Free Crossing Paths by Melanie Stinnett Page A

spread across my face, I hear the front door open followed by the sound of Addison’s heels. Why can’t she wear sensible shoes? I close the door to my room before I head back downstairs, lugging my bag out to Addison’s car.
    Soon after, we’re on the road, driving through the winding curves that lead to the cabin near the lake. As we pull in, I catch a glimpse of my favorite spot—a blue-and-white hammock in the shade. I brought my e-reader full of new books, so I can relax and enjoy my time. Funny enough, these weekends typically consist of the three of us doing completely different things, and we usually come together only for meals. The quiet time between us is something I treasure.
    When we arrive, everyone seems tired, so we eat a quick sandwich and head off to bed.

    Saturday
    Early in the morning, I hear my mom outside. Slipping on some comfortable jean shorts, worn flip-flops, and a graphic tee that says something about being a Texan, I head straight to the hammock. Mom pulls out several pallets of flowers from the back of Addison’s car, and then she begins planting them in the gardens around the cabin. A few minutes later, Addison heads down to the lake with a towel, wearing a bright pink designer cover-up over her swimsuit and some flip-flops.
    This moment is perfection.
    I get situated in the hammock, starting where I left off on my most recent read. About a chapter in, I’m caught in the middle of a really steamy scene. Feeling a little awkward, I look over to make sure my mom is still tending to her flowers, and then I keep reading. These two random strangers have never met before, and over the span of two days, they can see into each other’s souls, feeling what the other feels. He can completely destroy her resolve with one touch of his fingertips to her cheek. Do scenes like this actually play out in real life? It sounds insane, but it also sounds beautiful. I want a beginning like that. I want powerful emotion and genuine desire. Just as the scene is starting to reach its climax, my phone begins to ring.
    “Thanks for ruining my reading moment, Caroline,” I say, faking disdain.
    “Oh, shut up. You know talking to me is more exciting than reading one of your love stories.”
    “Alright, are you trying to piss me off or what?”
    “He asked me out again.”
    “What are you talking about? Oh, the guy from work who took you to the charity event? He must really be into you. So, are you going out with him next weekend?”
    “No, he wants to take me to a baseball game today.”
    I laugh so hard that I almost fall out of the hammock. “You’re going to a baseball game? That’ll be a riot. Wait, what about your brother?”
    “I already called my brother to tell him that I’ll have to see him tomorrow. This guy is seriously hot, June. I can’t turn him down. I know I have hated sports in the past, but surely, I can get through one baseball game. And, you never know, maybe I just haven’t given sports a fair try before. Maybe I’ll have fun.”
    “You crack me up, Caroline. Just go and have a good time. Be ready to spill it when I see you at my parents’ on Sunday night. I want serious details.”
    “Alright. Think peaceful thoughts about me today.”
    “Okay, weirdo. See you tomorrow.”
    I hang up the phone, laughing to myself. My best friend is nuts, but it’s kind of nice to see her nervous about a guy. Maybe she’s finally found someone who can settle her wild side. Maybe we’ll both find love. I finish reading my steamy love scene, and eventually, I fall asleep in the shade of the trees.

Saturday
    There’s no way I’m getting any work done before the game. I resort to working out because I need something to do while I wait for noon to roll around. I’m hoping exercise will relax my nerves. I spend an hour and a half swimming in the pool. Then, after changing my clothes in the locker room, I head home.
    My legs feel like Jell-O as I walk up the stairs to the apartment. I wonder