Page 53 of Close to Falling

You need to be rescued?

Best idea all night. Where’s your place?

After River sends me directions, I look over at Sarah. She is in deep conversation with a group of people. She won’t miss me, and I’ve done my time, so I walk over to tell her I’m leaving. After agreeing, she introduces me to the people she is speaking with. I smile politely and make my exit. I step out into the crisp night air, a little light on my feet, and make my way to River’s. He isn’t far, so I decide to walk. I need the air anyway. Once I round the corner, I see a shop. All the lights are on, and from here it looks awesome. I’ve seen this place before, but never stopped. As I walk closer, I see the display in the window, and I’m amazed. River comes from the back, and I stand by the door, waiting for him to let me inside. He’s bright-eyed, and his smile makes him look like a boy. I wish I could take credit for that look, but I’m not sure.

“Hey,” I say once the door is open.

“Hey.”

“You seem happy.”

“I’m always happy when I get to see you, B,” he replies.

“Me, too,” I agree, because it’s the truth, and I want him to know it. My eyes roam the building, and I really can’t believe it. “River, this is all your design?”

“Yeah,” he says, shutting the door and locking it. He walks over to the light switch and kills the lights in the window. I look over at him and see he is watching me.

“You really do beautiful work, River. I’m proud of you.”

He smirks and slides his hands into his front pockets, like the compliment embarrasses him. “’Preciate it, B.” I nod and bite my lip. He sighs. “So, what do you want to do? Wanna go back to my place and watch a movie?”

“That sounds nice,” I reply.

***

Once we walk up to River’s door, he unlocks it, and I stand behind him.

“Give me one second, okay?” he asks.

“Umm, okay,” I say, darting my eyes sideways. He runs into the house while I stand and wait. He is only gone a moment before he is back at the door.

“You gonna stand out there all night?” he jokes, one hand on the door.

I playfully slap him on the chest as I walk by. “You know you didn’t have to clean for me, right? I know how messy you used to be.”

“Yes,usedto be. I’m pretty organized now, well, besides the leftover beer bottle and two-day old takeout I forgot to toss.” He grins. I laugh as I look around his place. It’s nice. It’s River, and it feels like home.Why did I just think that?I shake my head, clearing my weird thoughts. “What do you want to watch? I’ve gotThe Breakfast Club. I know you used to like to watch that.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Okay, get comfortable while I pop some popcorn.”

***

I’m bare feet on the couch while River is slouched down at the other end. The movie is halfway over, and I’m salty lips and buttery fingers.

“I’ve got to wash my hands.”

“Bathroom is down the hall,” he says, pointing behind him.

After I wash my hands, I walk out of the bathroom, but get nosy and head down the hallway. I see a door open, and I look inside. It’s River’s bedroom. Memories of me under his covers flood my mind, and I start feeling homesick. His smell is everywhere, and I wish I could bottle it up and keep it with me.

“What are you doing, B?”

I turn to his voice and see him leaning against the doorway. I hadn’t realized I walked so far inside his bedroom.

“Just wanted to see your room.”

He nods and walks toward me. “You can’t be in here, if you don’t want anything to happen.” He’s slightly smiling andmaybejoking?

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