Page 140 of You Fall First

“If you can make me those promises,” he says, “then you’ve got my blessing. Ten toes down, with my whole chest, brother.”

Brother.

The word makes my guts ache. For the brother I never had. For the family I’ve lost, the family I just got back, and the one I’ve found with the Michaels.

“Otherwise.” He takes a step back, shoots me a look that’s almost pained. “You gotta cut her loose, man. Let Jojo find a man who will put her first. And the sooner the better.”

He jogs down the steps and out to his truck, while I stand there frozen, watching him pull away. Once his taillights disappear, I’m left behind on the porch alone.

Just me and my thoughts and two chairs.

Again.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Jo

Maren

Hey, yoga queen. How was class? Did Beth kick your butt?

Me

Total Death by Beth.

Me

Also, I barely slept. I for sure need a nap today.

Maren

So you’re saying Noah’s got you lying awake dreaming about forever?

Me

He’s got me dreaming about a steak dinner at Chop. We’ll see about the rest. Getting too far ahead of myself hasn’t worked so hot for me in the past.

Maren

Forget the past, my friend. Noah Stadler smells like the future.

Me

Hahaha. He does smell amazing. A lot better than I do right now. A shower is calling my name. Maybe two showers.

Maren

You’ve got plenty of time for a shower, a nap, and another shower before your date.

Me

Date. Eek! Why am I nervous? I know he likes me. We’ve been talking every day all week. We already lived together, lol.

Maren

Because an actual date is a step toward romance. And the future. Things are getting real, my friend.

Me