Page 46 of Unraveling Rain
I laugh. Deep, real. I feel myself sinking into the couch, the laughter turning to tears before I even realize it.
“You got me there, Ruin,” I say, sitting upright. “I needed that.”
I wipe my cheeks, then rise. “Thanks for helping me see I’m standing in my own way.”
I’m the one who created the narrative in my head about letting my family down. Gramps has never mentioned anything about it. Maybe it’s time I called him.
I reach for the door when Ruin calls out.
“Hey, Xander.”
I turn.
“Thanks for being good to Rain,” she says, her smile warm and sincere.
I knew it was only a matter of time before she found out what happened between Rain and me. Still, hearing her say that makes my cheeks flush.
“It’s not a hardship,” I reply, grinning. “I’m a total goner for her.”
“Good. Can’t wait to see you two around,” she says with a small wave.
I close the door behind me and head to my room before I meet Dylan for physical therapy.
Talking about feelings is no joke. I’m exhausted.
I lie back, ready for a nap, when my phone vibrates. My heart skips a beat. I hope it’s a message from Rain. I haven’t talked to her today.
But it’s Matt.
Matt: Hey, bro. I haven’t heard from you since you left. How are things going? When are you coming back? We should hang before the season starts again.
I sigh. I’d love a nap, but staying connected matters now, especially with the new direction I’m headed in.
Xander: Hey man. Yeah, I know. I’ve been busy. The facilities are amazing. Believe it or not, I’m falling in love with this place.
Matt: Hmmm. With the place? Or someone in it?
Classic Matt. We’re the same age, but he’s been married to his high school sweetheart for almost fifteen years. If there’s anyone I can confide in about Rain, it’s him.
Xander: Her name is Rain.
Matt: Unique name. I like it. What does she do?
Xander: She’s a chef and manages her family diner.
Matt: So the chances of her moving to Raleigh are slim?
Xander: We just met. I haven’t proposed or anything.
Matt: LOL, that’s fair. But she must be something else to have you loving a town in the middle of nowhere this fast.
Xander: That she is. You know when you meet someone who makes you feel things you can’t even put into words? It’s all-consuming and overpowering.
Matt: Yeah, I’ve felt that way for twenty years now.
I smile. When I picture my future, Rain is in every version of it.
Matt: So are you guys coming to Raleigh soon? Trin and I would love to meet her.
