Page 87 of Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs
Okay, well, how am I not supposed to read into that comment? She enjoyed being with me rather than against me, and the fact that she’s smiling at me right now has to mean she’s not completely scared off by my faults.
“That’swhy I spent so much time at your house,” I say, pointing at her smile. “You’ve always made life better, Queens.”
I love the way she blushes but says nothing.
“By the way,” I say, wishing I wasn’t already on the edge of my chair because I don’t feel close enough. “Just because you’re not a professional athlete, it doesn’t mean you’re not important. Yeah, Houston makes a ridiculous amount of money and has his face on a cereal box, but he also sets impossible standards for himself because he doesn’t think he’s good enough. We all have something, Queens. And whether in a lab or a classroom, you’re going to change the world.”
Though tears fill her eyes, she keeps her smile firmly in place. “Thanks, Torres.”
I brush her hair away from her face. “I don’t know why I love you calling me that, but I do.”
We sit there for what feels like ages but is probably only thirty seconds or so. I’m pretty sure we’re on the edge of a cliff, waiting for the right moment to fall, and I’m so tempted to take that leap right here and now.
But I can’t do that. Not yet. Besides, that doesn’t fit with Rick’s bridge metaphor. Groaning, I drop my head and curse my sense of duty. “I should go. Your brother needs my help.”
“You could ignore him.”
“Ha! Houston Briggs is not a man who is used to being ignored.” It’s a miracle he hasn’t called me yet, so I force myself to vacate the porch before I run the risk of moving too quickly. This thing with Brooklyn feels more like a rope bridge than the massive brick version in New York, so I need to move slowly. Take my time. “Besides, I need to fix myself before I’m anywhere close to being worthy of you. I’m working on it.” I use her own words, hoping that helps her believe me.
Brooklyn stands too, her eyes bright. That’s a good sign. “Can I take you and Mateo to breakfast tomorrow? I know it’s a little…questionable…but I want to try to help things between you.”
I didn’t expect that, but her request makes me smile. “That depends. Are you going to order a salmon omelet?”
She pinks, but her warm smile gives me hope that I haven’t completely turned her away. “I guess that depends on what you’re ordering and if I want to switch with you.”
Chuckling, I stuff my hands into my pockets and slowly back away toward my truck. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to get Mateo to come with me, but I’ll try.”
“Trying is all I need. And if he doesn’t come?”
“Then it’ll be a date. You and me.”
I love the way she turns a bright scarlet at that, and though I would love to walk back up to her and show her how I really feel, I force myself to climb into the truck and drive away. Before I lose myself in my feelings for Brooklyn—before I cross that bridge—I have to make sure my best friend won’t be stuck on the other side by himself.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Brooklyn
I’m usually asleep before Ten, but Micah is an endless ball of energy, even if she just spent twenty-four hours stuck in a powerless lodge with a couple dozen people to look after and a coworker to crush on. She doesn’t fall asleep until after midnight, so I’m ready to crash as soon as I know she’s settled and in no danger of reliving the panic attack she had while at the lodge.
She always bounces back so quickly, and I wish I had her fortitude. She’ll be out the rest of the night, thankfully. Once she’s asleep, she’s asleep.
My brother, on the other hand… His text comes in right as I crawl back into my bed next to Micah after using the bathroom so I don’t jostle her in the middle of the night.
Hou: When are we doing our movie night?
I sigh. He probably thinks I’m asleep and is hoping to catch me in the morning, when I’m less filtered and more likely to give him a straight answer. Too bad for him, I’ve had a full day with a wide range of emotions.
Me: Whenever.
Hou: Why are you awake?
Hou: Is Jordan with you?
I frown. What does that mean? Did Jordan talk to him and tell him that there’s mutual attraction between us? I’d better play it safe, just in case.
Me: Mic came over for a girls night.
Hou: Oh.
