I raise my cup to her. “You did good, girl.”
His velvety laughter in my ear draws me back into him. Wrapping his arm around me, he mumbles, “Today has been fun. I think I’m a new fan of Timber Heights.”
“Said no one ever,” I laugh.
“I’m used to a small town. Nothin’ wrong with that. It’s homey. A good town to raise a family in.”
Why does it suddenly feel hard to breathe?
Again, here we are, tiptoeing the line of what our future looks like. Everything about my body language and Easton’s screams, ‘let’s try this thing out between us.’
I’m afraid to bring it up because what if moving here isn’t an option for him ever? What if long distance isn’t either?
He knows I just signed a year lease on a building for my fitness studio. I’d put myself in a tremendous amount of debt for breaking it. I don’t think I want to do that either. This isthe first time in my adult life that I’m actually excited to have work stability and the idea ofstayinghere for a while.
Appreciating where I am.
I mean…I guess I could find a way to do both—stay here and be there. Might take a lot of figuring out, but I’m willing to try.
Showing Easton around Timber Heights today felt like something out of a movie. He appreciated every small detail. I showed him all the schools I went to growing up, our favorite dive bar, The Funky Rooster, the boardwalk by the beach, my favorite shopping strip. The list goes on.
Easton asked questions. He took notes. Almost as if he was jotting them down to memory for the day he comes back.
Maybe it’s just wishful thinking on my part, but I’m struggling to really enjoy our time together because of my overthinking.
Capri says it’s because I care, and that’s what being in love feels like.
You fear the possibilities of change affecting something you cherish.
I’d say that checks out.
“You getting excited for tomorrow?” he asks me, not seeming in his head about anything at all.
It’s so unlike the Easton I met almost three months ago. He’s confident and sure of himself in the best way possible. It’s really incredible to witness.
His journey from broken to bound.
“I am,” I tell him, excitement rushing through me for my sister. “It’s been a long time coming. If anyone deserves this kind of love, it’s Capri. I think you’ll really like Jones, too.”
“Can’t wait to meet him. And Capri. They know I’m coming as your date, right?”
I nod. “They do.”
The sensation of his finger coasting up my arm makes me shiver. “And they know I’m here to stay?”
In what way?
“Uh, yeah. They know you’re staying in town for a few days,” I mumble, and I know he can hear the trembling in my voice.
His chuckle gives me no answers. In fact, it only makes me feel more needy and uneasy. “As long as they know I’m staying.”
Like…what in the actual moose head is happening?
“You sure you don’t want to come to the rehearsal dinner tonight?” I ask, attempting to change the subject to something I can think clearly about.
Easton pulls me in closer and takes a sip of his latte. “Nah. That’s a family thing. You go have a good time, and I can always meet up with you after. Or if you’re too tired, I’ll see you at the wedding tomorrow.”
I nod, because what else do I say? I’ve lost my touch…
