Page 96 of River Wild

“I think you do.” I’m surprised by my assertiveness.

I shouldn’t have to give him a push, but I know River is the type of person who needs one.

“I … um …” He shifts on his feet. Thrusts a hand through his hair. Sighs. Stops and looks at me. “I’m sorry.” The words rush out of him. “I was a fucking asshole that night. I was angry with Brad. I took it out on you, and I shouldn’t have. These last few months have been …” He looks up to the sky like he’s searching for the words there. “Dull.”

“Dull?”

He looks down at me, eyes guarded. “Yes. Dull. I’ve missed, uh … disagreeing with you. When you aren’t around, life is just … dull.”

Oh.

I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.

“Thank you … for apologizing,” I tell him because I know how hard that must have been for him to do.

I see the relief flicker in his eyes.

He shoves his hands into his jacket pockets. “So, can we, uh, go back to the way we were before?”

And, now, I feel bad for what I’m about to say.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” I shake my head.

His eyes search mine. “Why not?”

“Because I don’t trust you not to hurt my feelings again.”

“Oh. Right.”

Yeah. Oh.

He lifts his chin, a determined look on his face. “Well, trust is earned, right?”

“Yes,” I say cautiously.

“So, let me earn it back. Your trust.”

What am I supposed to say to that?

“Give me one reason why I should.”

“Because you’re my best friend, Red,” he says softly, eyes sweeping the floor beneath our feet. “My only friend.”

And, fudge, I’m going to cry.

Tears prick the backs of my eyes. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep them at bay.

When I feel like I can speak without blubbering, I say, “Okay.”

Hopeful eyes lift to mine. “Okay?”

“Yes. But, if you hurt my feelings like that again, you’re out.”

“Got it.” He gives a sharp nod.

“But I’m not your only friend, River. You have Ellie and Macy.”

He gives me a funny look. “Ellie was my gran’s friend, and she’s a business acquaintance. And Macy’s not my friend.”