Moving Back Home

Chapter Eleven

"Where are you taking me?" I ask Harrison as we drive in this truck on some random gravel road.

He smiles, "I wouldn't be surprising you if I told you Cassie."

"You've been driving for hours," I reply as I look out the window, "You aren't taking me somewhere to murder me are you?"

This made him chuckle, "Honey, if I were a murderer I would have done it by now."

"Not necessarily," I tell him with a grin forming on my face.

We pull up in front of an old barn, surrounded by sunflowers. It almost reminded me of the field behind my house. I was in awe of the way the sunlight painted the place. I look over at Harrison who is pulling out a picnic basket, and a stereo from the back of his truck. I couldn't help but blush at the sight. He must've spent the entire morning getting ready for this date, and all I did was throw on a summer dress along with my favorite pair of boots. He lays out a blanket across the barn floor and turns on the radio, which had a mix cd that he made special for the occasion.

I smile as I sit down on the blanket, "A mix cd? How 2008 of you Harry."

"I guess I never really got into the advancement in music technology," He explains as he pours me a glass of lemonade, "A mix cd feels more personal to me anyway."

"So this is your idea of a good first date?"

He scoffs, "I could always get you drunk and force you to go back at my place again."

"No, I like it here." I rebuff as I glance out to the fields in front of me, "It's peaceful and quiet."

"Yeah, that's why I kept it," He says while handing me a plate of food, "The property has been in the family for a while. I want to fix the barn up, making it into a rental space. Think of the parties that could be held here."

I smiled, "You mean like weddings? Receptions?"

"Birthday parties, open houses, family reunions," He goes on with a grin.

"It's a beautiful idea Harrison," I tell him, "I think you should go for it."

He moves a little closer to me, "You're the only person who thinks I should. My folks think I should sell the property and use the money to renovate the bar."

"So, your family owns the bar?"

"Well, I own it. It's another place that has been in the family for a long time."

I see how his mood changes from talking about his family. It almost reminded me of how tense it was with my parents when I decided to move away from them. The sudden silence between us gave me the opportunity to observe my surroundings. Harrison must had already put some work into the barn as I noticed the pile of paint and tools in the corner. My eyes turn towards the roof where some of the wood appeared to be newer than the rest. Harrison really had high hopes for this place. I glance down at my plate of food; didn't really think much until now how great everything tasted.

"You know this is the first date I've been on in years," I admit quietly.

He chuckles, "You didn't date in the city?"

"There were a few assholes," I smile.

He lets out a sigh, "Guess I'm glad I'm not on your shit list."

"Careful Harry, don't let it get to your head." I reply jokingly.

As the sun went down, Harrison placed several tea light mason jars around us. I helped him clean up the picnic area, listening to the radio. It seemed as it got darker the tempo slowed down. The sweet smell of honeysuckle and melon filled the area. It must had been the way Harrison arranged the candles, or the way the summer night breeze hit my skin. But the atmosphere felt so peaceful and in plain words—so perfect.