Everly
You’re like 50ft from the green. Just come down here and eat popcorn with me.
Law ditched me for some woman who he said has “big cougar energy”
C’mon. Otherwise, I’ll just be on this blanket alone…
It’s just after 9:30, and the movie has likely already started, but she’s right, I’m a few steps away, and there’s no reason not to keep her company. I throw on my shoes and grab Milo’s leash.
“C’mere, boy. Let's go hang out with your Auntie Ev for a little bit.” He barks back as if he knows exactly what I just said.The goodest boy.
I hit the sidewalk, and there’s a big crowd spread out across the lawn of Strutt’s downtown green. An oversized outdoor movie screen on the farthest side. The movie’s already started, but I hear Milo bark excitedly before I can text Ev to find her.
“Henry Riggs, that devil dog of yours was in the dog park again this morning,” the shrill voice of my least favorite DeMaio sister bites in my direction.
“It’s a nice night, isn’t it, Ruth?” I say, purposely ignoring what she said.
“He was chasing my little sweetie pie,” she says while petting the white curly-haired poof in her arms. “Honestly, if you’re going to utilize the dog park, please keep your mutt in the large dog side, and not the space for the small dogs.”
I breathe through my nose and take a calming exhale. In all honesty, I have no idea what she’s talking about. Milo doesn't go to the dog park unless I take him, which means he got out somehow and then, by some miracle, let himself back inside. He’s smart, but I doubt he’s mastered opening the door on his own.
“Sure thing, Ruth,” I say, trying to brush her off.
“It’s Ms. DeMaio to you, Riggs.”
I keep walking. “Have a nice night,” I yell over my shoulder. “You crotchety battleax,” I mumble under my breath.
I scratch my old boy's rusty-colored hair. “Are you chasing the ladies in your old age, Milo?” I laugh and then pull out my phone.
Okay, where are you?
I look around from the edge of the lawn, not spotting my sister.
Everly
Closer to the back. Just start walking, you’ll find her.
Her?
As I move through the crowd of people sprawled out on blankets and lawn chairs, the screen grabs my attention.
“Why worry? Each one of us is carrying an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on his back,”Bill Murray says sarcastically on screen as he creeps along the New York City Public Library.
Ghostbusters.
A smile takes over my face instantly. Something tells me I’m not going to find Everly right now. I look around the lawn, trying to spot wildly long blonde hair and bold, colorful tattoos that trickle down both arms.
“Looking good, Hanky,” I hear from behind me, where I was just standing. “You really know how to fill out those short—”
I cut her off as I whip around and rush into her, wrapping my arms around her waist and lifting her off the ground. Her arms circle my neck and squeeze, holding on so tight as she lets out a contented hum against me. I lean my head back to look at her beautiful face. I missed those big brown eyes on me. The energy and feelings have always been there, but the love that’s grown for her billows all around me. I feel blanketed in it. Lucky.
“Hi.” I move my arms up higher, and she locks her legs around my waist. I tuck a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear.
She smiles.God, I've missed that smile.“Hi.”
“I missed you, Pixie,” I whisper to her, leaning into her and taking a deep breath. Sugar and lemons. I could lick her up right now, but instead, I opt for a kiss just under her ear.
“Missed you more,” she says as she leans in toward my mouth and nips at my bottom lip. I pull her head closer to capture her in a kiss I’ve dreamt about for months. Her mouth parts, welcoming my tongue to dance with hers. A small noise escapes her, and I savor it.