Stranger Things Have Happened, I Know

Ch 10 & 11

Chapter 10

Later that day, Dave invited some more people over to meet me. Taylor brought his wife, Alison and their kids, Chris brought his wife Cara and their three boys. Nate and Pat came solo. Josh and Brody also showed up after a while.

Mostly, it was the women that were interested in me. I sat with them by the pool, sipping drinks while the guys played in the pool with the kids. Alison and Cara were very polite, asking me all sorts of non-intrusive questions. Where did I work? Did I like LA? Did I hate snow? Did I play in any bands? Didn't I just love Dave? Had I met Jordyn or the girls? When was I flying out? When would I be back?

I smiled and answered them politely and tried to ask them questions about their kids and what they liked to do in LA. I was glad when Dave called to me to join him in the water.

“Are you guys going in?” I asked as I pulled off the new sun dress I was wearing over my new bathing suit. They both declined. I dove down into the deep end and surfaced over by Dave. He pulled me into him and I wrapped my arms and legs around him.

“You looked like you needed a break,” he said. “I'm trying to get all the introductions out of the way this weekend, so you will feel more at home next time you come back.” I smiled and kissed him.

“It was like an interrogation,” I said. “Did they get along with Jordyn? Are they going to report back to her?”

“Actually, they weren't really close with her. They are close with each other, Cara and Ali, but Jordyn isn’t the warmest person. They want to like you, I think, they just don't want to get close in case you don't stick around. Give them some time.”

“You think I am going to stick around?” I asked him, smiling slyly.

“I think so,” he said, kissing me.

After everyone left, Dave and I changed out of our bathing suits. He even cleared some space in his closet for me to leave my belongings there. I packed up what little I needed to take back with me, preparing to leave for the airport soon.

“Want to go for a walk out back?” He asked me. I nodded. Dave held me hand, as we walked around the backyard, the tennis court, basketball court and shooting range. We chatted idly, enjoying the sunset and the warm air. We ended up back by the pool, sitting on the edge, with our feet in the water.  It was quiet except for the sound of the ripples our feet were making in the water.

                “It has been so nice having you here this weekend,” he said at last. “Did you have fun?”

                “Oh my god,” I sighed. “I had a blast. It was so nice to be able to see you. I mean, I love talking to you on the phone, but being with you is best.” I smiled at him.

                “I agree,” he said, returning the smile. “I think it’s the long distance that makes it so special, when we do get to be together. It forces us not to take our time together for granted.” I leaned in and rested my head on his shoulder. We sat in silence for a little bit longer before he finally said we had better get going.

                We walked back up to the house, hand in hand, our wet feet making tracks on the warm pavement. Dave grabbed my bag from upstairs and loaded it into the car. I climbed in the passenger’s seat as he got behind the wheel and started the car. He reached over and took my hand in his.

                “I can’t thank you enough for such a cool weekend,” he said. “I am really excited for our next weekend together in Mass!” I squeezed his hand.

                “I just hope the time goes by quick!”

                “Oh, me too,” he said, smiling at me, “because I am really going to miss you.” My heart jumped.