Page 47 of The Friendly Fall

“Mexico, Italy, and Germany,” I say, focusing my eyes on the road. “It was fun, but don’t feel like you’re missing out on much. I love the sense of community here; I don’t think I’d leave much if I grew up in a place like this.”

“Really?” He sounds genuinely surprised as I bring the truck to a stop. “I feel like most people think the opposite—like I might be close-minded and unadventurous.”

“Well, you’ll get out in your own time. Not everyone wants to travel the world. To each their own,” I say as I grit my teeth, practicing the take-off again. Lucky for me, Idon’tkill the engine again.

“What kind of person are you?” Nick asks me.

“Um.” I hesitate, not totally sure. “I think I’m a mixture of both, really. I like to see new places, but I want to live in a place like this—a place that’s cozy and always feels like home.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “That’s a good balance.”

I nod. “Thanks.”

We spend the next hour or so practicing taking off and shifting, and before too long, I have it down with ease, maneuvering the truck without any issues at all. Nick grins from ear to ear as we come to the end of the gravel road.

“All right, let’s see what you got,” he dares me as I take in the entrance to the two-lane highway.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for this,” I waver, looking over to him.

“Youareready, Eliza.” He places a warm hand on my shoulder. “Give this baby some gas.”

I laugh, feeling light. “Okay, here goes nothing.” I carefully let off the clutch and give it gas, the old truck roaring out onto the highway. With what I feel like is precision, I shift through the gears, only jerking the truck slightly.

“See.” He turns to me. “You’re a natural!”

“Oh stop.” I giggle, swatting his arm. “You’re just trying to flatter me.”

“Take the compliment.” Nick’s voice grows more serious. “You really don’t know how amazing you are. I’m really proud of you.” Nick grins.

I can’t help but shift my eyes to him, surprised by his words. No one other than my family has ever told me they were proud of me, and definitely not over something as silly as driving a standard transmission truck.

I’m …touched.

Nick’s got a smile on his face that could light up a room, and for the first time since meeting him, all I can think about is howthankfulI am for it.

They’re just pictures.

That’s what I’m telling myself as I watch the three photos of Nick and I load onto my photography page.

He was right. They’re too good not to share. And now that I’m about to have a steady stream of business, I’m positive they’ll soon be buried. But someone looking for a couple’s photographer won’t miss them, and that’s what matters.

Just as they’re loaded, a notification for a new follower pops up on the screen of my laptop, and I smile. My photography Instagram is amassing quite a few new followers. I click on the notification to open it…

And my smile quickly fades.

Devon.

“Why the heck are you following my page?” I mutter under my breath, irritation mixed with a little heartache slipping into my chest. I haven’t talked to him since arriving in West Falls.

My mouse hovers over his name, my mind daring me to click the button and see what he’s up to. I mean, I haven’t looked at his socialmedia in over a month … What could it hurt? I chew the inside of my cheek, my heart jumping up a notch.

It’s just a peek.

But somehow, it feels like if I give into the urge to snoop on him, I’d be letting him win. I don’t want him to think that I’m still hung up—

Am I still hung up on him?

My eyes drift back to the pictures of Nick and I for some reason, and my stomach knots up. But I don’t give myself the chance to think about it any further.

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