Re: [The Lake: Atticus & Cass]
Hadn't been a boy in a long time. Would've argued he certainly wasn't one now, but that was the interesting thing about thoughts. Generally speaking, they lived in an isolated space, and no one ever really knew what people thought about them. Was probably better that way. Assumed it would be a pretty fucked up world if people were privy to each other's assessments.
Smiled at the girl in the water. She sounded like the type of whimsical that would result in guidance counselors, parents, and the school board all on a conference call together. Was young. Could tell she was young. But most teenagers weren't whimsical. The opposite, actually. Reminded him of someone much younger. Wondered how she'd gotten out into the water. Wondered if she had family nearby. Hoped she did.
"Steal the morning. Borrow my boat without permission. You're a criminal," he told her, but his grin said he was teasing. Was warmth in his voice on that morning that promised to turn into a blazing hot day. Was interrupted in his considerations when she asked about the name, and he had to glance over the side to see which boat he'd taken out. "Cerrito. Means little hill. Spanish," he explained. "Didn't name it, but I guess it looks like a small hill when it's turned over." Was a practical response, but smiled at her after. "I'm guessing Cass can come up with a more romantic reason for the boat's name. Go ahead," he offered the dreamer treading water against the side of his boat.