Page 117 of Don't Look Down

“Be careful out there today. I’m going to try my best not to lose my shit just thinking of you jumping. Last time we were just friends, and I had no idea you were leaping out of a plane at that very moment. Seeing the pictures still scared the shit out of me, but...” Rubbing his forehead, Landon shakes his head at me. “Now… Now, we’re so much more. The thought of you getting hurt wrecks me.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve done this a bunch of times,” I assure him.

He purses his lips at me, head tilting a little to the side. “Yeah, not making me feel any better. I’ve played hockey a bunch of times and that hasn’t kept me from getting hurt.”

Shit.

“Okay. Fair point.” Leaning forward, I blow a kiss at my screen. “I’ll text you updates.”

Andrew and I weren’t able to meet up as soon as we’d hoped. It’s been about two weeks since we made our plans.

April is coming to a close, and the first round of the playoffs are underway.

Landon is on the road. The Bull Sharks played and won game two last night and will be heading home a bit later today. They’re leading the series two to zero.

My drive to DZPB passes uneventfully, aside from my solo car concert, and I send a quick text to Landon, letting him know I’ve arrived. He sends me a kiss and thumbs-up emoji.

Based on the time, they should be loading up to head to the airport any time now.

Making my way inside, I wave hello to Winnie. The lobby is empty. It looks like a slow day. Mental fist bump. No groups linger, which means we’ll have plenty of jump time. “He in the hangar?” I ask, pointing at the double doors.

“Hey, Sky. Yeah, go on out, he's almost ready.”

I don’t see Andrew when I make my way into the hangar, so I take advantage of my moment alone to inspect and pack my rig.

I’m just about done when Andrew and Frankie make their way out of one of the upstairs training rooms. Their raised voices draw my gaze, noticing both men’s body language convey tension.

“So you’re just going to ignore me, man?” Frankie asks, following behind Andrew. “You’re better than this.”

Andrew waves his hand over his shoulder. “Stop it, Frankie. You’re exaggerating. Nothing is wrong.”

My eyes follow their path down the stairs. Andrew’s steps falter when he catches sight of me. His shoulders straighten and he continues quickly down the stairs and into the packing area.

When he smiles at me, it seems forced, like he’s donned a mask. “Hey, Sky. Good to see you.” He claps me on the shoulder and grabs his own rig off the rack, beginning the process of gearing up.

Frankie stands there glaring at him.

“What’d I miss?” My eyes bounce between them. Andrew stiffens and freezes. Again, he straightens his shoulders. “He-” Andrew abruptly cuts off Frankie’s words.

“Nothing.” Andrew’s eyes harden, and he returns Frankie’s glare. “Frankie’s being ridiculous. Are you ready to go, Sky?”

There’s obviously something happening here. I’m torn. Unsure if I should interfere or not. I nod.

Andrew nods once. “Good, let’s go. Gary’s waiting.”

Frankie’s eyes turn up, hands on his hips. “Fuck. Gimme a few. I’m coming with you.”

“Then hurry the fuck up.” Andrew snaps and starts making his way outside to the runway.

Frankie begins inspecting and packing his own canopy.What is happening here?My gut tells me to follow Andrew outside.

“Hey.” My hand wraps around his forearm, tugging him to a stop. “Are you sure everything is alright?”

A genuine smile curls his lips. He grasps my hand in a quick squeeze of reassurance. “Yeah, Sky. I’m sure.”

Nothing creepy or flirty so far, which is a good sign.

Frankie joins us, and we climb into the small Cessna. It’s a bit tighter fit than last time I jumped with Andrew in this exact plane, but it’s not uncomfortably cramped.

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