Page 44 of It Started with a Sunset
“Well, I suppose it depends on the person and what they need.”
“How do I find out what she needs?”
“You could ask her.”
He shook his head. “You saw her today. I don’t think she wants to talk to me at all. If she wants me to give her space, then of course I’ll honor her wishes. But if she wants me to fight for her, I want her to know that I’m willing to do anything.”
Deja looked at him for a long moment, then she said, “You’re one of the truly good guys. You know that, right?”
His worries were deep and fierce, but Deja’s words were like a bucket of water thrown on a raging fire. It didn’t come close to putting it out and would likely be just as big a few minutes later, but it helped. “I don’t know. It kind of just feels like I failed.”
“Have you given this relationship your all?”
“I think I have.”
“Then you haven’t failed. And you should listen to me because I’m...”
Brock smiled. “Right, again.”
“Yep. It’s there in my name. Do you love her?”
“I haven’t told her yet, but yes. I really do.”
“Do you get along with her?”
He let out a single breath of a chuckle. “So much better than I thought I would. I always thought I needed to only date other perfectionists or rule-followers or planners so I wouldn’t annoy them by being that way myself.”
“And how did that work out for you?”
“Not great. We always clashed. It amazes me how easygoing Summer is, even with those parts of me I thought she would hate.”
“That’s because the two of you balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And lemme tell you what else. People aren’t perfect and shouldn’t be expected to be. Yourself included. Accept that. Know that doing your best is all you need to be doing.
“That goes for love, too. Things don’t need to be perfect—you don’t need to be, she doesn’t need to be. Two imperfect people can come together perfectly and it’ll make both of them better than they were.”
“You’re a pretty wise person, Deja.”
“I keep telling you all that. You should listen to me more.”
“Definitely.” He smiled, then pulled his phone out of his pocket when it buzzed. He looked down at the screen, confused.
“Is that something you need to deal with?”
“It’s an email from Summer’s roommate.” He swiped to open the message.
From:[email protected]
Subject:Our girl Summer
I have information that I feel is important to share with you. I don’t have a class right now. Can you chat? If so, let me know, and I’ll meet you halfway between my building and yours.
Valeria
“She wants to meet and give me insider information.”
“Then go man, go! Start fighting for Summer!”
