Chapter 11
Luke
We got to the event a little after three in the afternoon only to find some of my best competition already there. Nothing started until the next morning, but Ryan and I always arrived early so we weren’t tired from the drive when things started.
We moved to make our way to the sign-in tent, shaking hands with a few guys and making small talk along the way. There was some jesting and posturing as well. Ryan and I had been competing with most of these guys off and on for several years, and it made it fun, mostly.
After we were registered and set up, we went to the local bar and had a few drinks with some guys we hung out with on the regular circuit—Paul and Joseph. In many ways, they were just like us. Guys doing it for the love of it. Yes, I wanted to be a champion like my father, but love of the game was more important. We chatted for a few hours then made our way back to the camper and bedded down for the night.
“Dude, can you prop yourself up so you don't snore? I really need to sleep tonight,” I threw a pillow across at Ryan.
“I do not snore,” Ryan shot me a look over his shoulder.
“Sure you don't,” I laughed.
“Whatever, shut up.” Ryan threw the pillow back at me and then laid back down. I followed suit and found myself wondering what Emerson was doing. I picked up my phone and sent her a text under the guise that I wasn’t sure if I’d left the light on in my shop, but I didn't receive an answer. Considering it was after midnight, I figured she was probably sound asleep and enjoying the quiet of me not running power tools.
***
“Are you gonna dick around with your hair all morning?” I pushed at Ryan who was standing in my way, hogging the tiny bathroom messing with his hair.
“I was just trying to make it look decent,” he complained.
“Nope, you're trying to cover up that receding hairline.” I poked at his head and then moved quickly when he tried to hit me. “Come on, we’re going to be late.” I grabbed my boots and pulled them on.
“Just so we’re clear, my hairline is not receding, absolutely not.”
I chuckled and stepped out of the camper.
“If you say so, honey.” I laughed this time.
“You’re an ass,” Ryan said and followed me.
Our first day went as expected. The nerves got the best of me, but I still performed well while Ryan was a rock, as usual. We had two more days, then a final competition with a board keeping the scores. While they didn't count, it was nice to see where I actually was.
The next day, I was performing at my best. I had been unbeatable in my individual competition, and Ryan and I were neck and neck with last year’s title holders. We went to bed early, planning to get some decent rest. As we laid there, Ryan sat up.
“I sent Emmy an email yesterday, and when she didn’t respond, I sent her a few texts today. I still haven't heard anything back. You think I should have Dad go over and check on her?”
He had my attention, and I sat up as well. “I don't know. I sent her a text last night too and haven't heard anything either. Then again, she’s probably still irritated with me, so… there’s that. We’ll be home tomorrow afternoon, maybe we should just wait until then, ya know before we send in the calvary, and she thinks we don’t think she can handle being there by herself.”
“Right. But what if she got attacked by a bear? I mean twenty-four hours could be detrimental to her survival.”
“Really? Can we not talk about her getting attacked by bears, please?”
“I was just saying. Maybe it would be best if Dad just went and checked to make sure she was okay.”
“Fine, have him go by and check on her.”
“Okay. I'll send him a text.”
Ryan was quiet for about an hour before he spoke again. I had just begun drifting off to sleep.
“Her truck is gone.”
“Then I’m sure she’s fine,” I said.
“Yeah. She just usually emails me back the same day.”
“How many emails have you sent her?” I asked, a twinge of jealousy rushing through me.
“Recently?”
“Huh? How long have you been emailing her?”
“Well, I guess for a while?”
I rolled over, propping myself up on my elbow. “She hasn't lived here that long.”
“I know, but we emailed for a couple of months before she moved in.”
“Wait, you had been talking to her for two months, and it never crossed your mind to tell me anything about her?”
“If I had told you about her, then you wouldn't have allowed her to move in because you’d have been all whatever about her being a girl and all. Even though she was exactly what we needed.”
“What we needed, huh?”
“Yes. She was flexible on the lease and how long she’d be here, and I was kind of hoping you would fall in love and then it wouldn't matter if you bought me out or not. You may think I don't really know or care, but I do. I know you aren't like me; you’re looking for forever, while I am just looking for right now. I just thought she may be the right girl for you.”
“You did, did ya?”
“Look, I've gotten to know her pretty well, and she is exactly what you need. We’ve been chatting through Facebook and email, and if I was a betting man, I’d wager you guys would be married if the two of you would just look past your noses. I have never known two people that were better for each other than you and Emmy.”
I looked at him skeptically. “And you don't want her?”
“Dude, are you serious right now? Any red-blooded man would want her, but I don't want her. I’ve seen the way you look at her. That girl is off limits. Besides, if I tapped that, you wouldn't.”
“Truth.” I laughed at him.
“I just thought it would be nice to see you find someone. You're like my brother, and I want good things for you. And honestly, you need to get laid, like for realz.” He flipped me the bird.
“And there it is,” I shook my head. “I'm good, thanks.”
“I'm sure the callouses on your hands don't feel quite as good as—”
“Just shut up,” I demanded.
He pointed at me as if to tell me to shut up.
I laid back down and closed my eyes.
“Just give her a chance, Luke. Like a real chance.”
“Kind of hard to do if she won’t give me the time of day, ya know,” I added.
“Look past what she shows you, and you'll see what I already know. She’s kind of perfect for you.”
I didn't respond. Instead, I thought about her until I fell asleep like I’d done every night since she’d moved in.
***
The next day went well. I placed first in my individual competitions while Ryan and I placed second in the team event. We bent a tooth on our saw somehow, and that had taken valuable time off our best run. Everything else had been perfect.
When we arrived home that afternoon, Emmy’s truck still wasn't there so I tried to call her cell, but it went straight to voicemail. I didn’t leave a message, but I did send her another text letting her know I was back. Then I waited and hoped she’d respond.