I pulled up outside your family's place. There wasn't much room to park on the street, so I found a spot about a block down and parked. Must be a fun time for everyone judging by the lack of parking spaces. I walked the block and a half to your relative's door and knocked. A man I didn't recognize opened it and looked at me. "Can I help you?"
"Yeah, I'm looking for Mandy. I'm an old friend."
"OK. Stay right there." The man went back inside and I stood in the doorstep, nervously moving from foot to foot. We'd spoken earlier today, but I still had no idea how you would react, especially with your family there.
The man came back and I could see you walking behind him. The smile on your face when you saw me made my heart leap, but I tried to not jump forward and grab you in a massive hug. You gave me a light hug and pulled me into the house. You made the rounds and introduced me to the family, some of whom I'd met years ago and most I hadn't met at all until now. After the obligatory introductions were finished, we sat down at the kitchen table and talked a bit, just small talk. I almost chuckled at that because I knew how you hated small talk. You kept looking around at your family and biting your lip, and you leaned over to me. "Want to go for a walk? It's a little crowded in here."
Hell yes I wanted to go for a walk. With all of your family in the house and the noise combined with my fucked up ears, I could barely keep track of the conversation. I was trying to read your lips, which is only a problem because I kept getting distracted by them. They looked so kissable. We stood up and you grabbed my arm and led me out the door, stopping just long enough to let one of your family know we were going out. Once we were outside the ringing in my ears died down a bit and I could focus on what you were saying.
We strolled down the sidewalk, and you stopped at my car. "Idaho plates. This is yours?"
"Yeah. Just a simple little car."
You step to the door and look at me with a smile. I unlock the car and open the door, and you slide in. I close the door gently, and then get in the driver's seat. "Where ya wanna go, gorgeous?" You think a bit, and then say "Somewhere I can see the moon without all these lights getting in the way." I consider the options, then start the car and maneuver out of the spot. I wind my way through the suburban sprawl, and then turn north on the Bangerter Highway. "How long can you be away?"
"As long as I want. I have a key to the house."
I take Bangerter up to 80 and then head west. You interlace your fingers with mine on top of the gearshift, and we smile at each other. Sometimes words aren't needed. I pull off at The Great Saltair. It's a concert venue that used to be a club right on the edge of the Salt Lake, and it's empty pretty much every weeknight. Tonight is no exception. I drive to the end of the parking lot and park, and we sit and just look at the moon. You eventually turn to me. "Remember doing this stuff when we were kids? Sneaking out and just being with each other?"