Page 104 of Places We've Never Been

“Funny.”

“I get what you’re saying, Norah. I really do. I just feel like you two are different. It’s not some fleeting, new thing. It’s something real, something that doesn’t come along very often, something you shouldn’t just let go of because of some temporary inconvenience.”

“You’re assuming this isn’t one-sided. You’re assuming he feels the same way. That’s a big assumption. I’m assuming he doesn’t. I’m grateful that we’re friends again.”

“Fine, whatever. I’ll leave you alone about it…for now. But just don’t do that thing you do where you overanalyze everything. Sometimes you just have to let things happen how they’re supposed to happen.”

After we hung up, I sat there on the bench looking at the trees that surrounded me. I could hear water trickling and I wondered if there was a stream nearby. I leaned my elbows on my knees and watched a beetle crawl through the dirt.

I was jealous of Willow. I didn’t want to be but I was. I was jealous that she was interested in a guy who lived in the same town as her and if she ended up liking him there would be nothing complicated about it.

“You’re going to think I’m stalking you,” a voice said from behind me.

I turned to see Ty. “Yes, actually, I am.”

“I told you last leg we were on the same route.”

“I know. It’s funny,” I said. “Apparently our parents have the same taste in campsites.” Which reminded me…“Do your parents print out the receipts for each place you stay?”

“You want to compare prices or something?” he asked with a curious head tilt.

I scooted over on the bench and he sat down. “No, dates.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Do you know how long ago your family booked this place?”

He shrugged. “A couple months, at least. Do you want me to ask my mom if you can look at the receipt?”

I sighed. “No.” I didn’t need him to confirm what I already knew. My mom hadn’t planned this trip months ago. It had happened weeks ago and I had no idea why she felt the need to lie about it.

A piece of tall grass tickled my ankle and I rubbed at it with my opposite foot.

“You left without saying goodbye at the dance.”

“It was a…strange night.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“It’s a long story.” One that started years and years ago.

Ty’s attention turned to something behind me and I followed his gaze to see Skyler walking up.

“Hey,” he said. “Ty, right?”

“Yes, hey again,” Ty said.

“I take it you all got your route off Roadtrippers too.”

“Yeah, Norah and I figured that out last time.”

Skyler raised his eyebrows at me. “I’m sure you did.”

I wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean so I didn’t say anything.

“We’re prepping for lunch,” Skyler said. He was giving me an out, because it wasn’t my turn to prep for lunch. I appreciated it, but I was busy feeling sorry for myself when it came to Skyler.

“I think it’s Ezra’s turn,” I said. “Let me know when it’s ready?”

He was surprised by my response, I could tell. Last time I’d been around Ty I hadn’t wanted to be, but being around Skyler right now felt more torturous.

“Yeah, sure,” he said, then left me there. Maybe that was the wrong decision. Maybe Ishouldjust tell him how I felt and let the chips fall where they may, but that could end with Skyler not being in my life at all. I didn’t want to lose him after just getting him back.

I turned to Ty to ask him if there was a good clubhouse at this RV park when he leaned in and kissed me.