Page 35 of Fear of Falling

His words made me pause. “I’m not sure. We’ve only just met each other.”

“Why not? We can meet her and see what she’s like. If she’s cool, then she can come to my party on Saturday too,” Mateo said with a nonchalant shrug.

Yeah, like Josie meeting my family after only knowing me a week wasn’t a big deal.

“I agree, why not?” Mom added.

“I can’t expect her to be okay meeting you guys so soon,” I replied with a shake of my head. “It would probably just freak her out. Make her think we are moving too fast. We haven’t even gone on a real date yet. She’ll more than likely run in the opposite direction.”

“Just ask her and see what she says. If Mateo wants her to come, what's the harm in asking?” Mom reasoned.

I figured I could bring it up and see what she said. I just knew my family and how full on they could be at times. Probably the last thing Josie wanted. But the idea of her coming to Matteo’s game and meeting my family made me oddly excited. I couldn’t remember the last time a girl met my family. Certainly not the last few I’d ‘dated’.

“I’ll see how Friday goes and then ask her,” I semi-agreed. If by some chance Friday things went down the shit hole, then I wouldn’t ask.

“Cool! Can’t wait to see how hot Wy’s girlfriend is,” Mateo commented before receiving a barrage of playful punches from the rest of us.

15

JOSIE

Waiting all week to see Wyatt again was like torture. I don’t know how many times I almost saidjust screw itand went to his apartment. But I had to tell myself to slow down. I couldn’t act like some clingy girlfriend after only knowing him a few days.

In past relationships I always fell too fast. I was always the one who developed feelings first. The one in the relationship that gave all of myself and let them in, only for them to leave. I’d learned not to let myself get attached too soon. To not hope for much until I was sure of the other person's feelings.

And that’s how it needed to be between me and Wyatt–at least for now. I couldn’t let myself hope that whatever passed between us in the elevator could be more. Even if I felt butterflies every time he smiled. I had to be strong and not allow myself to get too invested.

When my alarm went off, I was already awake, too excited about going to the game tonight and seeing Wyatt. I couldn’t wait to see him in his element and not just on tv. It felt surreal that I was going to an actual game.

The buzzing of my phone drew my gaze away from the ceiling. Reaching over, I grabbed it only to grin at the name that popped up.

Wyatt: Good morning.

I felt like I was back in high school texting my crush. Just seeing his name made me feel giddy. Why did Wyatt have to be so damn charming?

Josie: Good morning. You’re up early today.

Wyatt: Have a small workout before heading to the stadium.

A second passed before he sent another one.

Wyatt: I already have your tickets at roll call. Just have to give them your name.

Josie: Wait, tickets? As in more than one?

Wyatt: Yeah. I figured you’d maybe want to invite a friend to come with you.

My heart fluttered in my chest. I couldn’t believe he’d gone to the effort of securing me two tickets just so I couldn’t have to sit alone at the game. Who does that?

Josie: Wyatt that’s too much.

I’m someone who always feels uncomfortable when people do nice things for me. Not that I’m ungrateful, I’ve always just felt like there was someone else more deserving than me.

Wyatt: It’s nothing. Players get free tickets.

Josie: I have to pay you something for them though.

It didn’t feel right not giving him something in return. I had a feeling the seats were front and center. The kind that typically costs an arm and a leg.

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