Page 71 of Until Landon
Ignoring my fantastic German accent, he focuses on the drive.
“Let me try that again.”
This time he finds his footing, and we carry on. In a fashion. There is definitely a learning curve.
“How’s it feeling?”
“It hurts, but I can do it,” then looking at me, “did you doubt me?”
“Never.”
My one word, said with confidence, pleases him. As we go over a slight incline, the truck lurches forward then stops too quickly.
“Let’s get on the freeway and see how far we get.”
My head whips in his direction and I am just about to protest when he starts laughing.
“I’m messing with you! Do you think I would be stupid enough to test my ankle’s limitations on the fucking freeway? Come on!”
“I wouldn’t put it past you. You’re a rebel.”
“But I’m not crazy.”
“True.”
“I don’t want to go backwards in the healing process. I can’t. Otherwise, who knows when I’ll get back on the bike.”
I bite the bullet and ask the question I have been avoiding.
“What did your doctor say about that? Did he tell you you’ll be able to ride again?”
“Oh yeah! He said I’ll be back to it in no time.”
Silently, I call bullshit.
“Well, good.”
I am not going to be the one to call him on it. Oh no.
“Let’s make a circle round the place, see what the boys have done.”
The trip from garage toward kennels and shed is a pretty drive.
“The wildflowers look so beautiful,” I say, appreciating the colors across the field. “What’s left of them this time of year.”
“Victoria and I planted them long ago. She loved her flowers. I grew to love them too.”
“I like that you can look at them every day and think of her.”
“I don’t need flowers for that, honey.”
It is not a melancholy statement. It’s presented as fact.
“You know Ronnie, yours is a love story that seems soreal. I have known people who think they are in love but don’t act like it. Or they’re in love at first but the spark doesn’t last. You give us all hope.”
It makes him happy to hear me acknowledge the beauty of his relationship. A wide smile perks up his face.
“Thank you. You need to know your own standards. Of love. What we expect from the other person. Not everyone even considers the question. But it’s one of the most important things you can ask yourself.”
