Page 60 of Faking Ties

“See?” Marcus says, squeezing his eyes shut. “Fearing heights is natural.” He peeks over at me. “You good?”

“Why are you asking me that?” I glance at him in surprise. “It’s your fear.”

“Yeah, but you’re the one strangling my hand.”

I loosen my grip, shocked at his question, his concern. I should be the one asking if he’s okay, especially since he’s close to hyperventilating. But instead, he’s checking in on me. This is one of those times where I need to put myself out there. Be the teammate I want to be, not just to impress Evren, but also because it feels right.

I clear my throat, uncomfortable with my past actions. Trying to start anew, to make the most of this team-building event, I ask, “Are you okay?”

“Not really,” he whispers, his whole body shaking.

“What are you going to do after this?” I ask, trying to distract him, to repay his kindness.

“I’ll probably play some Grand Theft Auto.”

“Yeah? You any good?” I ask.

“I am. Why? You play?”

“I do. It’s my favorite.”

“Time’s up,” Jake says.

Marcus immediately jumps off the glass and does a victory dance. The team slaps his back in pride, and I grin at their antics. It wasn’t so horrible, being nice. Marcus comes up to me and claps me on the shoulder.

“Thanks for distracting me,” he says.

“It was nothing.”

Marcus nods once before making his way over to Trey and D-Rock. While everyone is distracted, I snap a picture of the view and send it to Ella.

Ella: That’s a pretty view. Are you with the team?

Me: Yeah, we’re overcoming someone’s fear of heights. Got to say, it’s a valid fear.

Ella: Aww, that’s cute. You’re scared of heights.

Me: Just you wait, next time you visit I’m taking you up to the top and see if you’ll change your tune.

Ella: If you can make it to the top again with your newfound fear and all.

Me: I’ll overcome it just to see your expression.

“Get off your phone,”Jake says, coming to my side. “Or I’ll make you go again.”

I glare at Jake and say, “I can’t wait until we get to your fear.”

“You’ll never know what mine is.”

“I’ll find out eventually.”

He smirks like that’ll be impossible. “You did well. With Marcus.”

“Hmm.”

“You know, caring isn’t a bad thing.”

“But I’ll lose all my street cred.”

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