Page 19 of Koda's Love

“I feel like we’ve been building something, and I want to see it through. We can go at your pace, but I plan on dating you.”

Her quietness took my nervousness up a notch.

Avalon took a sip of soda again, then ran her fingers over her necklace.

“I have to tell you why I was so sad and why I was at the hotel in the first place.” She paused, and my mind thought the worst, like maybe she already had a dude.

I watched the rise and fall of her shoulders as she inhaled a deep breath, then released it.

“So, a year ago, my boyfriend died of a drug overdose, and it was the anniversary of his death. We used to go to the hotel every year for our anniversary, so it was my way of honoring him. That’s also why I’m afraid of loving again.”

I slowly blinked a few times. I wasn’t sure what she would say, but it wasn’t that. I reached my hand across the table and grabbed her hand. My thumb absentmindedly rubbed the back of her soft hand.

“My condolences. I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“Thanks. I was the one that found him.”

Her eyes watered as she told me the story, and I felt so bad for her. The waitress returned with our food, but she discreetly put it on the table because she saw how serious the conversation was.

I gently squeezed her hand as we sat silently for a minute.

“Listen, I’m not trying to pressure you. I can see the sadness you carry. I’m just asking for permission to take up a little space in your heart. I want to give you a reason for your light to return.”

A fat tear streamed down her face, and I reached over to wipe it away.

“Don’t cry before you can eat your fries,” I teased to ease the tension.

Avalon smiled, and that was all I wanted to see. Even through her sadness, her smile lit up the room.

“I didn’t expect to cry, but I wanted to tell you that. I’m scared, Koda.”

“I can understand that. Death is inevitable, but we are put on Earth to love one another. Finding love again doesn’t mean you forget the one you shared with him. It’s just making room for another. I don’t know anything about him, but I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to be lonely forever. And that’s not me saying that because I want to date you; that’s me saying that in general.”

“You sound like my cousin. She thinks it’s just going to be me and my fish for the rest of my life.” She laughed as she removed her hand from mine, then picked up the ketchup bottle.

Since she seemed ready to eat, I prepared myself to eat as well.

“I’m just asking for a chance. Can you give me that?”

She chewed on her bottom lip for a minute, and my stomach flipped while I waited for her answer.

“Yes, I’m willing to give you a chance.”

The butterflies in my stomach relaxed, and my heart felt like it would burst out of my chest.

“Thank you.”

Avalon giving me a chance was all I needed. I knew I wouldn’t and couldn’t fumble her.

We spent the rest of the time eating and talking about some of everything.

The waitress had come over with the bill, and Avalon reached for it, but I stopped her.

“I told you I was paying for it, Koda.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled my wallet out. I handed the waitress my card, before Avalon could say anything else.

“We not doing that, baby. I got it. You will never have to pull out your wallet when we are together.”