Page 135 of Don't Look Down

“I’m thinking I’m the craziest motherfucker on the planet, and my guy definitely has my whole fucking heart. I just might not survive what I’ve gotta do.” My legs are weak, and I’m queasy just thinking about it.

With Leigh egging me on, I pull out my phone and text Cayden.

When we’re done working out, we hit the showers.

I dress and wait for Leigh. He’s taking forever, so I head over to the showers and call his name. He’s nowhere to be found. Pulling out my phone, I send him a text.

Me: Where’d you go, fucker?

Leigh: Had somewhere to be

Interesting.

53

Skylar

Idon’t know how we got here. Figuratively speaking. We’re all at Drop Zone Palm Beach. Cayden is jumping today in remembrance of Andrew. Landon and Leigh tagged along, and now they’re both talking crazy.

They both think they’re jumping out of a plane. They’ve completed the training and everything. If they go through with it, it’s a giant breach of their contracts. They’re not supposed to participate in any activities that could severely injure them.

And these two knuckleheads both plan to complete tandem jumps. When game six of round two of the playoffs is two days away. The Bull Sharks lead three to two.

It’s Landon’s birthday, and this is the last thing I ever would have expected him to want to do. It’s oddly sweet that he thinks he’s going to jump out of a plane to convince me I’m not broken. His fear of flying and his fear of heights tell me this won’t happen. He alternates between looking ready to puke and passing out and the plane hasn’t even left the ground.

Leigh, on the other hand? He’s bouncing around with excitement, unable to sit still.

I brought my rig. Old habits and all. I pack it for the pure joy of completing the routine. Suit up along with the guys.

I have zero intention of jumping. Nobody seems to believe me, but I know better.

Landon squats down, knees wide, head bowed. Uh-oh.

“You don’t have to do this, you know?”

I crouch next to him, and he raises his green eyes to mine. “I know, baby, but I’m going to. You can do anything. You’re not afraid of anything. And your love has shown me I can do this too. I might be shitting bricks right now, but I’ll make it through this.”

His words choke me up.

“Andrew wouldn’t have wanted this for you. As much as you hate it, and as much as you wish it didn’t happen it doesn’t negate the fact that he died doing something he loved. And not everyone will get to have that. All those stats you’ve spewed about skydiving and flying being safer than driving? I listened,” He cups my face in his hands and shakes gently. “Hear this. I’m scared to death, Sky. I don’t want to do this without you. I trust you more than anyone else in this world. I know you’ll have my back always, but if you can’t do this? I won’t make you jump, but I hope you will. I hope you’ll jump with me, even though I'm terrified. I know you are too, but fear isn’t who you are.” He pauses, letting his words soak in. “This fear you feel? It’s a temporary setback. You’re meant to be fearless, Sky. Your fearlessness has always inspired me. It’s probably the first part of you I fell in love with. Before I even knew I was falling. Even when I was too scared to take the leap, deep down, I wanted to be like you. I wanted to jump then, but I couldn’t. I’ll do it now. For you. Hopefully, with you. I’ll show you we can get through this. Together.”

Fuck. I have no words. He’s ripped them away with his speech.

I can’t do it.

Gary calls for us to load up the Airbus. I hold his hand during takeoff. His eyes are scrunched closed, his fingers gripping mine hard.

He’s breathing fast at first, but manages to regulate his breathing on his own. Shooting a smile my way, he’s so fucking brave. I’m so proud of him.

We’re almost to target altitude, when Frankie makes his way over to Landon. “Come on. Let’s get you all strapped in.” Frankie knows what he’s doing, but I can’t resist helping them get all strapped together. Landon keeps his eyes averted as we all make our way over to the hatch.

I’m just observing, though.

Cayden solo jumps first. Leigh and his instructor make their way over next. We watch as Leigh positions his hands appropriately and they drop forward out of the plane.

“Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.”

“Ready, Landon?” Frankie asks.

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