@@@@@ I waited for him to snatch it away, to tell
@@@@@
I waited for him to snatch it away, to tell me he was joking
Instead, his eyes–the color of faded blue jeans–became very, very gentleSomething about the
expression in them brought the lump back to my throat
“You don't have to go back in that hole, honeyThe worst part's over
I found that I couldn't doubt the earnest look on his faceFor the second time in an hour, I put
my face in my hands and cried
He got to his feet and patted me awkwardly on the shoulderHe didn't seem comfortable with
tears“There, there,” he mumbled
I got control of myself more quickly this timeWhen I wiped the wet from my eyes and smiled
tentatively at him, he nodded in approval
“That's a girl,” he said, patting me again“Now, we'll have to hang out here until we're sure
Jared's really gone and can't catch us He grinned conspiratorially“Then we'll have some fun!”
I remembered that his idea of fun was usually along the lines of an armed standoff
He chuckled at my expression“Don't worry about itWhile we're waiting, you might as well
try to get some restI'll bet even that skinny mattress would feel pretty good to you right now
I looked from his face to the mat on the floor and back“You look like you could use a good sleepI'll keep watch over you
Touched, new moisture in my eyes, I sank down on the mat and laid my head on the pillowIt
was heavenly, despite Jeb's calling it thin