and with the same dramatic suddenness of this storm, darkness falls.
The crowds of people shout and scramble toward the parking lot.
“Come on,” she shouts to be heard over the downpour, slips her hand into mine and turns us in the direction of the tree line.
We step through a narrow opening in the copse of trees and onto a curving pathway that leads us to wall made of towering boxwoods. As we run around the hedge, a huge house comes into view. It’s got a wood log roof and framed like a normal log cabin would be. But the first floor is made almost entirely of windows. And the entire thing sits on stilts that lift it two stories off the ground. When we step onto the small wooden bridge to reach a set of stairs, I realize it’s built in the middle of its own private lake. Even in the dark and rain, it’s an impressive sight and I slow down to take it in.
She stumbles, and her rain slick hand slips out of mine and falls forward. She breaks her trajectory with her hands. She clutches her ankle, and looks up at me, pain twisting her face into a grimace.
I slide an arm under her knees and lift her into my arms. She slips her arms around my neck. “Up these stairs,” she yells.
She’s light, but my heavy rain soaked backpack works against me and by the time we get to the top of the stairs, my lungs are burning.
“They’re unlocked,” she points at the glass paned French doors.
I open it hurriedly and step into the cool, dry room.
“Wow, this place is incredible.”
She squirms against me. “You can put me down.”
That sounds like the worst idea ever. Not only do I like the way she feels, but having her pressed to me like this is keeping my chest warm. “How’s your ankle?” I ask.
She stiffens. “It’s fine. Thank you.”
I’m a lot of things, but I never press unwanted attention on anyone. I lower her to the ground and take a step back, . “Sure, I thought you were hurt. Glad you’re okay.”
She gives me a tentative smile. “I know you were being nice, but it’s weird, you know? And I know I invited you…but I don’t know you…” she looks back at the front door like she’s hoping I’ll head toward it.
My stomach dips in disappointment. I don’t even know why. I only met her a few minutes ago. Her wanting me to leave should be no skin off my nose. If it hadn’t started raining, we probably would have parted ways already. I still, technically, have a girlfriend. I should be glad that she wants me to leave. I glance outside at the still torrential rain. My keyboard is probably already ruined, but in case it’s not…I look back in her direction and try to sound matter of fact. “Do you have an umbrella I can borrow to walk back to my car? ” Each word feels wrong as it forms on my tongue. But if she’s uncomfortable, I don’t want to make it worse by letting my disappointment show.
She blinks in surprise. “I didn’t mean for you to leave. I’m sorry. I’ve just never had anyone here before.”
“You don’t have to explain. I don’t want to impose.”
She shakes her head. “You’re not imposing and it’s really coming down out there. I’m sure I can find you some clothes to wear while yours dry and the rain calms down. We’ve got plenty of room.” She claps once and the house lights up.
“We?” I glance around the huge space. It’s an open concept room with a set of stairs separating the entrance from what looks like a living area.
“Force of habit, I’m here by myself. It’s my aunt’s place.”
“Is your aunt six two and two hundred pounds? Otherwise, her clothes won’t fit me.”
She chuckles. “No, but my brother’s about your size.”
Brother, not boyfriend. That's good. I nod. “Sure. Are the rooms upstairs? Is your ankle really okay?”
She tests it by putting weight down on it and winces. “I don’t think it’s serious, it’s sore.”
“Here.” I offer her my arm and she doesn’t hesitate to link hers through it. She lets her weight rest on me as we climb up the stairs.
“Are you sure it’s okay that I’m here?” I ask when we reach an empty hallway. I know for sure it wouldn’t be okay for her to be at my family’s house like this. Fame has made my parents