Page 35 of Quietly Falling
BODHI: You know where Trappers Ridge, NC is?
SORREN: Never heard of it
BODHI: It’s like five hours from here
SORREN: And…
BODHI: Her cousin came home and surprised everyone—he’s in the military. He’ll be gone before we can get the counter, get home, and back out there.
SORREN: I’ll ignore that “we” for right now
Thank God.
SORREN: Go. I’ll call the guy and let him know you’ll be in when you can.
BODHI: Thanks
SORREN: I think she’s good for you
BODHI: We’re just friends
Friends.
The word seems so casual when it’s taken me years to let anyone besides Mason get close to me.
SORREN: Yeah, I was just friends with Rhea too
BODHI: We’re not doing this right now
SORREN: Fine but I’m saying I told you so when the time comes
BODHI: Can’t wait
SORREN: Text me when you get there
BODHI: Okay…
SORREN: Listen–you don’t just grow out of being protective, you just transfer it, so you’re welcome.
I want to be annoyed,but I can’t because the warmth spreading through my chest is too great.
BODHI: I’ll let you know when we get there.
SORREN: Thanks man, be safe
BODHI: I will
Grabbingmy earbuds from my jacket, I pop them in and then push the call button as I ease out of the parking lot.
“Hey, brother, how’s the trip?” Mason’s voice is bright and happy like it always is, even more now that he’s found his forever.
“Hey, I need a favor,” I tell him as quietly as I can with Ella asleep.
“Name it.” It’s suddenly quiet on his end, like he walked out of the room to make sure he didn’t miss anything.
I recount the story of the last twenty-four hours to him—the drive, the accident that Ella had avoided, the hotel, and the call she’d gotten this morning.
“The roads are shit and I need you to?—”
