He considers that.“A little.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want to mess it up.”
“You’re doing pretty well so far.”
“That’s reassuring.”
We sit there for a while longer eating and talking.About small things.Funny stories from the shop.My baking experiments.His brothers.
And somewhere along the way I realize something surprising.I’m laughing, really laughing.Not the careful version I used around Emette lately but the real version.The one Damien mentioned the other day.
At one point we wander down to the dock and sit with our feet dangling over the water.The lake ripples gently beneath us.
“You know,” Damien says thoughtfully.
“What?”
“This is the first time we’ve hung out without cupcakes involved.”
I grin at him.“That’s true.”
“I’m slightly concerned.”
“Why?”
“I’m not sure our friendship can survive without baked goods.”
I nudge his shoulder.“You’re ridiculous.”
“Probably.”
I glance over at him and he’s watching the water.Calm, relaxed, and comfortable in the silence.
The realization hits me in that moment.Last night I thought my world ended but sitting here today, it feels like something else might be beginning.Something slower, gentler.Something that doesn’t make me feel like I have to prove I’m good enough.
I lean back on my hands and close my eyes for a moment.“Hey, Damien?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m really glad you followed me last night.”
He smiles slightly.“Me, too.”
