Dylan shifted me on top of him as we tried to catch our breath.
I tilted my head up to see him better and caressed his firm jaw. “I love you, Dylan. Thank you for being so happy for me.”
“I really am, baby. I can’t wait to see you put into practice all the ideas you have, and I know it’s going to go so well. I can’t wait for you to see everything you accomplish.”
“I feel capable,” I whispered, unable to give too much voice or power to the words yet. Maybe I would one day soon?
“Strong as fuck.”
I sighed in contentment.
Dylan chuckled. “Come on, Juls, let’s go before we’re late.”
“Mmm.”
“If we get up now, we can shower before we go.” The words were innocent enough, but the look in his eyes was anything but.
That got me up and off the couch. We got each other off again in the shower, and only a few minutes behind schedule, we were on our way to meet our friends at Nolan’s.
In the car, Dylan asked what changed my mind about accepting the position.
“Kickball. You know how nervous I was for the game, but then I felt so proud after. It made me think. I struggled and muddled through life for so long that it felt like a relief for the past few years when everything was easier and better. I was happy I chose a job that was easy for me, where I felt comfortable, and a small apartment with less upkeep than a house would require. It felt like I was freeing myself from unnecessary difficulties so I could finally enjoy life. But after the kickball game, I started thinking that maybe I can do more. Maybe by keeping things so easy, I haven’t been trying anything new, or challenging myself enough. I don’t want to never do more or be more. I guess I’m trying to find the balance of accepting myself and making the best of things exactly where I am versus growing and striving for more.”
Dylan frowned at me before looking back at the road. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve been pushing past your comfort zone since you agreed to play pool with me that first day at Nolan’s.We wouldn’t be here today if you hadn’t been strong enough to keep coming back for more.”
“Don’t remind me of that day. I still don’t know why you didn’t run for the hills after that dinner.”
“Because I saw you then, and I see you now. And I like what I see a fuck of a lot.”
“I’d kiss you if you weren’t driving,” I said, not knowing how else to respond to that.
Dylan reached over to hold my hand and I squeezed his.
“I’m proud of you, Juls. I know this was a big step for you.”
“It’s like riding a bike. Sometimes the path you’re on is uphill, so after working hard to make it up that hill, it feels good to just coast along and enjoy the ride. But after a while, coasting along can get boring, and you want to push yourself to do more again. Choosing to play kickball, talking to those amazing women, and dating you, it all showed me the difference between working hard because I have to just to get by, and working hard because I choose to reach for more. This will be tough and I’m so nervous, but I’m excited to see what I can do.”
“Strong as fuck.”
I felt his words down to my soul.
When we walked in to the bar—after a thorough kiss up against the car—we found Jenna, Liam and Ryan sitting in the back near the dart boards.
Jenna jumped up to give me a huge hug. She squealed like we were back in college. “You go, girl! I’m so proud of you!”
Liam laughed. “If you’re done hugging her, can I get a turn?”
“Nope, she’s my best friend. I get unlimited Juliette time.”
A laugh bubbled out of me as Jenna passed me to Liam. He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, then Ryan did the same. I appreciated their congratulations, but even as they were talking, I scanned the bar for Nicky. “Nicky isn’t here yet?” I sat down and pulled out my phone. No missed calls or messages.
“No.” Jenna sounded as concerned as I felt. “I haven’t heard from her yet.”
“What’s wrong?” Ryan growled.
“Nothing, I’m sure she’s fine. She was just supposed to text us when she left work, and she hasn’t yet,” Jenna said.
“How late is she?”