Page 49 of Close to Falling

“Yeah. When I got out of rehab, I enrolled in a local art college,” I tell him. “I guess I’ve always had the talent, but taking classes really gave me a better perspective of art and what all I could do with it.”

“You’ve always been great at drawing. Your dad was, too, if I remember correctly?” He forms it into a question.

“Yes,” I confirm. “He was an architect.”

“Right.” He nods, grabbing the tape.

I tell him more about school, the people I met there, graduation, and what I did when I was finished with it all. Sarah comes up, and I tell him how she and Landon were introduced. We talk about my therapist Ellie and her wife Sam. I notice him looking at me with wonder a few times, and I realize I haven’t shut up so he can tell me about his life.

“I’m sorry,” I say, embarrassed. “I haven't even given you a chance to speak.”

“Another time,” he says with hope in his voice. I nod and look over his face. He has changed so much, yet he is still the same River Dawson I’ve always cared for. I look at the clock on the far side wall. It’s getting late.

“Well, I better head home. I need to get to work on some new pieces. I have another show coming up in a few months, and Sarah will have my ass if I’m not locked in my studio.” I look around the couch where I was seated, trying to remember where I put my pesky phone.

“What are you looking for?” River asks.

“My phone. I can’t ever keep up with the damn thing,” I reply as my eyes search around the room.

“Well, you should."

“Duh,” I say, bending down and looking under the couch. I lean back up and see he is watching me. His expression changes, and old-time feelings are written all over it, stirring something deep in my chest. River walks over to me, and I can’t move. I’m paralyzed and terrified. So terrified, I start to shake. He touches my hand, as his eyes look downward. His brows furrow, and when he looks up, I see pain.

“This is so surreal, you know? You and I, in a room together, talking like we’ve seen each other every day for the last nine years.”

“I know,” I say, looking down because his closeness makes me nervous and the look on his face hurts my heart.

“Look at me, B.” I tilt my head up and let my eyes roam. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Maddie. I will never be able to,” he murmurs. “Sending you away… It changed me. You took a piece of me with you.” Tears fill my eyes because I felt the same way, and hearing those words lets me know I wasn’t alone. I hear a beeping sound, and I sniff as I look behind me.

“That would be my phone,” I whisper, a little disappointed our moment is ruined by my stupid phone. I walk around him and make my way to the bar, remembering that’s where I put the damn thing. Lifting it, I look at the screen.

I’m going to the gym in the morning, and then I’ll run by the gallery to grab the pieces. See you around ten?

See you then.

After I reply to Sarah,Ilook up at River. “I have to go.”

“Yeah. Me, too,” he replies, rubbing the back of his neck. I give him an uneasy smile because things feel weird now. I grab the keys and make my way back around the bar. He walks to the door as I do, too, opening it and letting me walk out first. After locking it, I turn around, nearly bumping into him.

“Oh, sorry,” I say, grabbing his chest and then quickly letting go. He looks amused at my clumsiness.

“Can I give you a ride?” he asks, looking down at me. He is so close I can smell his cologne, and it makes my mouth water. It is late, and these heels don’t do well for walking a block.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“My truck is right over here,” he says. I follow him as he walks over and opens the door for me. I climb inside, and he shuts the door.

“I literally live around the block,” I say as he gets in, too.

“Okay, just point me in the right direction.”

***

We pull up to my stoop, and I open the door. “Thanks for the ride, and for helping me back there,” I say, getting out.

“Go to dinner with me,” River says out of nowhere.

“Tomorrow?”

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