Page 71 of Walk the Line

“That sounds like a good idea.” She looks genuinely pleased and I feel it.

Taking myself out of my thoughts, I say, “I’m really grateful that you took the time to listen to me.”

“That’s what mums are for.”

I can’t help but let out a bitter laugh, which I regret as soon as I do.

Her eyes are definitely on me, but I look down at the table to not encourage that topic.

“You guys are still in here?” I suddenly hear and look up to see Julius at the door.

I didn’t even hear him come in.

“You’re interrupting, dear,” Vivian says.

“I mean, it’s my house, but…”

“It’s fine,” I say, drawing my chair back as I stand up. “I’m gonna have a nap, anyway.” I head for the door, where I turn back to Vivian. “Hope you have a great rest of your birthday.”

“Thank you, Kaylah.”

Later that evening, I open my door a few seconds after the knock to find Julius there.

“I’m gonna send you a number,” he begins. “Any guesses whose it might be?”

I scrunch my face. “I’m very confused right now.”

“My mum’s.”

“Oh,” I let out, not sure what emotion is creeping up inside of me at hearing that.

“She seems to really like you.”

“I’m flattered by your surprise.”

Studying me, he ends up saying, “I’m not surprised at all.” My breath hitches at those six syllables, at the appreciation in his eyes as he keeps them firmly on me. “You don’t have to text her, by the way.”

“Of course I’m going to text her, how else will she get my number?”

“She might text and call you.”

“Julius, are we just stating the obvious here?”

The warmest smile grows on his face at the sound of his name from my mouth, and my heart leaps.

“So, let me just correct myself. She might text and call you. A lot.”

I nod, finally getting it.

“Does she know what Do Not Disturb is?”

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

JULIUS

I’ve been feeling positive about all of our games and this one isn’t any different.

A game against Lumeer University sounds like light work to me so I don’t let myself worry about it.