Begin Again

Chapter 18

The ride to the ice cream shop was quiet at first; then my song came on. Yup, Crash and Burn by Thomas Rhett.

"Oh my gosh, my song!"

Without thinking, I turn the radio up really loud and start singing.

"So I guess it's over baby, Déjà vu again."

I sing my heart out until the song is over. All the sudden, the music is turned down to normal levels and that's when I realize I'm not in my truck. Holy crap Erik is still right next to me. Within seconds, my face and neck are redder than a ripe tomato. I slowly glance over at Erik.

He's got a huge smile on his face. Why? Is he really happy to get ice cream? Am I that bad that it's funny? It's probably the second option.

"Just when I thought you couldn't be more perfect you go and sing."

What? Did I hear him right? I think listening to Thomas Rhett with the volume all the way up is finally taking its toll on my ear drums. There is no way Erik just complimented my singing and called me perfect. I'm far from perfect. This guy must be delusional. I don't even know what to say to that.

He continues, "Have you always been able to sing like that?"

Have I? I don't know, no ones ever complimented me before. "Uhh, I'm not sure. Nobody's ever told me that before."

"Really? That's surprising, you have a beautiful voice."

"Oh, well, thanks", I give him a slight smile.

"You're welcome."

With that, we pull into the parking lot of Cow Bells. It's an ice cream shop that has the best homemade ice cream around. Hopefully, by now, my blush has resided and I look like a normal human being. Before I can even unbuckle my seatbelt, Erik is already opening my door for me. He puts his hand out for me to take. I smile and place mine in his open hand.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

He continues to hold my hand as we walk through the parking lot and go inside. Not that I mind, I love the feeling of his warm hand in mine.

As the door opens, a cowbell goes off, signalling our entry. Someone behind the counter yells, "Welcome to Cow Bells! Why don't you mooooove on over to our counter to view our ice cream flavors."

Yes, their welcome is the cheesiest welcome known to mankind. I feel bad for every poor employee that has had to say it. We make our way over to the counter with our hands still entwined.

I choose my favorite: mudslide. It's chocolate with peanut butter, fudge, and brownie bites. It's absolutely delicious and has been my favorite flavor ever since I first tried it. Erik is still looking.

"I picked mine," I tell him. He nods his head in response.

Finally, he decides and calls over the guy behind the counter.

He walks over and flasheas a smile, "What can I get you guys?"

He looks to be about 23 and I notice his name tag reads Alex.

"I'd like the green mint mixed with Mississippi mud and Trys, what do you want?"

"I want the mudslide, please."

"Make them both larges. Is that good with you, Trys?"

"Yeah, that's good."

"Alright, I'll get right on that. Go ahead and head on down to the register."

We do as Alex says and head over to the register with our hands still linked. I start to pull out the $10 in my pocket but when Erik notices what I'm doing he grabs my hand.