Thank you to my team, even when I edit right up until I hit post LOL
"Do you even know how to use this thing?" Edward laughs and twirls the tiny little gun around his index finger. I wasn't aware of how small it was until now when I compare it to the size of his hands.
"Not a clue," I answer around a steaming cup of coffee. Even though it's past noon, coffee doesn't know what time it is. The cup I made for Edward rests on the coffee table in front of us.
"No one taught you how to shoot before?" He asks, tilting his head at me in question. "Most people out here learn about the same time they take their first step."
"I'm not from around here," I reply, cursing myself the second the words are out of my mouth. Emmett and Embry may have nothing but praise for Edward, but I still need to remember sharing aspects of my past will do me no good.
"I gathered that much," Edward says, reaching for his coffee. He takes a tentative sip and places it back down on the table when he's done. He shrugs before continuing like it's not a big deal what he's about to offer. "I'll show you. If you're okay with that."
My immediate answer is to say yes. There is nothing more I would like than being shown the proper way to use a gun. And looking at Edward, this large and admittedly friendly neighbor drinking coffee on my couch, has offered me exactly what I want.
But that means I'll be spending time with him; I can handle shorter meetings, especially ones in passing. But him teaching me to shoot will most likely take more than one attempt - and I'm not sure I like how that settles with me. Edward is easy to talk to, but so was my husband. I hold on to Emmett and Embry's assessment of Edward, saying he's a great guy to have around in times like these, and I look over at Edward and try to swallow down my nerves.
"That would be great," I answer in earnest. "Even if I never use it, I'll feel better knowing I know how to just in case."
"Sure." He nods in agreement. "And you're out of these?" He motions towards the empty chamber and the missing bullets.
"I searched everywhere around here but came up empty," I say.
"There's a place in town. If you need it before your truck is fixed, I can take you."
"Do you think I'll need it before then?"
"I don't think you need it at all," he laughs, "but I respect your reasoning for having one. Especially if it means you think you're safe."
"Thanks."
"Anytime, Bella."
When he stands to leave a few minutes later, stretching his arms above his head, I realize even when I'm by myself in my cabin, I don't feel as alone as I used to.
I wish my neighbor was this friendly.
See you tomorrow!