CHAPTER 8
Tristin met up with his compatriots at the dining table moments later after he emerged from his shower. He saw Graham and Rory with their heads together, conspiring.
"Am I part of your little plan today?" Tristin asked to break the hushed tones Rory and Graham were exchanging.
Rory jumped from her seat. Graham did the same.
"Please, do not do that. Especially with someone who still has a throbbing headache," Rory scolded.
"Or a coffee cup in hand," Graham added. "Do you need one?" He offered his cousin.
Tristin nodded in agreement. "So, what were you guys talking about?"
Graham handed Tristin his cup of coffee and a bottle of aspirin. "Oh, how cute you are and what kind of rouge you need to make your cheekbones stand out," Graham responded sarcastically.
Rory burst out in laughter.
"I don't know if I should be intrigued that you know all about make up or the fact that you made Rory laugh," Tristin said.
"I told you, Rory's a trooper. A great one at that," Graham defended her.
"I know she is. She's a keeper," Tristin said eyeing her over the rim of his cup.
"Hey, Rory, are you dating anyone right now?" Graham asked.
"I feel like I'm being set up right now," Rory said.
"It's a simple yes or no answer. Are you currently seeing anyone?" Graham restated his question.
"Not that it's any of your business, no. School comes first," Rory pointed out.
"So what do you say if I set you up with Jonah?" Graham inquired.
"I don't think he's my type. I know I haven't really spoken to him except for grunts and groans between beer chugs, but I think I'll pass. Having him make the top fifty successful drunk drivers list is not part of my dating criteria," Rory indicated.
"Would you go out with me?" Graham asked.
Tristin choked on his coffee as soon as Graham asked her.
"Are you okay?" Rory asked, getting up from her seat.
"I'm fine. I just never heard anyone segue that directly," Tristin responded, grabbing a napkin to wipe his mouth and the coffee he spilled.
Cassie Sullivan interrupted their conversation.
"Good morning children. I take it you all had a great time last night? Did you sleep well, Rory?" Mrs. Sullivan asked, making rounds kissing her son and her nephew.
"We had a pleasant evening, Mrs. Sullivan, thank you," Rory diplomatically answered.
"I'm glad. I would be really beside myself if you'd think that you feel like Graham and Tristin are dragging you around. They play rough sometimes... And sometimes, they don't censor their language," Mrs. Sullivan commented.
"Oh, mom. She's cool people. I don't think you have to worry that Tris and I am going to leave her stranded in the middle of nowhere," Graham reassured his mother.
"Well, knowing how you guys used to tease and mock the other ladies that have come over to this house, I wouldn't be surprised if you found some way to have our guest running back to Connecticut crying," Mrs. Sullivan informed.
"Aunt Cassie, the guys we were when we were twelve are very different from the men you are staring at right now," Tristin said.
"Maybe. But you boys still think that bodily function sounds are hilarious. I want you guys to be on your best behavior with this lady. Richard and Emily are good friends. I don't need to have them be upset with me if their granddaughter didn't have a good time," she said.
"We are. We're going to show Rory a good time," Tristin assured her.
"Good. You can start by showing her the town starting now. Unless you guys want to help set up for tomorrow's festivities, I need you all to clear out this house... at least until six or so," Mrs. Sullivan announced.
"But it's only ten, mom!" Graham whined.
"And the sooner you clear this house out, the sooner you can come back. Now, scoot!" she ordered everyone out.
Everyone groaned, including Rory. The boys kissed Mrs. Sullivan goodbye. Rory trailed behind them.
"So now that we've been kicked out of your place, what are we going to do?" Tristin asked.
"And don't say nature walk. I know I don't have the proper shoes," Rory said.
"Don't say shopping. I hate shopping," Graham said.
"Then we're at an impasse. Unless snow falls in the next hour and give us enough powder to ski or snowboard, we are screwed," Tristin informed them.
"Okay, if we could find an outdoor store and get me proper shoes, I will try getting on a canoe and paddle down a river," Rory initiated.
"Rory, you do understand this is not Dawson's Creek country. The waters here move," Graham warned.
"I know. I need to do something that is out of my zone of comfort," Rory said starting to talk faster.
"I don't think we'll have trouble looking for an outdoor store," Graham said, smiling.
"And I bet we can find ways to keep ourselves out of trouble for at least eight hours," Tristin said. "So, shall we start having fun?"
