Page 55 of The Upside of Falling
The Mammoth Book of Fighter Pilots.
Stryder told me it goes with him wherever he goes. It’s a book his father gave him years ago when Colby decided he wanted to become a fighter pilot. And now it’s what keeps him company on his birthday.
I’m just hoping he wants a little more company than his book.
“I think you’re smart just keeping it between you two though. Your initial idea would have been way too much for him.”
A surprise birthday party idea was quickly nixed by Stryder when I told him my idea. I didn’t understand why at first, and I couldn’t get much information out of Stryder, but what I did get was this isn’t a day of celebrating for Colby.
I’m hoping I can at least keep him company, because I don’t think I’d be able to keep my distance from him on his birthday, especially after last night.
“You don’t mind bringing the cake over later?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t mind at all.”
“And Hardie and Joey will be here?” Stryder nods. “It’s a minor surprise, which hopefully he won’t mind. I just want him to realize how loved he is by everyone.”
“It’s sweet.” Stryder grows serious. “He’s lucky he has you, Rory.”
Something passes between Stryder and me—a mutual appreciation for each other and an understanding that what we both want is for Colby to be happy. Even though Stryder can joke around a lot, I see a serious, caring side too.
Knowing I probably shouldn’t say anything, I still ask, “How come you never moved forward with Ryan? I know she was really interested.”
Looking at the ground, Stryder pulls on the back of his head, his T-shirt and jeans hugging his body, his thick muscles flexing underneath. He really is gorgeous with his dark features and mesmerizing eyes. I could see why Ryan was so disappointed when he didn’t pursue her.
“She’s a sweet and gorgeous girl, but I just wasn’t feeling it.”
“Wasn’t feeling it?” I raise my eyes at him. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard a guy say that about Ryan.”
He shrugs. “Sometimes your heart is somewhere else.” And he leaves it at that, nodding toward the pool house. “Go get your boy. The fucker is probably already three chapters into his book.”
Sighing, I take a step forward and give Stryder another hug before taking off toward the pool house. His eyes linger on me. “Thank you for your help, Stryder.”
“Any time, Rory.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
COLBY
Twelve years ago . . .
Peace.
That’s all I wanted today.
And I got it.
Mom and Ted are out, leaving my twelve-year-old self alone in the house. There’s nothing to eat or drink, no birthday cake waiting for me in the fridge, and I might have a black eye that’s hurting more than I’d like, but it’s quiet. I’m surrounded by my planes, have my book in my hands, and a glass of water on my nightstand in the Air Force cup that I got a few years back on my birthday . . .when my mom cared.
I’m happy.
I got a call from Gramps earlier, told him Mom and Ted were taking me away for the weekend so I wouldn’t be able to see him. It’s what they told me to tell him so he didn’t see me, didn’t see what Ted did. I was okay with it. I listened to them and did what they said, because I knew Gramps wouldn’t like to hear that he couldn’t see me. Not on this day.Especially not on this day.
And he wasn’t happy.
He made me pass the phone to Mom afterward. I went to my room but heard Mom stumbling over her words as I made my way up the stairs. I don’t think Ted will hurt me for a little bit, not since I haven’t seen Gramps in a while, especially with Christmas coming up.
Christmas never fails me. Gramps has always come, even when Ted said he couldn’t. Gramps might be old, but he still has some pull over the doctor. I’m glad for that.
