Page 62 of The Influencer and The Introvert
The video ends with some still photos he’s taken in the months he’s been here. Me helping people on paint day. Us on trail rides. Laughing with Gunner in the barn. His fish, while the hook still sits embedded in his thumb.
The sunrise when we were camping. That one gets meright in the gut so hard I almost gasp for breath. The sadness I felt that morning was thick. I was sure it would be the only one I spent with Ethan in the wilderness.
“You didn’t have to do this to convince me, you know.”
Ethan ducks his head. “I hoped I didn’t need to, but those women can be pushy. Cathy insisted, just in case you were, and I quote, ‘thinking of rotting away when you have big things ahead.’”
It’s exactly what I would have done without the gentle push from Ethan to search for something else. He planted the seed months ago when he agreed we had a connection like nothing he’s ever felt. For me, it was scary but so worth it to have this ache in my chest when I think of it ending. When I think of continuing without Ethan.
“I spoke to Gunner and Jesse tonight.”
Ethan sucks in a breath. “And?”
“I can work in the summer as much or as little as I want. Seems like I’m the best fly-fishing guide around.”
“So you’ve decided?”
Leaning close, I cup Ethan’s face in my hands and dust my lips over his. “A sunrise won’t be the same without you, Ethan. This is a huge step for me, and I won’t lie that I’m nervous. But the good things outweigh the bad here. Immensely. I’m all in on this adventure with you.”
He rests his forehead against mine.
“Thank god, because if you’d said no, I don’t think I’d be able to leave you behind.”
“I guess we’re doing this.”
“Looks that way.”
I puff out a breath. “I need to give Aubrey notice. I’ll need to pack. We have to find a place in Fort Collins. Oh my god, I need to call my uncle!”
Ethan laughs and kisses me. “I have a better idea.”
“I’m sohappy you’re doing this, Colt.”
Uncle Albert pats my knee as we sit in the common area of his retirement home. Ethan wanted to meet him and tell him the news in person. I’m happy we did because not only did they hit it off, but I’ve never seen Uncle Albert so excited.
Currently, Ethan is in a game of virtual bowling with a very spry older lady. She’s giving him a run for his money.
“He seems like a good man, Colt. You did well. I can’t say I’m sad that I get to see you more, either. I know you love the ranch, but it took so much of your time. That’s not a guilt trip, either. But there’s more to life than work.”
Ethan hoots with a strike and catches my gaze. He winks at me before turning back to the game and heckling the woman, who gives it right back. Retirees are ruthless.
“I didn’t realize the truth of that until I met Ethan. It’s just…different when there’s someone to share things with. I should’ve been seeing you more, though. I’m sorry for that.”
“Don’t be sorry, Colt. Life is hard enough without feeling guilty about visiting an old man.”
An unholy screech sounds from the woman bowling with Ethan. His mouth hangs open as he watches her celebrate beating him in the video game. Her hip wiggle is top-notch for someone who needs a walker.
Uncle Albert laughs. “I like him, Colt. Now that you’re in the city, be sure to bring him around more. And I have a request, if you don’t mind.”
Ethan plops on my lap and plants a kiss on my lips. “Did you see that woman catfish me like that? When did older people get so ruthless? No offense, Uncle Albert.”
“She does that with all the visitors.”
“Why didn’t you say so!?” Ethan huffs while weboth laugh.
“What did you want to ask me?” I remind my uncle before he and Ethan fall into a lengthy chat about the side bets that go on in the rec room during bowling games.
“There’s a director of activities here. She commented on the painting I have in my apartment. You know, the one I did at your paint class once with the mountains?”
