“Shiiiiiit, I’d be on the eleven o’clock news talking about, ‘I always liked Danessa she was a nice girl. I tried to get her to leave but she said what happens in a remote cabin stays in a remote cabin. And I guess she was right because they ain’t found her body.’”
Danessa shoved me. “Jerk face.”
“At least Istillhave a face.” We both shared a laugh.
“Do you remember our last vacation together? Not Mexico.”
Nodding my head I slowly recalled our road trip. “I remember it fondly.”
“I’d always wanted to go on a road trip and one day you came home after your last final and said we should hit the road the next day.”
“And you thought I was bullshiting.”
“It was just so unplanned which I think made it that much more fun.”
“We didn’t plan shit we just jumped in the car and drove. No itinerary no reservations just the open road.”
“We didn’t even have a proper playlist.”
“During that trip I learned you were directionally challenged.”
“That’s what GPS is for.”
“What was your favorite part of the trip?” I asked, tossing my napkin onto my plate.
“Visiting all the national parks and walking the trails and seeing that huge cowboy boot. And do you remember the tiny cabin?”
“My legs were hanging off the bed.”
“That’s right and we ended up sleeping on the floor. But the roof was made of glass, and we were able to look up at the stars as we drifted off to sleep. What was your favorite part?”
“That’s easy, being with you.”
“Be serious.”
“I am being serious. Being with you, sharing those experiences with you meant everything to me.”
“Me too.”
“You can’t change your answer now it’s too late.”
“I’m not changing my answer I’m amending it.”
“So you liked the hiking trails, the huge boot, and?—”
“You.”
Do you know the saying “Decide what you want and then act as if it’s impossible to fail”? That shit always resonated with me but never more than right now. I was practically rubbing elbows with the woman of my dreams. The woman who was the bane of my existence because from the minute I met her, she occupied every square inch of my brain matter. There was not a day that went by in which I didn’t think of her, wonder if she was okay and perhaps was thinking about me too.
I brushed her hair from her shoulder. “You know every day I tell myself, Aldridge the window of opportunity has passed. And that’s okay because what we’re creating in this moment can be something new, perhaps something better.”
Danessa shook her head as if she was attempting to lock things in place. “Are you still joking?”
Muting the television, I stared into her eyes. “Nah, I’m dead fucking serious.”
“I don’t …”
“I just want you to know this can be whatever you want it to be. And I will play my part to perfection. Whether that be as your friend or something more.” If she offered me crumbs, I would gladly take them.
