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Stuffing my hand in my pocket, I fight the urge to grab her hand or pull her against me. Even though it’s really, really fucking hard.
And that’s a feeling I’ve never felt before. With her, the closer we are, the better I feel.
And that’s not good.
Bria
I watch the lights shine on the castle as Luke Combs’s voice flows through the air, filling all of Magic Kingdom. His gritty voice sings “Love You Anyway,” making my heart melt into a puddle at my feet. So much love is in his words, and I can’t imagine someone adoring me so much that they’d write a song like this one, like he did for his wife.
As that song ends, he does his cover of “Fast Car.” And as I stand with Brody, letting the lyrics really sink in, tears fill my eyes. Every single word sends a shooting pain through my soul, and I wonder if Brody feels it too.
I peek up at him to find him staring at the stage, as still as a statue. This is a day I’ll never forget—I know that without a shadow of a doubt. And I’m hoping he won’t either.
Some people have been to Disney World countless times. There’re a lot of families who have that luxury, and I’m happy for them. But that was never the case for Brody and me, growing up, and maybe that’s what makes this day sweeter. We’re both experiencing something that, for us, is a big deal.
Truthfully, this isn’t somewhere I’d want to visit more than a few times in my life. Because it is so crowded and overwhelming. But because I’m here with Brody, it seems like the best adventure of all.
Once the concert is over, the fireworks show begins. Along with the crazy soundtrack of Disney music that keeps changing seamlessly. The entire castle lights up, alternating colors and patterns. Casting the most beautiful light, illuminating the whole place and capturing the attention of every person standing before it. It’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. And I wipe my eyes as actual tears stream out.
My mom was only able to bring us here once. And when she did, we didn’t get to stay to watch this. Heck, maybe this show wasn’t even a thing back then—I have no idea. All I know is, if I had seen this, I would have remembered. The memory I have with my mom and brother here is tainted. This day…well, as corny as it sounds, it’s picture-perfect.
Brody moves behind me. His body heats up my back. Yet he stands far enough back to keep us from touching. When I crane my neck around to see him, he’s watching the show with such awe. The reflection of the fireworks lights up his entire face. He studies every detail, taking it in. Something most grown men, especially ones who look as tough as he does, would never do. Yet here he stands, shamelessly enamored.
And this moment right here seals the deal. This has been one of the best days of my life. If not the very best.
We rode so many rides. We ate way too much food. And we took a stupid number of pictures. It was the most perfect day ever, and I’m sad it’s ending soon. Because right now, we’re in a little bubble of happiness. Neither of us has thought about our problems today. But tomorrow, they’ll be waiting. Again.
Sadly, the show comes to an end.
His hands gently touch my waist as his head dips closer to my ear. “I’ve been imagining what this place was like since I was a kid. Even used to lie and tell the kids at school I’d been here.” His voice grows hoarse. “Thank you, Bria. For planning this. I’ve, uh…never had anyone do anything like this for me before.”
My heart breaks in my chest, and my vision blurs with tears. My dad might have put our family through the wringer, but my mom was a great mother. Sure, she put us in some crappy situations because she wouldn’t leave my father, but she loved us. And she showed us that love every day. I’m beginning to realize Brody didn’t have that. And that makes me so incredibly sad.
Turning slowly, I look up at him. “You deserve for someone to do nice things for you, Brody. I’m really glad that, today, I got to be that person.”
And I wish I could be that person all the time, I think but know better than to say it out loud.
He looks down at me, smiling the smallest bit, and I swear his eyes float to my lips for a split second. But before I can think on it too much, he bear-hugs me.
“You’re the best friend a guy could have, my little Wildflower.” His voice vibrates through my body. “Truly one of the good ones in this world.”
“Thanks,” I say, my voice muffled against his shirt. “So are you.”
I only wanted to be his friend. Not his girlfriend or the girl he hooks up with. But this feeling inside my chest…well, it’s telling me different.
And even though I know I should try to stop it, I sort of like the way it feels.
11
Brody
Iflop back on the bed in the hotel room, swinging my gaze to Bria. “Just looking at you eating that is hurting my teeth.” I cringe, watching her devour a piece of rock candy like it’s a corn dog. “That can’t be good on your pearly whites. What if you break a tooth and then I have to call you Joe Dirt?”
“Joe Dirt had all his teeth. And I don’t have a mullet, so I don’t think your comparison is right, big boy.” She shrugs. “And I don’t care.” She swipes her tongue out, licking the sweet purple candy. Sending a jolt of energy right to my cock. “It’s my favorite candy in the entire world. And you can’t get it just anywhere. Besides, earlier, you said, ‘Live your life, girl.’ Well, I’m living.”
On our way out of the park, she spotted a candy store before the exit. And when she saw they had rock candy—not just any rock candy, butpurplerock candy—she grabbed my hand and dragged me inside. And now, it’s midnight, and she’s eating the crap like it’s about to be taken from her.
Sticking her tongue out, she laughs. “How purple is my mouth right now?”
