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“Like it’s that simple.”
“Isn’t it though? You’ve got your laptop right there. And most of your client meetings are via Skype, anyway. Tell me you can’t work remotely for a while to see if this thing has legs or not.”
My mouth opens and closes. Like a fish out of water, struggling to find its voice. I can't deny she's right, but there's an unspoken fear that won't let me admit it.
"You're romanticizing it, Reggie," I argue, my words sounding more like a plea. "This is not some fairy tale romance where I can just pack up my life and escape to the countryside. I have responsibilities, obligations."
Reggie shrugs, her eyes still dripping with challenge. “And? What’s so terrifying about trading the skyscrapers for trees for a while? You think you can’t survive away from the hustle and bustle? Is that life so much more important than a shot at real love?"
I look out across the field, avoiding her gaze, my mind grappling with a whirlwind of thoughts. Sure, there's a quiet but persistent urge inside telling me to just pack it all up and stay here with him. But what if it doesn't work out? What if that isn't even what he wants?
"The world isn't going to end if you take a risk, Riah," Reggie says, her voice softening. "I've seen you rush headfirst into the storm countless times for work, for your clients. This is just another storm. And if you stay, at least you won't be left wondering 'what if'."
I chew on my lip, feeling the weight of her words as they twist around in my stomach. "It's not just about my work, Reggie. What if this is all just...just a dream? What if I'm not cut out for the countryside? What if he decides I'm not worth it?"
Reggie sighs and moves closer, wrapping an arm around me. "Then you'll still have me, and I'll day drink with you until you get over it.”
"And what if I don't get over it, Reggie? What if I take this leap and end up with nothing but a shattered heart?"
She pats my arm soothingly, her azure eyes reflecting the poignant sunset. "Then you take that shattered heart and turn it into something else. Aren't you the one always saying that 'Nothing worth having comes easy'? Life is a gamble, Riah, and the stakes are high. But winning... love, fulfillment, your own happiness? It’s all worth the risk.”
"Reggie, it's just..." I falter, unable to articulate my thoughts. Finally, I admit, "I'm scared."
She shrugs, her casual demeanor breaking the tension. "Isn't everyone?" Her voice is soft now, a contrast to the defiant spark in her gaze. "You're scared, he's scared, hell even I'm scared. But we go on. Because what other choice do we have? Either you face the fear or you let it chase you for the rest of your life. And the Mariah I know, she's no mouse. In fact, she's the strongest woman I know."
“OK. Fine,” I whisper finally.
“OK, what?”
“I’ll tell work I’m staying an extra week.”
Reggie smiles. “Make it two and you’ve got a deal.”
I laugh as I look at her outstretched hand. “You drive a hard bargain, my friend. But OK.Ifwork allows it, I’ll stay an extra two weeks. But if this thing with Clark blows up in my face, you’re the one picking up the pieces.”
“I will hold you together until you feel whole again, I promise.”
I wipe a wayward tear from the corner of my eye. "OK. I'll do it."
I've never felt more frightened in my life.
CLARK
With a spring in my step, I make my way up the porch steps to Mariah's cottage, takeout bags in hand. I rap lightly on the door, heart racing with excitement to see my girl after a long day apart.
Before long, the door swings open and there she is, looking as breathtaking as ever. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," I say as I step inside and sweep her up into my arms, kissing her like it's been a year, not just hours.
"Well... hello to you too," Mariah says with a delighted laugh when we finally break for air. Her cheeks are flushed, green eyes dancing.
"Sorry, couldn't resist," I say, setting her down gently. "Just had to get that outta my system first thing."
Mariah smiles, playing with the collar of my shirt. "I'm not complaining."
I hold up the takeout bags. "I come bearing sustenance, as promised."
"My hero," Mariah says dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. She leads me inside to the small kitchen.
Over a simple dinner of burgers and fries, we chat lightly about our day apart. I'm not normally one to count the hours,but when it comes to Mariah, each minute we're not together feels far too long.
