Page 46 of Yours Truly, Fall

I’m already being pulled up the stairs when I reply, “Thanks. I’ll take a rain check, Dolly.” By the third step, I’m released and chasing her up the stairs.

“Hello?” No one answers in return this time. When I hit the landing, she says, “Coast is clear. My room is this way.”

I walk into the tiny room at the end of the wide hallway to find her scurrying about and disappearing into the bathroom. Standing in the doorway, I duck to avoid hitting my head on the doorframe. It’s close when I step in, but now that I’m in here, I slow down to look around. The bed is too small for two people, but just right for one. The curtains keep the peepers out, but do allow the sun to shine in.

Tchotchkes cover the surfaces from a desk to shelves to a dresser. A rock with a smiley face painted on it is used as a paperweight. A blue first-place ribbon from field day in fifth grade hangs from one of the brackets holding up the shelf. I laugh quietly, knowing the second-place ribbon hangs from my corkboard at my mom’s house. A gold-capped perfume bottle with barely any left sits on a mirrored tray. I pick it up and take a sniff. It’s light and pretty, but it doesn’t smell like Autumn. Probably because she’s run out. Turning it over, I can still read the name, though the label is worn in spots.

I’d need days to sort through it properly, but every part of the room gives me insight into who she is. Maybe I can find some of my memories hiding out here.

The springs creak under my weight when I sit on the bed. Looking at the nightstand, I turn my head sideways to see what books she’s reading.

Spark.

The Resistance.

Swear on My Life.

Pride and Prejudice.

Little Women.

True Crimes of Winnipeg, Canada. Okay, that one is unexpected. “You have varied tastes in books,” I say to the bathroom door that’s cracked open. I pick up a pair of glasses lying on top of the stack.

“Yeah, I’m a mood reader.” She opens the door. “And if I find an author I like, I binge-read their catalog.” Her eyes shift to my hand. “Oh, my glasses. Where’d you find them?”

“On the books.”

She laughs as she takes them from me. “You don’t even want to know how long I was searching for these the other night.”

“I want to know. I want to know everything about you.”

Caressing my cheek, she says, “Do you mind if I ask you something personal?”

“Have I told you no yet?”

She grins. “No.” I hate that her hand leaves my skin, the air feeling colder against it when I’d rather have her warmth. “Why are you single?” Sitting next to me, she says, “You say the dreamiest things without even trying. You’re handsome. What woman doesn’t fantasize about a firefighter? You own a home that you designed, and I’m starting to think you own that mountain as well. Though, don’t think I’m not curious how someone on a fireman’s salary can afford to buy it.”

I love hearing all that from her, but I’m perplexed on how to answer the question.

Resting her hand between us on the bed, she tugs at a loose string on the blanket. “I, um, you just seem like the full package. You even mentioned wanting a family. Why aren’t you taken?”

As much as I love the color of her hair, she was born to stand out. I may not remember her or our past, but if it was anything like now, I know I wouldn’t have been able to take my eyes off her. “Because I haven’t dated anyone who fits into my future.”

“What are you looking for?”

My heart beats hard in my chest, and my palms begin to sweat. I’m not sure why the question sends panic through my system, but when I look at her, all of it goes away.

I think I’m in trouble.

CHAPTER 20

BRANDON

“True love.” It’s the truth, but I cringe hearing myself say it, especially out loud for someone else to hear or for her to hear. I’m not sure how I expected Autumn to react, but it wasn’t her sitting in silence. Shit. “I knew I should have said a great ass.”

Her laughter bubbles over like champagne on New Year’s Eve. She reaches up, resting her hand on my bicep, which I promptly flex as she shakes her head. “Reach for the stars and hold out for both.”

“It’s the only logical thing to do.”