It's Not That Easy

Chapter 20 - Small Town Fun

There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love. - Bryant H. McGill

Chapter 20 - Small Town Fun

Edward's POV:

By the time Joel and Helen made it to the river it was almost 5:30. They had stopped at the grocery store and bought a few things for breakfast, and some fresh vegetables to go with the fish we're hoping to catch.

"What time are we expecting Holden?" Joel asks.

"He's meeting us later, but I'm not sure what time." I let him know. I didn't tell anyone that he was bringing a girl with him. Unlike his last female friend, this one is worth keeping around.

Helen came in and sat snuggling up on me. "Can I help you?" I ask, noticing she was invading my space.

"Don't give me that look. I know you would let Addy do this, so why can't I?" She gave me a cheesy little grin, and practically dared me to come up with answers for her to move.

"First of all, Addyson can do that anytime she wants, but you're my sister, and that's just all kinds of nasty."

She laughs, "Fair enough. I guess that just leaves me snuggling with Joel then."

"Shoot yeah. Come on over here, I got a spot for you." He pats a spot right beside him, but as my sister sits down beside him he give her a wink and a squeeze. Not a big deal, buddy like. He's become a little flirty with Helen lately, but that's probably because he doesn't do that with Addyson as much anymore. I have a lot of respect for him, knowing when to back off without having to discuss it.

Addyson comes into the room, and the smile on her face nearly took my breath away. She gave me the strangest look, probably trying to figure out what I was thinking. I smile at her, and invite her to sit by me. She sinks into my side with my arm around her shoulders, and Helen flashes me a humorously knowing look. I don't care. My love is in my arms.

"Ok, everybody, million dollar question. Where are we eating tonight?" Addyson asks. "I skipped lunch, and I'm starved."

"Why did you skip lunch?" I ask.

"I needed to study," she answers matter-of-factly, and Joel and Helen both roll their eyes.

"Do you do this a lot?"

"Yes," Joel and Helen answer at the same time Addyson answers, "No."

My narrow eyes glare at her until I hear a sheepish, "Yes," come from her lips. I don't respond; I just look at Joel for answers.

"I try, man, but she doesn't listen to me when it comes to eating."

"Uh, uh, uh. We are not discussing this. We are discussing where we are going for dinner or if we are going for dinner." She tries to put a halt on this conversation.

I lean over and whisper, "This conversation isn't over. We will talk about this later." She squares her shoulders, trying to look intimidating, but I am unaffected.

"It's a nice night, we could eat at Klaser's and sit outside on the patio." Helen says, and everyone agrees before we could bring up another restaurant.

"I also think we should go out to The County Line. Joel's a city boy. He needs some down home fun for a change." He must have expected it, because he let us know he brought boots and was ready to hit the floor.

Addy's POV:

Helen and I go to the girls' bunkroom to change, and that's when I first see what Joel had packed for me. "Joel," I yell for him, and I can hear him laugh as he walks down the hall.