Page 63 of The Only Thing That's Real

Ry,

I hope one day you’ll get to write what’s in your heart. Take it from me. Following your dreams is worth it in the longrun. It can bring you more than you ever expected. More than fame and fortune. If you wait long enough, it may even bring unexpected people into your life.

K

Holy shit.

With trembling hands, I unpack the basket, trying not to freak out at the realization that Bullseye was from Knox. Normally, a man gifting me a stuffed animal would be a turnoff, but it’s his way of keeping things light. Keeping the nickname alive while keeping me company. It’s silly. It’s sweet. I don’t mind it.

There’s a beautiful leather-bound journal with my real initials RJ embossed in the bottom right corner. This must be for me to write what’s in my heart. I flip through the pages, inspiration taking hold, a new idea flooding my mind. An idea so strong I push aside the rest of the romantic gesture I’ve yet to unpack while my imagination runs wild with an epic fantasy about a mythical journal.

Twenty minutes later and as many pages written, I put aside the plot bunnies wreaking havoc on my brain and bring my attention back to the gift basket. Inside a small red box is a strange-looking stone. It’s glossy and heart-shaped like my rose quartz, but instead of pink it’s different colors of greens and tans, with natural lines that almost look like cracks running through the smooth surface. Rolling it between my fingers, I wonder what in the world it is. Picking the box up, I find a thick piece ofpaper tucked into the lid.

Dragon Stone activates and unlocks the heart. Piemontite has been known to strengthen and rejuvenate the heart and heal the emotional body. Chakra: Root; Heart.

Rounding the table, I plop down on the couch, journal in one hand, stone in the other. He’s saying so much without saying much at all. He sees me.

Turning the basket to face me, the next item makes me smile. It’s a very familiar board game and there’s a blue sticky note that says,Rematch?

Falling back on the couch, my feet tap the floor in a happy rhythm as I hold my gifts to my chest.

Not letting my fear get the best of me, I take a couple more bricks down and pull my phone out of my pocket.

Ryan

Thank you for everything.

Ryan

I think this room might be too big for one person, though. I should probably move to a regular room.

Knox

u have plans tonight?

He doesn’t acknowledge my thanks or talk of changing to a regular room.

Ryan

Nope.

Knox

got time for pizza and a game or two?

I stop and start my reply twice. I know I’m gonna say yes, so why do I hesitate? Especially when I know he can see bubbles stopping and starting on his end of the text. Gah! I reply and toss my phone to the sofa cushion next to me.

Ryan:

Sure

Knox

if you’re busy it’s cool.

The bubbles gave away my freak out. He thinks I don’t want to see him. This time I reply quickly.

Ryan

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