Page 41 of The Upside of Falling
Not able to resist, even though I probably should, I text him back.
Rory:That was your gramps? Wow, I might just be in love with him. I’ve never received such a beautiful bouquet of flowers before.
His text back is immediate.
Colby:Technically, I sent you the bouquet, so . . .
I chuckle, loving this playful side of him, a side I’m sure he doesn’t give to a lot of people. Especially since he has to set a good example at the Air Force Academy, being a leader. I feel honored. Privileged.
Rory:Taking credit for your grandpa’s sweet moves. You heathen.
Colby:Always. How have you been?
I shut my eyes and lean back on my couch. See, this is why I shouldn’t have texted him back. Because right now, all I can think about is getting lost in his arms—in the way he makes me feel so alive—but there is a barrier between us that prevents me from following that desire.
“Are you okay?” my mom asks, sitting across from me. Bryan and my dad are in the basement watching hockey, our bellies are full from some homemade chili and cornbread, and our house is content. Quiet.
“Yeah,” I sigh, checking my phone again, reading his message one more time.
“Doesn’t seem like it. Is there something on your mind?”
Sitting up, I set my phone down and say, “So, I met this guy a few weeks back.” My mom’s face lights up, and she positively gushes from the news. “Don’t get weird on me.”
She shakes her head, hands still on her lap. “I won’t, I won’t.” She takes a calming breath. “Just give me a second.” She stares at her hands for a few beats, as if she truly needs to gather herself. “Do you have a picture of him?”
Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. “No, I don’t have a picture of him.”
“Rats.” She snaps her finger in disappointment. “Tell me about him, at least. What’s his name? What does he look like? Is he sweet?”
Surrendering to my mom’s badgering, I answer, “His name is Colby. He’s very sweet, very protective, the kind of guy who I know would never intentionally hurt me. Really loyal with a strong work ethic and integrity.” I think back to our time at Garden of the Gods. “He’s incredibly handsome, Mom. He has these dark, smoldering eyes that capture you the minute you make eye contact, almost like you can’t look away.”
“Oh, the eyes are the window to the soul.”
Isn’t that the absolute truth when it comes to Colby? “And he’s tall, broad, built. Very strong, but not like bodybuilder strong.”
“A pushups guy.” My mom nods her head.
“Totally. And he’s . . .” I have the urge to groan in frustration from the loss. “He’s beautiful with his words, Mom.”
“Oh honey, he sounds lovely. What’s the problem?”
“He’s a senior cadet at the Air Force Academy.”
She claps her hands together. “Oh, a military man, how exciting.”
“Not so much. He was recently accepted into flight school, which means he could be leaving soon, once he graduates.”
“What’s the problem?”
Did she not just hear me? “Mom, he could be leaving.”
“So? That doesn’t mean anything.” Coming over to my side of the couch, she sits down and takes my hand in hers, getting ready to unleash her opinion. “I’ve seen boys come in and out of your life, good and bad ones. But I’ve never seen you talk about them like you just talked about—”
“Colby,” I answer, and her smile grows.
“Colby.” She tests his name on her tongue. “I’ve never seen you light up like you did when you were talking about him, which means to me that you truly care about him.”
“I do,” I admit. “I really do. I like him, Mom.”
