"The Cut"

Chapter 28- A Moon With a View

Chapter 28- A MOON WITH A VIEW

The boat ride back to the Cooper's abode was smooth and cool and everyone bundled up in their towels and t-shirts to keep warm. Chase turned the wheel over to Evan for a bit and sat with Katie to express some interest. Even though they weren't romantically involved, he still wanted to prove that he could show her a good time.

 She seemed like a good sport and took his prior skinny dipping stunt rather well. He offered her a drink. She was still nursing a Dr. Pepper. He asked her about La Mangia's, and she informed him that she'd eaten there before. While it was a tad pricey, Katie said the lasagna was "amazing" and the cannoli "to die for".

"Good call on the restaurant selection." Chase thought. "Katie digs Italian! "

 She inquired about Coach Fullman briefly and Chase was dismissive about the quarrels between them. He simply stated that he was "a prick" and that he couldn't wait whip the Bulldogs and have the stress of the Homecoming game out of the way. He never made mention of quitting the team to Katie, or anyone else on the boat.

 After a few more minutes passed, he realized they were approaching the canal that led to his neighborhood, so he politely excused himself and took the wheel again.

 Evan sat on the cooler in the rear of the boat and Grace joined him toward the end of the ride. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders to keep her warm and smuggled a "mini" make-out session in while the others wound down with quiet chatter on the bow of the boat.

 Gavin kept Chase company at the wheel and helped him turn on the spotlight as they approached the Cooper's house. Grace asked if anyone else wanted a drink or the remainder of any snacks before snapping the cooler shut and sliding the handle into place. Bud and Sherri were anxiously awaiting their arrival and Evan quickly tossed Bud the tie- off ropes to the Sweetwater.

 Chase cut the engine, and it made one final gurgling sound below the still water of the canal.

"Well, how was it? Did everyone enjoy?" Sherri asked eagerly. She had a beautiful smile. She also had a couple of drinks under her belt while they were gone. She set her cocktail glass down on the dock and helped the girls step onto the platform with their belongings.

"It was an awesome night on the bay, Mrs. C." said Evan. "Thanks again for the invite!" Evan knew he was treated like a close relative, but always maintained his manners over the years; the Coopers had always been very generous with their elaborate amenities.

 Sherri smiled and waved her hand in the air.

"Oh, Evan. You don't have to thank us. Bud and I are were just glad to see you guys kick back and relax for a change. You really needed the break!" Evan nodded in agreement and he helped Grace scoot the cooler toward the gate of the boat.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Cooper. It was so nice meeting the two of you. Really. We had so much fun." she said and the two exchanged a smile. Grace really liked Chase's parents. She would be seeing them again the very next day at the game and at Evan's house for pictures. Grace wanted to ensure that they knew their kindness was appreciated.

 Once the guests piled off of the boat and said their "goodbyes" for the night, Grace and Evan loaded up Evan's truck. Bailey decided to hitch a ride with Gavin to iron-out last minute details with regard to the dance.

 She gave Grace a quick squeeze at the truck before Grace climbed inside.

"Later, Slut. And don't think I didn't see you and Romeo in the back of the boat tonight, either. Practicing for tomorrow night?" she giggled. Grace shook her head.

"Bailey, I have a feeling you'll be getting more action than I will tomorrow. Bite your tongue!"

 Bailey stuck it out at Grace and made a face. "You need to loosen up, girl. It'll be fine. Evan is crazy about you. Just go with the flow!" she dared and blew an air kiss in her direction.

 Grace put her seatbelt on and heard Evan say "Goodnight" to Bailey and Gavin. He started the truck and turned the heat on. It was a bit chilly from being damp on the boat for most of the evening. Grace pulled her hair back and tried to keep it out of her face. She felt like a drowned rat.

"I have a confession to make." Evan declared. Grace turned toward him and stared into his bronze eyes.

"Oh, yeah? What's that?" she asked him. He reached across and put his hand out for her to hold. She laced her fingers through his and felt the warmth of the heat forcing through the vents like a ray of sunshine on a chilly morning.

"I have a really big crush on you. Did you know that already?" He let out half of a laugh and Grace could feel her thighs tingling from his powerful touch.

"Well, I'm glad that I didn't let just any guy cop a feelsky of my butt on the boat. I'm flattered that you have a crush, Evan." she joked and he laughed even harder.

"If only you knew !" she wanted to shout, but refrained.

"You are something else, Red." he said to her. She leaned over and kissed Evan and ran her hand through his messy, blonde hair. His body was welcoming and she wanted to fall into him.

 Before Evan rounded second base with a little touch of bravery, Chase flicked the lights off, then on again. He poked his head out the front door. Grace recovered quickly and fixed her hair again.

 Evan cracked his window a few inches, and waited for Chase to speak.

"Get out of here, you two crazy kids. We've got a game tomorrow, you know!" he joked.

"Right on. See ya at practice, man. Thanks again." said Evan. Grace gave Chase a final wave, as they backed out of his long driveway. When they headed toward the stop sign, Evan turned the stereo on low and found some soft, country music playing.

"I have an idea", he said to Grace. "Wanna go to Beachside and take a walk along the shore?"

 Grace got goosebumps at the thought of more "alone" time with Evan.

"I'd love to." she said softly and she placed her hand on top of his. Grace wasn't sure what might take place once they got to Beachside, but she was exploding with excitement by the time Evan turned onto Central Ave. She turned up the volume when she heard Little Big Town's "Boondocks" and Evan made sure his hand found its way back to hers.

 His head began to spin like a carousel, imagining the evening's events while anticipating the next twenty-four hours. He would never forget this weekend or how much Grace was impacting his life.

 As he approached Beachside, he pulled into a diagonal parking spot facing the ocean's shore.

 They both stared at the infinite waves, and the moonlight which served as a beacon in the dark of night . There were a thousand stars sparkling in the sky. Maybe they could just skip the walk and live in this perfect moment forever.....