Page 119 of Don't Let Me Fall (Don't Let Me 1)

The bathroom door opens, and Ash strides toward us, her ballet flats scuffing quietly against the hardwood floor as she wrings her hands in front of her, looking like she belongs on another planet compared to the house she was raised in.

Every inch of her clothes coordinates with the style of her hair, or the color of her shoes, while the world around her is mismatched and chaotic but just as perfect.

My mouth quirks up in a smile. I love that she was raised here.

It’s where she learned her tolerance of all people. Her acceptance of all ideas, no matter how backward they may seem. It’s where she learned her patience. Her appreciation. For those different from her.

Like her parents.

Like me sometimes.

I think it’s why I never felt judged by my bullshit decisions.

It’s why she welcomed Blakely with open arms.

It’s probably why she accepted Logan’s bullshit for so long, too, but I think she learned from the experience.

What’s acceptable. What isn’t.

And I love her even more for it.

If only she felt appreciated and accepted for her differences, as well.

Tucking her hair behind her ear, she forces a smile and says, “Sorry, I took so long––”

Ash’s mom cuts her off by pulling her into a hug. “We are so proud of you, Ashlyn.”

Her dad joins in, wrapping his arms around both of them. “So. Damn. Proud, baby girl.” He drops a kiss on the top of her head. “Now, let's get some lunch and catch up. Wherever you want to eat. Your mom and I can eat at the vegan place later. We’ll go where you want to go. Our treat.”

54

ASHLYN

“Okay. What did you do?” I ask as the Uber driver pulls out of the driveway.

Colt gives me the side-eye, confused. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the two strangers we stayed with last night.”

“Your parents?” he clarifies, dumbfounded.

I hold myself back from smacking his arm as we head toward the airport. “Yeah. My parents. What did you say to them? After I came out of the bathroom when we first arrived, they were so sweet and attentive. And the fact they’re flying out to see you play in the last game this season even though they hate flying? Like seriously. It’s a big deal. They even remembered your name, and that’s saying something, by the way. So, my question is, what did you do?” I demand.

He hooks his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his side as the scenery whirs past the passenger window.

“Seriously. Tell me,” I order.

“I told them I love their daughter,” he offers, looking cool as a cucumber as I peek up at him, convinced he’s being sarcastic or that I heard him wrong.

I must have.

But he isn’t joking.

“You told them you love me?” I ask.

He shrugs, and pulls me closer. Like he didn’t just rock my world with a few simple words. “Yeah. Then, I explained that their daughter might be a badass, but she’s a badass who still needs parents.”

“Colt––”

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