The Girl Out of Time

Chapter 22

Brooklyn, NY 1939

I was in the midst of laughter as Jamie and Stevie argued about some double date. Jamie has a date who had a friend who he was trying to get Stevie to go with. Steve being Steve was absolutely against this. He was saying it always ended the same way for him. In complete disaster. They were being so ridiculous I couldn't help but laugh at them.

"Will can you help me out please?" Jamie asked turning to face me.

"Oh no, if Stevie doesn't wanna go then you can't really make him." I shrugged.

"Wanna bet?" He asked as he turned back to our friend.

I jumped to my feet then put myself between the two boys. I put my hands on my hips to stare up at Jamie.

"Leave the boy alone Barnes." I chided him.

He looked down at me in surprise but he was smirking. I screamed as I was lifted off the ground then thrown over Jamie's shoulder.

"Now you listen to me Rogers. Ya can't just hide from every woman in the world." Jamie said to Stevie as he held me tightly.

"James Buchanan Barnes!" I shouted as I dusted the back of his shirt.

"Shush" he said as he slapped the back of my thigh.

I gasped at his action.

"How dare you!" I shouted trying to turn to look at him.

Jamie laughed causing his shoulders to bounce.

"You like it." He teased.

"I do not!" I said loudly as heat crept into my cheeks.

I was lying. I loved anything that had to do with James Barnes. The 22 year old ladies man was not only my best friend but my one and only crush. I'd had a thing for him since I was about 13 years old. So it's been a good 6 years that I've been crushing on him.

"Fine I'll go" Steve huffed.

"Can you put me down now?" I asked.

Jamie chuckled but gently sat my feet back on the ground. I hugged as I straightened my dress and hair. Jamie was smiling proudly at Steve. God he was so beautiful. He had all the charm in the world and he never had to use it on me. I adored him for who he was. The tough, gentle, protective, funny, and smart man that he is. He always knew exactly what to say. He always knew how to make me laugh when I'm sad. He always knew what to do or say to ease my worries.

"What about you Will?" Stevie asked turning to look at me.

"I'll be home helping my momma with Gracie. She's been a handful since turning 3." I chuckled.

"I bet she is." Jamie said with a smile.

"Actually I need to get home. Pa will be back in about an hour." I told them.

"I really wish you'd just come stay with us." Jamie mumbled.

I chuckled as I hugged Stevie. I turned to face Jamie.

"You know I can't leave my sisters like that." I said softly.

Jamie sighed but nodded. I hugged him tightly as he kissed the top of my head. I loved it when he did that. I waved at both boys as I made my way down the street.

The next day I met back up with the boys as I always did. Stevie looked to be sulking. Jamie was unusually quiet. I sat down at the small table outside our favorite cafe.