Unexpected Fall (Unexpected Arrivals 3)

I take no offense because he speaks the truth. “Make it happen.”

“I really like her,” he mumbles.

“Who?” I ask. It’s a dirty trick, but he’s been tight-lipped about this mystery girl for months.

“I want to be somebody’s daddy,” he slurs.

“Where’s your girl tonight?” I ask.

“Don’t know. Only seen her once.”

“I thought you were texting her?” I reach out to keep him from falling to the floor.

“A few times, but it’s not like that.” He points again out to the women in the room. “I want it to be. She lives too far away. She’s so sweet, and she’s one of those.” Again he points to the women dancing. “One of the ones I’d want to take home to my momma.”

“Why don’t you let me have this?” I reach for his beer.

“N-Nope,” he says, popping the p. “This is my woman tonight. I’m going to drink until I forget.”

“Give me your keys.”

He digs in his pocket and hands them over. “I’d never do that,” he tells me.

“I know, brother, but sometimes the alcohol makes decisions for you.” It’s been a hell of a long time since I’ve seen him or any of the guys this wasted. Hopefully soon, he’ll pull his head out of his ass and tell this woman he’s into her. Until then, he’s safe here, and he can drink until his heart’s content, and then suffer the consequences tomorrow. I, for one, am all for pacing myself. He stumbles off just as Dawn breaks away from the group and heads toward me.

“Hey, Pixie.” I kiss her lips.

“Hi.” She peers up at me. “This was a good idea,” she says.

I chuckle, tucking some crazy stray hairs behind her ears. “You’ve been hitting it hard.”

“I have a lot to celebrate for this New Year.”

“Dawn!” Kendall calls out and motions for her to join them again.

“Gotta go. Bye, handsome.” She jumps, kissing me on the cheek, and races back to the makeshift dance floor.

I watch her go, enjoying the smile and her laughter. I can’t wait to see how time changes her, changes us. There is one thing I am certain of. I love her more every day.

Life has thrown me some curveballs, and there have been times when the unexpected changes have literally knocked me on my ass. I had to learn to live one breath, one second, one minute, one hour, one day at a time. I’ve learned that the best things in life are truly unexpected. I’ve embraced it and learned to live with my unexpected fall.

Thank you