Page 25 of When the Leaves Fall

LUCA

“ Y ou know, physical therapy is highly recommended,” my dad’s doctor says. “I’m not sure I quite understand why you don’t want to pursue that avenue.”

My dad sits on the bed in the examination room, while my mom and I sit on the chairs against the wall. The doctor is as frustrated with my dad as we are.

“You most likely could have been driving and back to work by now if you had done physical therapy in the beginning when we sent the referral.”

Dad lets out a low huff. “I don’t need physical therapy, doc.”

“Oh, but you do. Yes, you’re improving, but it’s taking so much longer than it should.”

“Physical therapy is a scam,” Dad snorts.

I told Drew I’d pick her up at the hotel at 5:30 pm. It’s currently 3:30, and I’m fully ready to go, pacing back and forth through my apartment. My body is trembling with both nerves and excitement.

I’m going on a real date with Drew.

I can’t wait to show her around Fall Fest. It’s such a great event filled with a large variety of carnival rides, gaming booths, food trucks, contests, and more.

I’ve been going every year since I was a kid.

Even when my dad was sick, Mom made sure I was able to go at least one night out of the three-night event.

The event starts on Friday and ends Sunday night every year.

I’ve always thought Saturday has the most fun activities, but as an adult, I’ve enjoyed going on Friday or Sunday a bit more.

Saturdays tend to be for the younger crowd.

I scoured the Fall Fest website a few times throughout the week to see what events they had lined up for today.

Local live bands start playing at 5:00 pm, which is also when round one of the pumpkin carving contests starts.

Other things on tonight’s schedule include their haunted hay maze, horse-drawn wagon rides, a scarecrow making contest, and the night ends with fireworks.

I’ve never taken anyone to Fall Fest on a date before. I’m glad Drew’s my first.

I drive into the hotel’s parking lot with every intent to head up to her room and properly pick her up for our date, but Drew is waiting out front for me when I pull in.

She waves at me, a huge smile lining her face.

She’s dressed in skinny jeans, brown thigh-high boots, and a deep orange flannel.

She has her hair in braided pig-tails, with little ringlets falling around her face.

I’m having second thoughts about going to Fall Fest, because right now all I want to do is take her back to her room and take her.

The passenger door opens, snapping me back to reality. Drew scoots into her seat, shuts the door, and fastens her seat belt.

I grab her hand, bringing it to my mouth where I gently kiss the back of her hand.

“Ready?”

“I sure am,” she giggles back. I don’t let go of her hand. Instead, I bring it with me to put the car back in drive, then place our intertwined hands on the console between our seats.

“It’s so beautiful here,” she mentions. I sneak a glance at her. Her eyes are glued to her window, watching as we pass the colorful trees and houses decorated with pumpkins and Halloween decor.

I pull into a large field designated for Fest parking. It’s already pretty busy here. I hop out of the car and run around to open Drew’s door before she even has a chance to realize what’s going on. I offer her my hand. She rolls her eyes, but takes it, and I help guide her out of the car .

I want to hold her hand, but I know it wouldn’t be appropriate. Even if we admitted to anyone we were on a date, we shouldn’t be at the comfort level of holding hands yet. I only stopped being on her mom’s care team yesterday. I can tell she isn’t sure how to act with me right now either.

“So, before we head in,” I start. “We should probably decide if we tell people this is a date.”

“Do you think it’ll get brought up?” she asks.

I nod and let out a small laugh. “It’s a small town,” I reply. “We’re going to run into a few people who know me well enough to ask.”

“Okay, well…” she hesitates. “I don’t know. What do you think?”

“I want everyone to know you’re here with me,” I say, which gets a smile from her. “But, I also want you to be comfortable. Saying we’re on a date will likely bring up a lot of questions.”

She nods, and I can tell she’s processing everything. After about a minute, she answers. “Let’s say we’re here as friends. You knew I needed a night out and invited me along.”

“Can do,” I say, mildly disappointed.

“But if anyone asks me if I would be okay with it being a date…” she trails off. “I’m going to say yes.”

“Deal.” I smile back at her, gesturing ahead of us. “After you.” And I follow closely behind.