Charade

Carson lets a small grin upturn the corner of his mouth at Misty’s quiet statement. He just stands holding her until the sun begins to sink below the horizon and long shadows are cast on the ground.

Finally, he lets her go, turning her around to face her, and just looking in her eyes, letting his own tell their story of a little boy who was lost…who is trying to be found again…who has found hope in her light.

Reaching up, Carson takes off his hat and teasingly puts it on Misty, pulling the brim down low over her eyes. He takes her hand in his and starts back towards TJY. “I don’t want to be out here when it gets dark,” he muses. “Not when neither of us are armed.”


Con and Jason’s eyes widen as Jamie and Katie come out singing and dancing. Though it takes a moment for the surprise to wear off, the whole table erupts into laughter, Laura and Jen joining in the singing, though remaining in their seats.

As Katie and Jamie take to the counter, the others start to clap and Kyle lets out a whistle, encouraging their performance.

Only when it comes to an end do Jason and Con exchanges looks. Neither have to say what they’re thinking, and they rise from the table, making a beeline for the counter.

Con goes for Jamie and Jason for Katie as both girls are still standing on the counter.

Without even hesitating, they grab their girlfriends by the legs and pull them off the counter, slinging them over their shoulders like sacks of potatoes. Marching back to the table, both Con and Jason swing Jamie and Katie back off their shoulders as they sit down, landing the girls in their laps. Though the two guys hadn’t even spoken, both do the same things, ending the whole charade by landing kisses to the girls’ lips.

Kyle lets out a whoop before starting an applause around the table, and the laughter erupts again, including Jason and Con.

Mike stands up at one end of the table and taps his glass with his spoon. “I hate to break up this beautiful scene, but some of us are actually hungry and the pizza is ready!”

Con grins at Jamie and lets her slide back into her own seat. “Alright, I guess we can eat now.”

Jason throws Katie a quirky grin and spins her off his lap before letting her land in her own chair beside him. “Will you behave? You’re making a scene.”