Page 34 of Levi Bailey has Butterflies

Now, I just need to figure out how to do it on my own. Levi makes it look easy. Like… Well, the old saying is: like riding a bike. But that doesn’t exactly work for me.

“Do you think I’ll ever be able to do that?” I call from behind as Levi slows near a gray and white house. The front porch is half-enclosed and has a sweet-looking bench out front. I’m a sucker for a good bench.

“Do what?” Levi says when we’ve come to a stop.

I stretch my fingers and reach with my toes to the ground. “I want to ride a bike like that every day.”

He chuckles, the sound deep in his throat. “Yes, Meredith. You’ll be able to do that. Maybe it’s more difficultbecauseyou’re an adult.” He slides off the seat and my eyes stay glued to his back, his shirt isn’t hiding the structure there. Levi Bailey has a regular workout schedule. No doubt about it.

I’m still seated when he turns around to face me. Steadying the tandem with one hand, he holds out his other to help me from my glued-down seat. I slip, then stumble, then push my hands into Levi’s chest to right myself.

Yep, regular workout schedule.

I wonder when he exercises. He works six days a week. And up until recently, he was taking care of his mom—though I’m not completely sure as to why.

His arms latch onto me, steadying me. “You okay?”

“I’m not a complete klutz. I realize I haven’t given you any reason to believe that. But I’m not.” At least I don’t think I am. I haven’t been involved with any physical activities until recently.

Still, he doesn’t let go until he sees me steady on my feet. “It’s probably the ride. You aren’t used to it.”

I nod. Let’s go with that.

Side by side we walk up the steps of Levi’s house.

“I like this porch,” I tell him.

“My mom does too.”

“And the bench.”

“Yeah. I guess it’s nice.” He scans over to where the bench sits, a pink cushion on the seat.

He inserts his house key in the lock and turns, opening the door for us.

“Levi! Is that you?”

“Yeah,” he calls to the faceless woman in some adjacent room. “Mom?”

A pretty woman with short, brown hair and intuitive hazel eyes bustles from the door opening in front of us. “Well,” she says, her mouth sprouting a smile. She looks like Levi. “I didn’t realize you’d brought home company. Hi there.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Lucy.”

“Hi. I’m Meredith.”

“I thought you were going out,” Levi says while simultaneously giving his mother a side hug and a kiss on the head. He looks massive next to her. How did this small woman mother this giant man?

“I am.” She bobs her head to the side. “I did. I came back for some cash, Lois and I are headed to a movie.”

“Another movie? Don’t overdo it.”

“I promise to sit and to stare. I’m pretty sure that isn’t overdoing it.” She taps on the front of Levi’s shirt. “Meredith, will you be so kind as to teach my son how to have a little fun?”

I chuckle. “I will if he’ll let me.”

“Good.” She stabs Levi with a glare. “Let the girl.”

“Uh, you can wait for me in the kitchen. I just want to walk my mom out.” Levi points in the direction Lucy came from, letting me know where exactly I can wait.

“Sure. Nice to meet you.”

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