Page 41 of From Rivals to I Do

“Reminds me of when I was a kid and did that galaxy glow bowling stuff when I was younger,” I say.

“Some fun times,” Eli says with a nod. “Let’s make some new memories.”We bowl, and it’s neck and neck the whole night, him winning a game, and me winning another.

“This is it, Eli, the last round,” I say as I pick up another ball.

“Yeah, well, this time I’m not going to let you win,” Eli says with a wink. “But do your best.”

I head up to the lane, a neon pink bowling ball hooked into my fingers. The smooth backside of it is held by the palm of my other hand, cool to the touch. Come on Darla, you got this!

I let it loose, tossing the ball down the alley, crossing my fingers as I watch it zoom right down the middle of the lane. “Yes! That’s it! Come on!”

The ball reaches the end of the lane and plunges into the pins, causing an explosion of sound as the glossy ball sends pins flying with a resounding clatter.I hold my breath as one pin twirls a bit, appearing to be holding on for dear life, until finally it falls to the floor.

“Yes! I win!” I squeal with delight as I turn around and Eli claps.

“Well, shoot! Ya got me,” he says with a laugh as he comes over. Without thinking, I excitedly jump into his arms.

“Did you see that?”

“I did, I did,” Eli says with a chuckle. “Man, you’re a good bowler. I guess I should have picked mini golf,” he jokes.

“Hmm, maybe next time?” I ask.

“Maybe,” Eli says as he releases me and holds out his arm instead; I take it in mine. We go and return our bowling shoes, head out to the parking lot, hop back into his truck, and head back to the bar so I can get my car.

Again, his hand slips into mine as we drive, and I can’t believe how perfect he is. The night may not have been smooth or perfect, but it ended well. And besides, having his hand back in mine just feels. . . good. It feels right.

“Well, here we are,” Eli says as he puts his truck in park. Both of us get out of the car and head over to mine, and though I’m elated about the night in general, I’m sad that it’s ending.

“Thank you, Eli, for showing me such a lovely time,” I say.

“The pleasure was all mine, Darla,” Eli says, as he opens my door for me. “So, Valentine’s, we can meet at my place?”

“Oh, um,” I say as I sit down in the driver’s seat, turning redder by the second.

“Oh! No! Not like that!” he says, looking completely embarrassed. “Not that I don’t like you or want you in that way—”

“It’s okay,” I say with a laugh, trying to help relieve his frazzled mind. “What were you thinking?”

“Some horse riding in the morning,” Eli says. “I have a mare that is very lovable, and I think you’d like her very much.”

“That would be amazing!” I say excitedly as I stick my key into the ignition. “What time should I be there?”

“About ten or so sound alright?” Eli asks.

“Sure thing!” I say with a smile. “Well then, I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

“Sounds good,” Eli says. “Take care driving home,” he says as he goes to walk away and stops in his tracks. “Matter of fact, text me when you get there so I know that you’re safe.”

“Okay,” I agree with a nod, and I’ve swelled up with this weird little sense of happiness about it. He cares about me, that’s for sure, and it feels good. “See you later!”

“Night!” he calls back as I turn my key, but it doesn’t turn over. It just clicks.

“Oh no...” I groan as I try again, only to hear it click three times and then nothing.

“What’s going on?” Eli says as he pops his head in the window, catching me off guard and nearly causing me to scream bloody murder as I put my hand to my chest.

“I’m really not sure, it won’t start,” I say.

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