Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

WESTON

I gripped my phone tightly, my heart racing as I dialed Easton's number. The ring echoed in my ear, each second stretching into eternity until I heard his soft “Hello?”

“East! Hey, buddy. Listen, are you free for lunch today? I've got something awesome to tell you.” I couldn't keep the excitement from my voice, practically bouncing on my toes as I waited for his response.

“Um, sure,” he replied, hesitation clear in his tone. “Is everything okay, West?”

I chuckled. “Everything's perfect. Meet me at Rosie's Diner in thirty minutes? I promise it'll be worth your while.”

“Alright, I'll be there.”

As I hung up, a grin spread across my face. I couldn't wait to see his reaction to my surprise. The cruise tickets burned a hole in my pocket, and I patted them absentmindedly, imagining us on the deck of a ship, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches.

Twenty-five minutes later, I pushed open the door to Rosie's, the bell chiming cheerfully above me. The diner buzzed with the lunch rush and the aroma of coffee and burgers filled the air. I slid into our usual booth, my leg bouncing with nervous energy.

Easton shuffled in a few minutes later, his dark hair tousled and in need of a trim, and his wire-rimmed glasses sitting slightly askew on his nose. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. He looked adorably rumpled, like he'd been lost in a book all morning and only just remembered the outside world existed.

“Hey, East,” I greeted him warmly as he slid into the booth across from me. “Thanks for coming.”

He gave me a small smile, pushing his glasses up. “Of course. Though I'm a little worried about what this big surprise could be. You're not planning to drag me on another cave exploration, are you?”

I laughed, remembering our last adventure. “No caves this time, I promise. This is way better.”

Carla bustled over with two glasses of Coke. “Well, if it isn't my two favorite customers! The usual, boys?”

We nodded in unison as she set the drinks in front of us before heading back to the kitchen. I watched as Easton stuck a straw in his drink then meticulously folded the wrapper into a tiny square. His hazel eyes met mine over the rim of the glass as he took a careful sip.

“Alright, so what's this big surprise?” he asked, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in his voice.

I couldn't contain my excitement any longer. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the tickets and slid them across the table. “Ta-da! Two tickets for an all-expenses paid holiday cruise to the Bahamas!”

His eyes widened as he picked up the tickets, examining them closely. “How did you...?”

“Won ’em on the radio,” I explained, grinning proudly. “Can you believe it? Sun, sand, and no Indiana winter for us this year!”

A small frown creased his forehead. “But... Christmas? We always spend Christmas here.”

I leaned forward, my elbows on the table. “I know, I know. But, East, think about it. Your parents are gonna be out of town taking care of Aunt Lily and I could see how bummed you were about not having them home for the holidays.”

His shoulders slumped slightly, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. “Yeah, but...”

“But nothing,” I said gently. “Look, I get it. Christmas at home is tradition. But this year, why not try something different? Instead of sitting at home, feeling sorry for ourselves, we could be lounging on a beach, sipping fruity drinks with little umbrellas in them.”

A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “You hate fruity drinks.”

“True. Fruity drinks for you and whiskey for me then,” I said with a wink.

I could see the gears turning in his head, probably imagining all the ways this trip could disrupt his carefully planned holiday routine. Easton was a creature of habit, finding comfort in the familiar. But this was our chance for something extraordinary.

The food arrived at our table, and I switched to more mundane topics, giving him a chance to consider my offer without feeling pressured.

We finished eating and paid the bill. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to the library,” I said as we grabbed our coats and pulled them on. Outside, the crisp December air nipped at our cheeks. Easton huddled into his coat, tucking his nose down into the collar.

“So, what do you say? Ready for a holiday adventure?” I asked after a few minutes.

He was quiet for a moment, his breath visible in the cold air. “I don't know, West. It's tempting, but...”

“But nothing,” I interrupted, playfully bumping his shoulder. “Think about it. No snow to shovel, no icy roads. Just you, me, and the open sea.”

I watched as Easton's resolve wavered, his hazel eyes flickering with indecision. God, he was adorable when he was conflicted. “Come on, East. Live a little. When was the last time you did something spontaneous?”

Before he could answer, he stopped short, his eyes widening behind his glasses. “West, look!” he exclaimed, pointing towards the far end of the park.

I followed his gaze and saw an old school bus parked near the edge of the grass. It was decorated in a kaleidoscope of colors, the words “The Hook's Traveling Book Nook” painted boldly down the side.

Easton's eyes lit up with childlike wonder. “Can we check it out?” he asked, already taking a step towards the bus.

I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. “Lead the way, bookworm.”

As we approached the colorful bus, the door swung open with a creak, and two older women stepped out. They were an eccentric looking pair, but something about them radiated warmth and kindness.

The taller woman had wild gray-streaked curls that seemed to defy gravity, framing a face lined with laugh lines. Her bright purple sweater was adorned with patches of various book covers, and a pair of reading glasses dangled from a beaded chain around her neck.

Beside her stood a shorter woman, her silver hair in a messy knot on top her head and sharp, intelligent eyes behind cat-eye frames. She wore a red button-up shirt tucked into bright yellow high-waisted trousers.

“Well, hello there!” the taller woman called out, her voice cheery. “I'm Cybil, and this is my wife, Jane. Welcome to our little slice of literary heaven!”

Easton's face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. “This is amazing,” he breathed, taking in the sight of the bus. “How long have you been doing this?”

Jane chuckled, a rich, throaty sound. “Oh, we've been on the road with our little mobile library for many years now,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “It's been quite the adventure.”

“Would you like to come inside and have a look?” Cybil asked, gesturing towards the open door of the bus.

Easton looked at me, his eyes pleading. I couldn't help but laugh. “Go on,” I said, nudging him forward. “I know you're dying to see what's in there.”

We climbed the steps into the bus, and I watched as his eyes widened in wonder. The interior had been completely transformed. Bookshelves lined every available surface, creating cozy nooks and crannies filled with literary treasures. Soft lighting cast a warm glow over everything, and the faint scent of old paper and leather bindings filled the air, immediately relaxing me.

Easton was in his element, his fingers trailing reverently over the spines of books as he moved through the narrow aisle. I hung back, content to watch him explore.

“What kind of books do you enjoy?” Cybil asked, her eyes twinkling as she watched him.

He blushed slightly, pushing his glasses up his nose. “Oh, um, a bit of everything really. But I have a soft spot for romance novels.”

I couldn't help but chuckle. “He's a hopeless romantic, this one,” I teased. “Always has his nose buried in some sappy love story.”

His cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink as he shot me a mock glare. “There's nothing wrong with enjoying a good love story,” he defended, his voice soft but firm.

Cybil nodded sagely, her wild curls bouncing. “Of course not, dear. Love stories remind us of the magic that exists in the world.”

Jane spoke up. “Very true, but in real life, love often needs a little nudge, more like a choose your own adventure, if you will. Each choice will take you down a different path,” she said, her tone matter of fact.

“You know,” Cybil continued, her voice soft but full of wisdom, “the most beautiful stories are the ones we create ourselves. Sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith to turn the page to a new chapter.”

Her words hung in the air, and I noticed Easton's brow furrow slightly, that look he gets when he's deep in thought. “That's... rather profound,” he murmured, his hazel eyes meeting mine briefly.

“Yeah, who knew a book nook could double as a fortune cookie factory?” I joked.

The laughter that followed broke the tension, but Cybil's words lingered. By the time we stepped out of the Book Nook, Easton had an armful of books and two new friends who he promised to keep in touch with.

I pulled the books out of his arms, carrying them for him. He paused, his thoughtful expression illuminated by the afternoon sun filtering through the trees. He turned to me, his hazel eyes behind those wire-rimmed glasses searching mine.

“West,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “I think... I think I want to go on that cruise with you.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Really? You're not just saying that because of my irresistible charm, are you?”

Easton chuckled, shaking his head. “No, you dork. I mean, maybe a little. But mostly... I think those ladies were right. It's time to choose my adventure, create the next chapter in my life.”

I couldn't contain my excitement. “East, this is going to be amazing! Just think, we'll be trading in snow for sand, hot chocolate for pi?a coladas!”

“And quiet nights by the fireplace for... what exactly?” Easton raised an eyebrow, a hint of apprehension in his voice.

I slung an arm around his shoulders as we started walking back towards the library. “For adventure, my friend! Late-night poker games, karaoke disasters, maybe even a little dancing if I can drag you onto the floor.”

He groaned, but I could see the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I'm already regretting this decision.”

“No takebacks!” I laughed, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “Besides, think of all the reading time you'll have by the pool. I promise I won't splash you... much.”

“You know,” Easton said softly, “I've never been on a cruise before.”

“Neither have I, so we'll just have to make sure this one's extra special. First order of business: getting you a ridiculous tropical shirt.”

He laughed, the sound warming me more than any Caribbean sun could. “Only if you promise to wear one too.”

“Deal.” I grinned, already picturing us in matching outfits, sipping cocktails on the deck. “We'll be the talk of the ship.”

As the library came into view, I felt a surge of excitement for what lay ahead. This cruise wasn't just a vacation; it was a chance for adventure, away from our little hometown and all the people we knew.

“Thanks for saying yes, East,” I said, my voice surprisingly soft. “This Christmas is going to be unforgettable.”

He looked up at me, his smile shy but genuine. “I have a feeling you're right about that, West. I have a feeling you're right.”