Page 49 of Give Me Love

I turn to look at myself in the mirror, feeling like crap now.

I know she’s right. I know I need to learn to trust better, but it’s tough when the one person you thought you could trust with your life leaves you with a monster, and it’s hard when you know even locks can’t keep him out.

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Fifteen minutes later, I’ve sprayed my hair, rubbed lotion all over my legs and arms, and contemplated going to talk to Claire in the bathroom, but didn’t. I’m downing a glass of wine when a knock sounds on the door. I place the glass on the bar and walk over, opening the door to reveal Bryce leaning against the hallway. He looks up from the floor, staring.

“Hey.” His voice is rough like he hasn’t used it in a while. I glance at his gray/white Nikes and dark fitted jeans paired with a gray shirt. He looks laid-back cool with his backward snapback covering his buzzed hair. My heart coughs and sputters.

“Hey,” I reply. I leave the door and grab my phone and purse from the counter, before closing it behind me. Bryce pushes from the wall he was leaning on.

“You look beautiful.” The compliment sends butterflies flying, and I can’t say it wasn’t what I was wanting when I put this thing on.

It’s also the way he says it. It’s not like he’s trying to be nice. I’m learning that’s not Bryce. He says it as though he’s stating a fact, like he’s saying the walls are cream-colored.

“Thanks,” I reply.

We walk down the hall toward the elevator. “How was your day?” he asks.

“It was all right.” I sigh, thinking of the conversation I had with Karen earlier. I told her about the bank and she said she’s going to see if they can give her some more time, but if they don’t agree, she’s going to have to put the store up for sale. And then, of course, my argument with Claire.

“That good, huh?”

I look over at him and notice the concern in his blues.

“It’s better now that you’re here.” I give a closed-lip smile, being sincere.

He averts his eyes. “I doubt I’ll have anything to do with mood lifting, but maybe a drive-in movie will.”

“Drive-in?” I ask.

“Yeah. I didn’t mention that part?” He tilts his head slightly.

“No.” I playfully slap him on the arm. “I’ve never been to one.” We step into the elevator.

“Cool. Your first time will be with me then.” He leans against the back wall and I do too.

“Guess so,” I say. A first with Bryce. Hmm, how many of these will we have? I think about our playful conversation on the phone earlier. I like that side of him.

“What about your day?” I ask. “How was work on the ranch?”

He chuckles. “It was work.”

“That good, huh?” I repeat his words.

He looks down at me with a slight bend in his lips. His tongue darts to the side of his mouth, and I avert my eyes and play with the bracelets on my arm. The small space grows smaller, and I become hyperaware of how close he is to me. As the doors slide open, I let out a breath of air. Friendships are tough, man.

_________

The afternoon sun sinks, turning the sky a blazing red- orange and dark purple. Automatic headlights cut on, and one by one the cars pull into the drive-in.

It’s sticky, but there’s a light breeze that brushes over my skin making it bearable. I’m glad I chose to wear something light and flowy. I pull my hair to the side, getting it off my neck before stretching my arms out behind me and resting back on my hands as I gaze up at the setting sun, waiting for the movie to start.

The summertime wind smells like popcorn, pine, and rain when it sweeps over my face, moving my hair and making it tickle the backs of my arms.

“Isn’t that amazing?” I ask, turning my head toward Bryce. I rest my chin on my shoulder and my eyes watch him in curiosity.

Bryce’s blues roam over my face, and he has a look of pure wonder.

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