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“Who did you bowl with in college?”
“A bunch of us got together, and we played in a league. We made it to the championships one year.”
“What? I wanted you to try something new and have some fun.”
“I am having fun, Chase. It feels great to bowl again.”
“Yeah, for you. I’m losing.”
“I think I should win because it’s my birthday.”
“That’s not the way it works, Val.”
“Really? Because that’s what it feels like,” I do a little happy dance in our lane, “It’s my birthday, it’s my birthday, and I’m winning, and I’m winning.”
Chase just puts his head back and laughs out loud. I look around, and the other bowlers are looking our way and smiling.
One lady yells, “Happy Birthday!”
“Thanks!” I wave back.
When we turn in our shoes, Chase bemoans to the guy that I whipped him. The man looks at our scores and agrees. “She sure did. You guys should consider playing in a league.”
“Yeah, thanks. We’ll think about it.”
As we get back in Chase’s big black truck, I have a goofy smile on my face. I look over at Chase.
“Thank you, Chase. I truly enjoyed that, and it was quite a surprise. I had fun.”
“Good, but the night is not over yet. I have one more surprise.”
He drives us out to an isolated field, where I see a giant air balloon.
“Oh, my gosh! I’ve never ridden in a hot-air balloon.”
“Good. I wanted something to be new and exciting.”
We get in the wicker gondola, and the pilot lets the balloon rise off the ground. We continue riding up, up until we’re high above the trees. “Oh! You can see for miles up here!”
“Yeah. Beautiful.”
I look over at Chase, but his eyes are fixed on me, not the scenery.
I feel the blush on my cheeks. I’m suddenly at a loss for words. If I didn’t know better, I would think Chase was flirting with me.
When I look over at him again, he’s scanning the horizon. I must have read him wrong. I turn and place my hands on the side of the wicker gondola. I look down. I can’t believe we’re up this high.
The balloonist piloting the balloon makes it look effortless. He points out a few landmarks.
“I think this is as close to flying as I’ll ever come. It feels... weightless.”
“Yeah, that’s a perfect description. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”
“I am. Thank you, Chase. This is the best birthday present I’ve ever had.”
He gives me a delighted smile at my words and looks proud of himself. As he turns to look at the view, a lock of hair falls over his forehead. My fingers itch to smooth it back out of his face. I sigh. What is it about Chase? He’s so far out of my league, but I’d rather be with him than anyone else. He’s the only guy I know that I can just be me when he’s around.
Chase never seems to judge, so I don’t have to hold back. If I feel like being snarly or goofy, he just smiles or shrugs. It’s probably because we’re just friends. Friends. Now, if only I could convince my heart to stop dreaming about what-ifs. The man is just too darn good-looking.
