him with a blank expression.

“Austin, enjoy your hike tomorrow. Call me when you’re back home. Love you.” She tussles my hair and leaves.

“Bye, Courtney.”

“Go away, Caleb,” she replies walking away. I follow her to the table and see Tessa. She’s right. She looks exuberantly thrilled. Her beautiful smile shows her dazzling white teeth. Her mocha skin is beaming with glow, and I reminisce about how it felt under my touch.

Caleb must catch on to my vision since he hastens the evening along.

“Well, ladies, it was a pleasure, but my buddy and I have to get up early for our day on the trails. It was lovely meeting you and you were great company.”

“Well, why don’t you call us when you get back? Maybe we can meet for dinner or brunch on Sunday.”

Shelly passes her number to Caleb, and he accepts.

“Okay, I will.”

The ladies leave and we follow soon after. On the way to our vehicles, Caleb pulls me to the side.

“I know she was in there. Are you sure you still want to go in the morning?”

“Yeah, I need the perspective.”

“Okay. See you in the morning.”

We bump fists and part ways.

I drive home, and the vision of seeing her tonight gives me a header for sweet dreams.