So, tonight didn’t go the way I thought it would. In some ways, it went even better. She really opened up to me. At least, that’s how it feels, and that’s a really wonderful feeling.
I know I don’t deserve her.
There’s no question about that. She’s a kind, wonderful, and sweet person, and she’s got so much going for her. She’s gentle and caring, but she’s also been so very hurt in the past. I know there’s still a lot I don’t know about her, but damn if I don’t want to find out.
After she leaves, I curl up with Jiji and read a book late into the night. Then I finally fall asleep. When I wake up, the sun is streaming into the living room. Somehow, after hanging out with sweet Mallory, I slept part of the day away.
I’m not sure how I managed to do that, but I did.
“Well, Jiji,” I pet my little kitty. “I guess she’s good for me.”
He meows in response.
After a quick glass of water, I change into running clothes and take off on a jog. I want to run partly to clear my head, but partly to stay in shape. Endurance is important to me and so is staying healthy. No matter what I’m going through, I want to make sure that I’m ready for anything.
Music blares in my earphones as I jog down my road and around to a local trail. One of the best things about my home’s location is that I’m only minutes from several hiking trails where I can lose myself in the depths of the forest.
Sometimes, it’s nice to be alone.
Really alone.
My feet pound against the pavement as I move and soon I’m sweating, but I’m not thinking about the workout.
I’m just thinking about her.
How can I take care of her?
What can I do for her?
Mallory has been through so much, and I want her to know that she’s important and valuable to me. I want her to know that more than anything else, I care about her as a person. She needs to know that I care about her and that I want her to be happy.
Coming back has been...well, it’s been an experience. That’s putting it lightly. I might not have known what to expect, but, well, being around her has been eye-opening in the very best way.
Finally, once I’m drenched in sweat, I turn and run back home. I hurry inside, shower, and get dressed. Then I check the clock. I’m supposed to meet Everest for lunch, and I’ve got plenty of time. The restaurant we’re meeting at is down the road, so I skip the car and just walk.
My legs are sore and achy as I make my way to the restaurant, but it’s a good kind of sore. When I walk inside, I’m pleased to find that he and Brooke, his wife, are already seated.
“Hey,” I slide into the booth across from the couple.
“You made it,” Everest smiles.
“Nice to see you again,” Brooke adds.
“You too,” I grin. Everest and Brooke look comfortable together. He’s got his arm slouched over hers, and she’s nestled up against him.
Happy.
They look happy.
A waiter comes by and drops off our menus along with three glasses of water. Everest orders a soda for Brooke and one for himself, but I’m happy to stick to water. Once he’s gone, I look over at them.
“How was your weekend?” I ask.
Everest laughs and looks over at Brooke.
“What do you think?” He grins. “Should we tell him?”
Brooke blushes, but nods.