Page 85 of All of You

“Langdon, look,” she says. I make my way to her. “Look at my Mom. Look at him. They look so in love.” She holdsup the picture for me to see. I’ve seen it a million times.

“I’ve seen it. I never knew it was your mom though. Hit’s different somehow now.”

Delia cleans the glass with her shirt and places the photo back on the shelf. I rub her back gently. She turns into my chest. Wrapping her arms around me she cries.

“I’m having a hard time believing someone lived here like this. Like, this might have been where I would have lived. It’s just…”

“Three rooms. I know. After Olivia, I used to come here. I wanted to know about the man who died saving or…trying to save my family. It used to make me so sad thinking we had so much space at home and things and that this guy had practically nothing. But it didn’t matter. He didn’t need anything. He was willing to give his life saving others. I don’t think he was sad here. Look around. I know it’s not much but when you really look…I think he liked the simplicity and quiet.”

Delia peels herself away from me. I wipe the tears from her cheeks. She runs her finger over every surface. There are little whittled figures, the couch and chair are well-used and comfortable (although very dusty from disuse). There are a few photos, a throw blanket, and small conveniences. But the real treat is out the kitchen door. Delia unlocks, then opens the side door and steps out. The river runs through the property a mere hundred feet out. It’s an incredible view.

“Let me show you the path.”

I take Delia’s hand and tug her along behind me down asmall path at the end, is a small cleared swath at the water’s edge. In it, two large stumps and one small stump huddle together looking out over the water. Two adults and a kid. I never understood why there were three seats but now, I understand.

“These were here?”

“As long as I’ve been coming.”

A sob rips through her. I take her in my arms and sit on the largest stump to let her cry. My own eyes water, knowing how many times I came here alone to mourn. She clings to me tightly. It feels nice to have someone here with me for once.

“I’m sorry,” she says.

“For what?” I peel away to look at her.

She sniffles. “I didn’t think I’d be this emotional. I didn’t think I’d feel this way.”

I shrug as she crawls off my lap and sits next to me, staring out over the river.

“I’m glad you came with me,” she says.

***

When I drop her at home, she’s managed to collect herself and her emotions enough that by the looks of her, you’d never know what a mournful afternoon she had.

Before we locked up and left, she took the photo of Daniel and her mother and then promptly had me slam on the breaksso she could return it—which had made me laugh.

On my drive home, I’d kicked myself for not kissing her goodbye. For not having the balls to ask her out—which I desperately want to do. I want Delia to be mine. I don’t want Danny to have her. I don’t want anyone else to go near her.

Anderson is watching some YouTuber with an annoying voice at ear-shattering decibels in his room across the hall. Mom’s clanging pots and pans around prepping dinner.

Everything’s too loud. I’m wrecked by indecision about calling her. Breathing deeply, pacing my room, I finally find the resolve to call and formally ask her out on a date.

Forty One

Langdon

I’m in the truck driving to pick her up for our first date and I’m a bundle of freaking nerves. Is it cool to hold her hand while we walk around? Will she think I look ok? I flip down the visor and check my hair.

I’m scared of what Delia will think, that she’ll scrutinize every choice that I make tonight. My stomach churns and I wonder if I’ll be able to eat anything at dinner or if I even should eat at all. I’ve never been this nervous for a date.

I pull into Heath’s driveway and take a few deep breaths. This feels different than all the other times I’ve been with Delia. I chastise myself for being such a pansy and get out of the truck, remembering to grab the flowers I got her on my way here.

Viv had given me the what for when I told her who they were for. I better not break her heart. She’s the best employee she’s had (thanks for that Viv). She’s a sweet girl who deserves a sweet guy. And my personal favorite; if I hurt her she’ll fire me. I assured Viv I had the best intentions and she finally sold me the damn flowers.

Heath swings the door open wide before I can knock.

“Langdon,” he says.