Page 43 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“What did I do to deserve such an amazing friend like you?”

“What can I say? I’m just awesome,” I joke, then mentally kick myself. Is it appropriate to joke at a time like this?

His chest rumbles with a laugh. “There’s no one like Lexi West. She’s one in a million.”

“Thanks. You’re one in a million, too. And being your friend is the best thing to happen to me, too.”

We remain in each other’s arms for some time. Then we reluctantly pull apart and go up to start the puzzle. We decide to do it in Skylar’s room, since her desk is currently empty and there’s enough room to put all the pieces.

“I can’t believe how neat this is,” he gushes as he lays everything out. “Zoey bought me a 3D puzzle of a well from historic Edenbury. Her class went two years ago.”

“Yeah, I remember. Our whole grade was jealous. Maybe we’ll go this year, too.”

“I hope so. The well was insanely awesome, and I didn’t think anything could top it. But this bridge might just do it.”

“As long as a certain girl doesn’t drop it,” I say with a laugh.

“If that happens, we’ll just start over again. It’s a good life lesson, don’t you think? If your life feels like it’s breaking apart, you need to be strong and pick up all the pieces.”

I nod as I choose a piece. “It’s a great lesson.” I discard that piece and choose another. “You know, Brock, I think you’re very strong.”

“Me, strong? Nah, you were always the strong one.”

“I…never mind.”

“It’s okay. You can say it.”

“Are you sure? I really don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’ll let you know if it’s too much.”

“Okay, thanks.” I try to put two pieces together, but they don’t fit. “I just don’t think I would be able to handle it,” I admit. “Losing a best friend.”

He’s quiet as he successfully fits two puzzle pieces together.

“Sorry, was that too much?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “No, you’re good. I was just thinking…You don’t really know what you’re capable of until you’re put in a situation. You may surprise yourself and learn that you’re much stronger than you thought.”

I can tell he’s battling tears. I scoot over and wrap my arms around him. “I admire you so much, Brock Hastings.”

He rests his head against mine. “Thanks. And thanks so much for being such a good friend.”

“Always.”

The puzzle is so complex that there’s no way we can finish it in one sitting. Brock promises he’ll come by another day to continue to work on it.

I make sure to give him a super hug before he leaves, letting him know how much he means to me.

Chapter Fifteen

Brock

I roll over in my bed on Saturday morning, then open one eye. Sunlight shines into my room, into my eyes, nearly blinding me. Mom must have opened the shade, maybe as a way to get my lazy butt out of bed?

What time is it?

Reaching for my phone from my nightstand, I see that it’s after eleven. Man, Grandma and Grandpa never let me sleep in this late, even on a Saturday. But it’s not my fault. I was up most of the night thinking about Lexi. We had a bit of a heavy conversation while we did the Golden Gate Bridge puzzle, but it was lots of fun, too. I’m so glad we’re growing closer and are rebuilding our friendship.