“When I was little, I wanted to fly.” My voice falters as his hand presses into the small of my back, drawing me closer. “The butterflies were a promise to myself that someday I’d let the past stop dragging me down so I could do just that.”
“And have you?”
I clear my throat. “I’m still working on it. Every time I think I’m figuring it out, my mom pulls me right back down. But not anymore. This time is for real.” I nod. “I’m going to fly.”
“You will,” he whispers. “You’re strong Karli.”
I sniff and break eye contact. “Thanks.”
He spins me out and around then pulls me into his chest. My hand is locked up in his, pressed against his heart. “You’re not your mom. I think when you have a family, not only will you fly, but everyone will because you’ll lift them all up.”
My heart hammers so hard against my ribs it hurts. Am I having a heart attack? Or is this what it feels like to fall for someone? “Trent?”
“Yes?”
“That was kind of cheesy.”
“I know.”
“I loved it.” I love all of it. This moment, this diner, this dance. When I’m alone again, this is the moment I’ll come back to in my heart. This is the moment I’ll forever feel.
Chapter 13
Karli
Theautoshopopenedtwenty minutes after nine. Much to Trent’s annoyance. I could tell by the way he kept checking the window every five seconds. I, on the other hand, sat motionless on the bench outside, too afraid to move. Breakfast did not agree with me. Perhaps it was because I let my eggs sit, therefore letting the germs grow, while I danced around a diner in the wee hours of the morning.
I’ve never claimed all my choices were good ones.
Instead of getting the tire myself, which is what I had planned, I ended up sequestering myself to the bathroom in the connected gas station.
Thirty minutes later, I still feel like garbage. And I think Trent is on to me. Thankfully, Cal, the owner of the auto shop, was nice enough to give us a ride back to the van with the tire, because I fear I never would have made it. The pain in my stomach has grown immensely. But now I need to pull it together and pretend that everything is fine.
I reach into the back of the truck for the tire, but Trent picks it up and saunters to the van like it weighs nothing.
“I can change it,” I say, hurrying after him, all while clutching my stomach.
“I know you can,” he says, dropping the tire near the empty axle.
I pick up the lug wrench but Trent swipes it from my hand.
“Hey, I’m doing it.” I grab hold of it just as he shifts the wrench behind him, pulling my arm around his back.
He looks down at me, his eyebrows hooding his eyes from the harsh sun, making his features more rugged.
“You know it’s okay to accept help sometimes.”
“Of course,” I stand up straight. “I’ll let you know when I need it.” I try to take the wrench, but he’s too strong and it doesn’t budge.
“You need help.”
I narrow my eyes. “Don’t tell me what I need.”
“Question,” he holds up a finger, his brows furrowed. “Which do you value more, honesty or humility?”
“Both obviously.” I chew on my lip.
“So if I ask if you feel okay, you’ll tell me the truth?” His eyes search mine and…I can’t lie.
