Page 41 of Unstable

Something makes a faint noise and vibration under me and it takes me a minute before I remember—my phone. I dig around underneath myself ‘til I’m able to get a good grasp on it and pull it out.

I’ll never be able to explain the switch that flips in me in that moment, a revelation that perhaps I am worthy of more. But no one will buy it if I don’t truly believe it myself.

And if I’m going to believe in dreams and signs…why not believe in giving myself a chance to embrace what they’re telling me?

Yeah, that makes at least some sense, so I bare myself like I never have before, willing to give it a try.

I read his text and decide…give it a try, Henley.

Cocky PITA: He still there, you still contemplating, or are you just ignoring me? I see the light on, Hen.

Me: I….

Stop typing. Doubt, as always, rearing its ugly, horned head.

Cocky PITA: You what? Talk to me, Darlin’. You want me to call?

Me: No. I want… please don’t say anything to ruin this, okay?

Cocky PITA: I’ll try my best.

I check my forehead for a fever, nope. I get up and go get a glass of water, gulping it down, then return to the couch and pick up my phone.

Me: If it’s not too late, or too much trouble, I’d like for you to come over.

Cocky PITA: Open your door, Darlin’.

Me: I’ll just wait til you get here.

Cocky PITA: Then you’re late, ‘cause I’ve been here. Open your door.

I startle with a yelp when he knocks. No shit, he really is here, just sitting out there? Waiting for what?

I move tentatively, leery of his presumptuousness, and gradually open the door.

I peek my head out, suspicion narrowing my eyes. “Why were you already sitting outside?”

“Why’d you invite me over?” He smirks, the perfect topper to the entire package delivered straight to my porch. His black hair is a beautiful mess, the long-sleeved grey shirt he’s wearing boasts the physique underneath with its stretched fit, and the dark pajama pants? They don’t go real well with his cowboy boots, but I’m willing to overlook it.

“Because, I have a lot on my mind, gaps being filled in faster than I can process them, and I needed…a…friend.” I duck my head, hiding the embarrassed flush heating my cheeks. “You said you wanted to, could be that, right? My friend?”

“Absolutely. Wanna take a walk or you lettin’ me in?”

“As soon as you tell me why you were sitting outside, I’ll let you in. Unless I don’t like your answer, that is.”

His gentle laugh carries on the night air…as does his intoxicating cologne. “Truthfully?” he asks.

I lift my head now, staring into his eyes. Anytime someone poses such a question, that’s where I look, because the eyes always tell me if that’s what I’m getting. The truth.

“Yes, only the truth,” I answer nervously.

“I’m scared to close my eyes, Hen, turn my back for one minute. I’m terrified I’ll wake up one of these days and you’ll be gone and I won’t be able to find you. I can’t lose you again, just can’t. I know you’re not gonna like this.” He runs a hand through his hair. “But I’m gonna say it anyway, my way. I wanna keep you, Henley Gene Calvert. I want to keep you, love you, and somehow convince you to love me back, forever.”

Swear to God, if someone told me a story that included what happens next, I’d roll my eyes and probably not be able to hold back my laugh of disbelief. But right behind him, I see it, a shooting star, falling through the sky. A shiver runs through me and I know—I’ll never forget this exact moment for as long as I live.

I step back, giving him room to enter. “Come in, Keaton.”

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