Take the Leap: A Collection of Short Stories by Derek Ryans

Author:Derek Ryans
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781329790926
Publisher: Lulu.com
Published: 2015-12-31T07:00:00+00:00

“Are those Mrs. Rosetti's cookies?” Ethan eyes the small paper bag in Charity's hand as he approaches the counter.

She dangles the bag in front of him, luring him behind the counter. She hands it to him with one hand and tugs on his shirt with the other.

He plants a kiss on her cheek and says, “I love you.”

Charity pulls up a barstool in front of her and pats the cushion. He hops on and leans back against her. She wraps her arms around his body and clasps her hands together. The two of them spin left and right in sync.

Linda makes a disgusted face, “What’s next? A choreographed dance?”

Ethan cocks his head sideways and looks at Linda, “Lin Lin Chipley!” Ethan says. “The loud one! I had you confused with your cousin earlier.”

“Pretty Boy Winston,” Linda snaps back. “I see you're out from under daddy Winston's control.”

“You look good,” Ethan says. “Lost all that baby fat. I really didn't recognize you.”

“Baby fat? Please. What do you want with my best friend?”

“Everything. Nothing. None of your business.”

“Stop,” Charity slaps Ethan's thigh.

“She started it!” Ethan rubs the spot.

Charity grasps Ethan’s hand and their fingers intertwine. She rests her chin on his shoulder and stares off into the air. He's mine...now. If he breaks my heart Linda will kill him for me.

“You ok?” Ethan loosens his fingers a bit. Charity nods and nuzzles against his neck. He smiles and moves in for a kiss but stops himself. She reaches up and leaves a peck on his cheek.

Linda drums her hands on the counter, “Can I make a suggestion?”

“No,” Ethan and Charity answer together.

“I'm just saying...close the shop and go home already.”

“I can't close the store early. Where would you go?” Charity asks. “Come back here and sit!”

Linda peeks behind the counter. Another barstool with pieces of its cushion missing stands by itself. “Is that Granny Nash's chair?”

“Yup,” Charity says as Ethan attempts to make space for Linda to walk through. She tightens her grip around Ethan. Where's the line between healthy relationship and just plain creepy girlfriend? Linda squeezes through and hops onto the chair; it had always been her favorite. Granny Nash used to let the girls both sit in it and spin them until their hair looked like they had been on a roller coaster ride.

Ethan takes out a cookie, breaks it in half, and puts the other half back into the paper bag. He waves the small piece of cookie in front of Charity. She pouts and pulls away. He pushes the cookie a little closer to her lips. She takes a mini bite. He kisses her forehead and says, “I love you.”

Linda widens her eyes as she watches Charity eat the cookie. Her fingers grip onto the cushion. She holds her breath and waits for Charity’s response.

Ethan rubs Charity’s arm gently and loosens himself out of her hold.

“Where you going?” Charity starts to reach for him but then retracts her arm.

“I'm going to eat my cookies...” Ethan lifts the paper bag in the air.

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