Her head kicks back. “You have partners and a crew?”
“I’m guessing you didn’t look up my YouTube channel last night.”
“Oh.” She tucks her hair behind her ear, showing off Santa-hat earrings. “I completely forgot. I can look it up right now.” She grabs her purse like she means to dig her phone out.
“It’s not a big deal.” I reach my hand out, placing it on top of her wrist. “You don’t have to look it up right now.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” My fingers still have her wrist. I should pull back, but I don’t. I’m making sure she’s not going to take her phone out. Besides, it’s a wrist—the least-intimate body part next to maybe the ankle.
“I promise I’ll look it up tonight.”
“Don’t worry. I’m just teasing you.” I finally pull back. It was time. “So you asked who I travel with. My partner and I usually get to a location first. His name was Lars.”
She leans forward as if she’s not sure she heard me right. “Was?”
“Yeah.” I shrug indifferently, but my fingers tighten over the steering wheel, keeping my emotions steady. “He passed away two months ago.”
“From one of your tricks?” Her concern is so high I can’t help but smile amidst my pain.
“He had leukemia.”
“Oh.” Sadness weighs her shoulders down.
“Lars wasn’t only my business partner. He was my best friend. It’s been really tough.” I barely get the words out before emotion swallows them up. I glance away, clearing my throat.
“I’m really sorry, Caleb. I’m sure it’s been tough.” Now it’s Summer’s turn to reach out. She rubs my forearm in a comforting way, and I’m surprised how much one little touch makes me feel better.
“Thanks.” I clear my throat again, forcing my emotions back.
She squeezes my arm, offering a closed-lip smile before she tucks her hand into her lap.
“Losing Lars has kind of made me reevaluate my life.”
“That’s why you came to Telluride and why you want to work on your relationship with Justin?”
“Yeah. I haven’t told him that, but losing someone you love changes you. Makes you prioritize family and friends.”
“I love that.” Her expression falls. “Not the part about your best friend passing away, but what it’s inspiring you to do.”
I smile. “I know.”
She sits back in her seat, looking out the front window of the car. “I’m not very good at it, but I try to live my life that way. Put relationships first.”
“What are you talking about? You’re the best person at it. I’ve never known anyone who cares about the relationships in their life as much as you do.”
“You think?” Her giant smile shows how much my words mean to her.
“Yes, you’re all in. All the time.” It’s something that I really like about Summer.
She thinks over my words. I steal a glance in between watching the road and can’t help but love the small smile on her lips as she looks out the window.
“So now that Lars is gone”—she turns to me, and I quickly flip my eyes back to the road—“are you done with your YouTube channel?”
“No, I’m just taking a much-needed break. My heart isn’t in it anymore. Maybe in a few months I’ll feel differently.”
“I wish I could take a break from work.”
