Page 14 of Fall With Me
“How long did you live in Tennessee?”
“Too long,” he coughs out.
At least I think that’s what he said. The words were too mumbled to tell. “Sorry. What was that?”
“Eight years.”
“Oh wow. What made you decide to move back to Utah?”
Dawson clears his throat. Blinks at me. Snags a handful of cheese-flavored chips.
I didn’t realize him moving was such a sore topic. “You don’t have to tell me.”
“I got divorced.”
My lips pull down. “Oh. I’m sorry, Dawson.”
He shrugs. “It was for the best.”
I’m not sure what else I’m supposed to say here. Congrats you ended your marriage? Apologize again? Ask more questions? An awkward silence descends as I decide how to respond. Lamely I go with, “Well… I’m going to grab a seat.”
“Sure. See you over there.”
The only open seats are at the dining room table. I take the chair next to Kate, giving me a straight shot of the television. I get lost in the game and eating a delicious dinner.
At halftime, Kate puts a hand on my shoulder. “Come on, let’s go for a walk. I need some air.”
I stand, going to the island to grab more veggies I can eat on our quick jaunt. We head outside and the second we getoff the porch, cool air kisses my skin, making goosebumps rise all over me.
“This better be quick. I’m cold.” Now that it’s September, it’s chilly at night. My exposed skin is proof it’s time to break out my light jackets.
“You’ll warm up once we get moving, you big baby,” Kate teases, tugging on my arm.
I take a bite of crisp bell pepper.
“What’s going on with you and Dawson?” Kate blurts.
My food lodges in my throat. Spluttering out a cough, I try to get my airway free. “Nothing’s going on. You’ve completely misread the situation. I barely know the guy.”
“You sure? I thought I saw some interest on your part when he first walked in.”
Being attracted to someone doesn’t mean anything will happen. I’m attracted to Henry Cavill. You don’t see me moving to England, stalking him and trying to be his wife.
“Kate,” I warn.
“Right.” Kate puts a hand on my arm, stopping our walk. “I’m not trying to push you toward Dawson. From the little I’ve interacted with him so far, he seems like a great guy. But if he’s not the one you want, it’s fine. Forget I said anything. What I am concerned about is how long it’s been since you’ve gone on a date, and even longer since you’ve had a boyfriend.”
“My life’s too busy to go out all the time.” That’s a straight up lie and Kate knows it.
“I worry about you. I’m allowed as your best friend, you know.”
“What worries you?”
“Your happiness.”
“I’m happy.” Am I, though? I like my job. I love my family. My friends (justfriend. Singular. Kate is the only one I talk to and hang out with outside of family and coworkers.) bring me joy. But is it enough?
“You say that, but I know you, Chloe. You’re not fine and you haven’t been for quite some time.”
