Page 55 of The Fear of Falling
Obviously you hike, because you and Eric went up the canyon last weekend, but what else? When you left yesterday, did you go straight to your hotelroom and binge watch reality TV? Or did you run an ultramarathon and go clubbing when you finished?
She’s doing the thing we avoided in Italy, asking for details. Instinct is screaming at me to get the heck out of here and put up the walls that have kept me safe for the last thirty-five years, but…
But the grass is so much greener on Avery’s side, and I won’t be able to see it if there’s a wall in my way.
I sigh and settle in, getting comfortable.
Benson:
Those are two very different choices.
Avery:
Curious minds need to know.
Benson:
I usually hit up the gym and read a book.
Avery:
I knew it!
Not the book part.
What are you reading right now?
I glance at my nightstand, where Dani’s romantasy novel is waiting for me. I didn’t let myself dive back into it tonight because I knew I would stay up too late to get to the end, though at this point that argument is pretty moot because I’mnot sleeping anyway. Do I dare admit I’m reading a romance? I could say it’s to better understand the company and the book that pushed Rose & Quill into the big leagues, which wouldn’t be a lie. But I’m also genuinely enjoying the storyline and the compelling way Dani crafted her characters.
I should tell Dani as much, but idiot that I am, I deleted her number that last night in Florence.
I settle on a different truth.
Benson:
I’ve been reading a lot of Sanderson lately.
Avery:
Fantasy? Really?
Benson:
Should I be offended by your shock?
Avery:
You don’t strike me as a fantasy guy.
Benson:
What kind of guy do I strike you as?
Avery:
The kind who reads self-help books and listens to podcasts.
Benson:
