Love Along The Paperclip novel Chapter 7

"No, we rarely have dinner together." That 'we' could be anyone. A couple so in love after eighteen years that they still get googly eyes. Or, my family.

Hillary nods understandably. Danielle seems immersed in her pizza. Colton is staring at me intently, as if trying to figure something out. I decide to change the subject. "Where is your husband? Is he getting home soon?"

Hillary absentmindedly fingers her wedding band. "He's in Texas, I think, at the moment."

I must look startled because she laughs. "He travels a lot, for business."

"So does my dad." I don't mean to say it; the words just slip out. My guard has been weak and now I've accidentally laid a card down. Hopefully it is a low one. Maybe a two.

"That must be hard." Hillary says, sounding as if she actually cares.

I shrug. "You get used to it. Right?" I look at her.

"Right." But there's something in her expression, a flicker of some emotion, that makes me think maybe everything isn't all right.

Chaper Five

"This is around the time when I would gallantly offer to take you home. And then I'd walk you to your doorstep and the moon would shine brightly, illuminating your face, and I wouldn't be able to help myself and I'd lean forward and-"

"Except I drove myself, and you, here." I interrupt.

"That's the only flaw in my gallant offer." Colton says.

I smile. We're on Colton's front porch. I'm sitting on the railing, my back against one of the pillars. Colton has his knees slightly bent, leaning his arms against the railing.

The sky is an inky black behind us; the moon a half-circle among a sea of stars.

"Okay, I came up with a great plan." Colton says after a moment.

"Yes?"

"I drive you home in your car."

I wait for the rest of his plan. When he remains quiet, I frown. "Uh, but then what? You walk home? I need my car for school tomorrow."

"That's the best part!" Colton beams like a five-year-old on Christmas morning. "I drive your car home and then pick you up for school tomorrow!"

"Um, no." My car is my baby. No one except me drives it.

"Come on!" Colton gets on his knees and winds his fingers together, as if he's going to start praying. "I'm so tired of mooching rides off my friends! This way, I get a for sure ride to school and get to drive a beautiful girl home!"

I feel my face flush at his compliment but remain firm in my opinion of his 'plan'. "Nope."

"Please? I'll carry your books to class for the rest of the week!" He offers pleadingly.

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