Page 82 of Falling Backwards
Now Emma snorts.“Well, he’s gonna have to try harder than this to make me forget how much he hurt Maggie in school.I can at least say I respect his efforts, though.God knows I didn’t think he was capable of using his brain for good.”
Joy smiles.“I suspected he was.”
“Of course you did, you angel.”After a moment, Emma lifts her chin at me.“I’m on board with whatever choices you wanna make, sister.You’re the one who knows what feels best for you.Just keep us updated so we know what you need from us, and make sure Bramhill knows I’ll kick his ass if he crosses you again.”A new frown comes to her face.“On a different note, I’m really proud of you for getting that store employee to walk you to your car.That was great thinking.”
“Yes!”Joy snaps her fingers.“Also, the dating rules sound solid.I couldn’t have come up with better ones myself.”
“They are pretty good,” Emma agrees.
I pick up the slice of pizza I’ve been working on.“I think so too.And hey, I learned a couple new things earlier when I helped Luke do his end-of-shift chores behind the bar.”
Joy gasps.“Do you know how to make killer margaritas now?”
Emma perks up.“Oh my God, say you do!”
They’ve got me laughing and groaning at the same time.“No, it’s nothing that cool!I’m sorry for my weak setup!”
“Aw, man!”
“Dude, you better ask him about that first thing tomorrow!”
We hang out for a little while longer, though they both insist their days weren’t as exciting as mine and aren’t worth going over.Then they head off to their rooms, and I finish my food.
I’m just about to clean my teeth when my phone dings again.
I hadn’t known if Luke would answer my last message, but he did.
LUKE:You’re welcome too.I’m glad you’re safe.I know this was a weird day and a lot of things were a struggle to process, but I personally feel better than I did last night.Do you?
These are some of the things I was thinking earlier while we worked on the glasses.I’m truly not the only one whose emotions have been a tangle.
ME:Yeah, I do feel better.I’ve noticed I still can’t keep from being nervous, but it doesn’t last as long or hit me as hard.The difference between how I felt after the store and how I feel now is kind of amazing
After a moment, I decide to keep going.
ME:I’m really grateful I don’t have to feel so panicked anymore.I don’t wanna think about what a mess I would be right now if you hadn’t offered to help me.How can I repay you?
While he considers all that, I resume getting ready for bed.
By the time he texts again, I’m snuggled beneath my comforter and I’m a good few minutes into looking at bulk gummy worm prices online.
LUKE:You don’t have to repay me.You still don’t owe me anything
I read that over and over.
My insides murmur,That’s really sweet of him.
I try to bat the thought away, but it doesn’t go far.It’s too true.
I notice he’s still typing.The little indicator in our chat keeps stopping and starting and stopping.He seems to be wording his next text very carefully.
I’m intrigued.What could be so complicated to say?
After an entire minute, his new message comes:
But if you ever feel like forgiving an idiot for sneaking up on you and making you spill your drink, he won’t be too much of an idiot to value it
That brings a little smile out of me.
