Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“Fine,” East tells Archer, who laughs along with Meadow.
They head to the counter for skates, Meadow meeting up with her friends.
“Are you coming?”
I think about Meadow’s lists and all the things she wants to do. I think about Tripp’s list for me in his phone. Do I want him to be able to add Rhett ice-skating? Is that something he would even care to put down, and why does it matter if he doesn’t? But a part of me wants to give him things to write down, wants him to have options, if for no other reason than it strangely feels like a success, and I’ve been chasing so many of those throughout my life, I don’t know how to be any other way.
“Let’s go,” I say, determination fueling me.
Tripp grins.
The back of my neck tingles.
What have I gotten myself into?
CHAPTER SIX
Tripp
There’s a buzz of excitement beneath my skin I probably shouldn’t be feeling for something as simple as going ice-skating with Rhett. But the truth is, I like him. From our dinner the other night, to the conversation in the truck, seeing how much thought he put into Meadow’s gifts, and then what he’d said to me earlier about Meadow being great and how I have something to do with that.
“You provide an environment where she feels comfortable exploring who she is, and making her own dreams, and you give her moments she wants to remember. If you weren’t a safe place for her…”
That’s really all I’ve ever wanted. For my daughter to be safe and happy. Rhett’s somber tone showed how serious he was, how much he believed what he said, and I can’t help wondering if anyone ever provided a safe place for him. Did Rhett live in an environment where he felt comfortable being who he is? I would have thought yes. He’s always come off as so settled in his skin. Not to mention his father being Gregory Swift—former mayor, lawyer, and congressman. Growing up in Birchbark, we all thought Gregory had our best interests at heart. We thought he was a family man who would do anything for those he loved, including this town, but getting to know Rhett and hearing little comments he’s made about East, I’ve had a niggling feeling for a while that our assumptions were wrong.
I hang toward the back of the line with Rhett, while everyone else picks up their skates. “What size are you?” I ask Rhett when it’s our turn.
“Eleven.”
I get two sets of eleven, and we carry them over to one of the benches and put them on.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Rhett mumbles softly.
“It’ll be fun.”
“It won’t be fun if I fall on my ass.”
“Aw, I’ll catch you,” I tease, but Rhett whips his head in my direction as if both surprised and unsure how to feel about what I said. “Shit. I’m sorry. I was being playful.” I don’t know what it is about this man that makes me flirt with him, that makes me want to see him smile. That’s unusual for me. On the other hand, I feel like it was clearly a joke. As far as I know, Rhett doesn’t even know I’m bisexual.
“I know. It’s fine.” He focuses on his skates.
Once we’re all laced up, we stand and carefully make our way to the ice. Everyone else seems to have beaten us out there, Meadow between her friends, holding their hands. My chest warms at the sight.
“Are you good at this?” Rhett asks me, wobbly on his feet.
“I wouldn’t say I’m good, but I’m not bad. I can stay on my feet fairly well.” I step out onto the ice. Rhett lingers behind. Dusty and Morgan are laughing as their arms flail and they try not to fall. I see nothing but pure joy between them—Morgan not as closed off as Easton and Rhett.
Rhett follows me out onto the ice, gingerly, keeping one hand on the balustrade for balance. He tries to move, but it’s awkward, and he almost falls but catches himself.
“Here. Take my hand.”
“I can do it,” he snaps, then shakes his head. “Sorry. I…don’t like it when I can’t do something.”
I don’t think he likes it when he’s not in control either, but I don’t mention that. “None of us do.”
“I think you underestimate my need for perfection.”
His admission isn’t something I’d have expected to hear. In a strange way, it’s nice having him be honest with me, gracing me with this glimpse into who he is. “No one is perfect, Rhett.”
“Does that mean we shouldn’t try?”
I frown, those words rubbing me wrong. What kind of high standards does he set for himself? And what does it do to him if he can’t accomplish them?
“Never mind. Ignore me.” He tries to skate again, hand still firmly on the ledge. He’s moving haltingly but still going. I keep close to him, hands to myself, but staying near in case he needs me. “You don’t have to do this.”