Page 10 of From the Embers

He’s never run away from hard things; he’s stayed in the thick of it, facing his fears head on.

If I’m being honest, that’s where I know I’ve fallen short. I thought a new city would be a fresh start. I could start a career after graduation, live in a new place, make new friends, and life would just get better and better. I’d reach for the stars. In some ways it was true. I did start a new career, lived in a new place, and made new friends. Somewhere along the line, however, things just became stagnant.

I missed my family, and I realized I was missing out on so much. Living in Massachusetts really wasn’t making me happy anymore. My parents are getting older, so are my siblings, and so am I. My best friend, Delaney, in Cambridge, is always telling me life is way too short. She was sad about me leaving to come back to Chicago, but I just felt the time was right.

And Denver? Well, he’s always been my hero. I’ve just never told him.

“This is me,” I finally say, coming to a stop at my building. Old town isn’t a place I’ve ever lived before, but it’s well known for its history and architectural brilliance, tree-covered streets and Victorian homes. My apartment is a tall and narrow four-level with bay windows, ornate trim, and arched doors. The building itself is stunning with carved stone details in the decorative cornacing. I’m just getting to know the area, but already love being able to walk to the lively Wells Street for a coffee and find interesting shops and cafes.

“I do love Old Town,” Denver says, looking up to the red brick building with a little smile on his lips. I’m just renting at the moment, but if all goes well, I’d love to buy my own place in the near future and build my interior design business.

“Oh, me too,” I reply. “Plus, it’s close to work so that’s convenient.”

He chuckles quietly. “This place suits you, Red.”

Another nickname I haven’t heard in a while—the shorter version of Red Robin.

My lips curl into a smile. There’s been a few firsts tonight. Denver Banks sure doesn’t hold back any punches. He’s exactly like I remembered, but also so much more.

Then it hits me about him. I feel safe. Denver makes me feel safe.

I don’t know why, but I cast my mind back to my ex.

My last relationship ended in disaster. It took me longer than it should have to realize that Camden wasn’t good for me. I was trying way too hard to make him happy and disregarded the little things he did to push my confidence lower than it ever should go. I let myself slip away to please him.

Looking back, I don’t even know why I’d put up with that. We’d spend a short time apart, but I always took him back. Then, like clockwork, we’d have a huge blow up and I realized he was holding me back from what I really wanted to do. He’d become very needy, but only on his terms. My dreams didn’t matter. He only hung on for the good times, never backing me when things got tough. That was the crux of it: he never had my back.

“You think this place suits me?” I ask, looking up at the large bay windows that overlook the tree-lined street. American elm trees stand tall in their cathedral-like canopy, arching up and outwards, the trunks thick and strong. Nestled in between are a mix of different maple trees, dense and brilliant. Their fall colors are something you could never recreate in a drawing, but only admire for how beautiful they are. Maybe it’s why I feel so at home here, even though I’ve just arrived.

“It really does.” He nods toward the door. “You should get inside, it’s cold out.”

I nod, a little reluctant to let him go, but that’s ridiculous. It would be easier if his cologne wasn’t still permeating my senses after our earlier hug… “Thank you for walking me home, D.”

“Anytime. Uh, since I have your number from Daryl, I’ll text you mine. That way when he asks, I can say yes, I’ve annoyed the living shit out of you and walked you home safely. You know how he gets.”

“He hasn’t changed a bit,” I muse.

Out of nowhere he says, “We should catch up sometime.”

My heart races at the idea. I look up at him. “I’d like that.”

“Goodnight, Red.”

“Night, D.”

I wait for him to turn and start the trek back, it’s sweet he walked me home. But he stands firmly rooted to the spot, waiting for me to go in.

He gives me a chin lift toward my building. His good manners certainly haven’t wavered over the years. It’s refreshing. There’s not enough of it in my opinion. “Sleep tight.”

four

Adelaide

Present day

“Tequila slammer?” Brax says, after I’ve just said okay to a shot.

“You guys are hard core.” I turn and reach for the bottle behind me. I swiftly line up the glasses and pour us all a shot. I reach for the salt and lime wedge, but the other friend, Eric, shakes his head. “There’s no point trying to make that shit taste better,” he mutters with a shudder. “But I guess I can’t be a party pooper.”