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My nostrils flare. “Persistent guy.”
“I told him I wasn’t interested.”
“Hmm.” I take another bite of fish, pretending like that wasn’t the best news I’ve heard all day.
“Yeah, hmm.” She watches me, the open flame dancing in the reflection of her emerald eyes. Then she sets her empty plate on the ground, and squares her shoulders. “Okay, Bryce Holden. Truth or dare?”
I bark out a laugh. “Are you seriously asking me to play Truth or Dare?”
One mischievous eyebrow jumps. “Unless you’re too chicken.”
“Okay, okay. You don’t have to peer pressure me.” I dust off my hands on my shorts, and place my dish on top of hers. “I’ll start with truth.”
She taps her finger on her chin. “What are you really afraid of?”
“I told you on the ride here: I’m not afraid of anything.”
“You picked truth. Let’s hear it.”
I release a reluctant breath, and gaze out at the horizon as the sun sinks further down. “I suppose becoming paralyzed again is a pretty big fear of mine. And it’s not because I wouldn’t be able to walk again. I mean, that sucks, sure. But it’s more because of the way society makes it difficult for people in wheelchairs. Some places aren’t accessible at all, while others claim to be, yet they fall short. It became the topic of every conversation with anyone I met. People don’t realize how rude and ignorant their questions are, or they think they’re being helpful when they’re just perpetuating harmful stereotypes. There isn’t enough positivity surrounding disabled people’s lives, so no one thinks it’s possible to be happy while being in a wheelchair.”
Charly rests her head on my shoulder, listening like she always does, soaking in my words instead of trying to speak about something she doesn’t fully understand.
“You know, there’s something I’ve been thinking about since my friends came to visit. There’s a charity event one of the football wives is throwing in September. I get invited every year, but I never go. It’s to raise money for children with disabilities.”
Charly’s head perks up, and she shifts to face me. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking maybe it’s time I go.”
A wide smile breaks across her face like I knew it would. “That’s amazing, Bryce. I think it’d be great, for you and the kids to see you there.”
“I don’t know if I’m the role model-type, but maybe I could help them by sharing my story.”
“You absolutely can.”
“It’s in New York City.”
Charly’s lips part in surprise. “Really?”
I nod. “I was thinking, I don’t know ... maybe I could visit you while I’m there.”
Her hand squeezes mine. “I’d love that. I was just saying to Jenny the other day how weird it’s going to be seeing you and your grandmother every day, and then never seeing you again.”
Every muscle in my body tenses, physically opposed to the notion of Charly walking out of my life for good. “I’d like to think we’ll keep in touch.”
Sadness swims in her eyes, and I wish I knew what she’s thinking. Her life is seven hours away. She has friends and a job to return to. Maine is just a vacation—a break from reality for her—and maybe that’s all I am too.
But I shake it off, and keep the game going. “My turn. Truth or dare?”
“I dare you to walk all the way to the edge of that cliff, and back. By yourself. Without running.”
“But there might be a snake waiting to strike.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. That’s the whole point of a dare.”
She scowls at me.
“You’re cute when you’re angry, Tinkerbell.”
