Page 15 of How You See Me
I nod, more out of habit than truth. “Apparently, I’m not only stressed—I’m clinically exhausted and a danger to myself. According to the NMO, I need a break.”
“That’s hard to hear, buddy. I’m sorry. What will you do?”
“Ava wants me to go on the trip I promised her.”
His eyes brighten again with that special light of his. “The cross-country one?”
“Virginia to California in some ancient VW van she saw online.”
He lets out a full-body laugh. “That’s not even remotely your style.”
I shrug, not sure what my style is anymore, and lift the frosted mug to drink. “I think she’s trying to be funny. But since I’d do anything to make her happy, bring it on.”
The bartender swings by, and after we order food, Jordan dips into a rare quiet spell, thoughts somewhere else.
I let it stew for a bit before asking, “What’s on your mind?”
He hesitates. “Interested in having company on your trip?”
“Are you volunteering?”
“As great as a getaway sounds . . . not me. Josie needs a ride to Las Vegas.”
My body stills, except for my heart now boxing with my rib cage. Josie. The one person I’ve spent the better part of a year trying not to think about—and failing miserably.
“She landed an art show that could change everything for her,” Jordan continues. “But as you know, she won’t fly. Won’t drive either.”
“But she’ll ride shotgun with someone she barely knows?”
“Yeah. It makes no sense. Then again, there’s no rationalizing most of her fears.”
“Most? How many are there?”
He lifts his wrist and checks an invisible watch. “How long do we have?” he asks then laughs. “I love her, but we go through this all too often.”
“Go through what?”
“Figuring out the most difficult way to do the simplest things.” He shakes his head. “Look man, I wouldn’t ask if I had any other ideas, but I trust you, and she needs someone like you to get her there safely.”
I rub a hand across the back of my neck, already picturing the fallout of both my options. “Jordan—”
“I know it’s a huge ask, but she’s got no one else. I’m already stretched too thin with school and planning the wedding and everything else. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”
The silence between us grows. He’s giving me time to mull it over. I could say no. I probably should. But I’ve never been good at walking away when someone needs me.
“Alright.” I hear the word come out of my mouth, but still can’t believe I said it.
“Are you sure?”
Not even close. Yet, I nod.
He claps a hand on my shoulder. “Thanks, man. I appreciate this and will make her swear to be on time and not drive you crazy.”
Too late.
I’m already thinking about her too much. Now, he’s asking me to live in close quarters with her for days on end? That’s not a casual favor. That’s a test I’m not sure I’m ready for.
But there’s no going back now. I said I would take her, and I always keep my word.
