He raises an eyebrow, and the corner of his mouth raises up, too. As in, dancing?

I blush. Yes. As in dancing.

What made you quit?

I fell in love with biking.

You clogged until high school?

I try not to laugh at his shocked expression. Maybe.

He looks like hes trying not to laugh. So could you go all Lord of the Dance right here and now?

I do have some pretty awesome moves. I do a little jig, sending both of us into a fit of laughter.

So if you were as awesome of a dancer as you say you were, how did you get into mountain biking?

I chuckle. Its kind of embarra.s.sing.

Oh, Id love to hear this then.

I was fifteen and this seventeen-year-old asked me out. I thought I was so cool going out with someone who could drive. He gives me a goofy grin, but I keep talking. Anyway, he decided to take me mountain biking. He thought he was pretty awesome wearing a bunch of gear and stuff. I just had a helmet and my old ten-speed. And I wore jeans. Nice, right?

Hilarious.

It was. So, he took me to this easy trail in Kaysville and after explaining all the rules to me and talking himself up, I ended up totally smoking him.

No way!

I laugh. I was a little nervous when I first started following him down the trail, because Id never been before. But then as I made myself pedal faster and flew down the hills, it just clicked and I fell in love. Unfortunately, it wasnt with my date.

Thats the most awesome story ever. That poor kid.

Yeah. We didnt go out again. I started training myself and saved every penny for a new bike and now, two years later, here I am. I smile, thinking of that first dumb date that turned out to be one of the best days ever. So, whats a truth from you?

A truth from me, huh? He pushes off the truck and takes a few steps toward me, his eyes not leaving mine. Id like to take you out again.

Thats not a truth. Thats a fact.

Same thing.

Its hard, but I make myself look away from his gaze. When were you thinking?

I dont know. How about tonight? If youre feeling up to it after wearing yourself out.

Sure. I tuck my hair behind my ear. Id uh better go get ready.

Great. Ill pick you up around six.

I stop walking my bike to the garage and turn back. Oh, what are we doing? So I can dress for the occasion.

He gives me a sly grin. Youll see.

Not helpful at all.

CHAPTER 26.

Moms waiting for me when I walk inside. She smiles and sets her book down.

Hey, Emmy.

Hi. I go to walk past her, but she grabs my hand and pulls me to a stop.

Could you come sit with me for a minute?

My heart speeds up. Sure. I wonder what shes up to. I sit down on the couch, a few inches away.

She searches my face for a moment and smiles. I havent talked to you"really talked to you"since we told you what was going on with me. Ive tried several times. We both know this.

I know.

So, the question is: are you doing okay?

I shrug. Im fine.

Really? Because it seems to me that youre still avoiding me. And not just me. Everyone. Youre not home much anymore, and when you are, youre locked in your room.

Im busy.

With biking. Right.

Whyd you say it like that?

She sighs. Honey, I know youre into biking. I know you love it. But could you at least remember there are people in your family who miss you? I miss you. You wont talk to me. You barely look at me anymore.

I bite my lip.

I know losing Lucas has been hard. And my diagnosis doesnt help things at all. But right now, Im okay. Sometimes I have memory lapses, but most of the time Im fine. She grabs my hand. I dont want you to push me away, Em. Please. Im still here. Please stay with me. Dont shut me out.

Im not. I really dont want to.

Honey I pull away from her. Im fine, Mom. Stop worrying about me. And with that, I go downstairs and lock myself in my room.

Kelsie comes over an hour later, complete with one of her mood lifters.

She pours a bag onto my bedspread. Nail polish? Check. Chocolate? Check. Chick flick? Check.

Thanks, Kels.

So, your mom, right? Thats what your emergency text was about?

I nod. She wanted to talk to me today. Im not sure what she wants from me. Im not ignoring her. Im keeping myself busy so I dont have to think about her disease.

Its okay to take some time to think, Em. But dont shut her out forever.

Thats what my mom said. I sigh.

She gives me a nervous smile. Why dont we start our mini girls night before Cole gets here? Take our minds off everything.

What do you want to start with?

Nails. What are you wearing tonight?

I dont know.

You look good in blue. She goes in my closet and throws different shirts out. Try all these on and well pick the best one.

Why cant I just wear I pull a shirt out from the pile. This.

Kelsie folds her arms and frowns. Um no.

Kels, come on. Just pick something.

Fine. This ones cute. She holds up a blue T-shirt with ruffles. Ill admit its pretty cute.

Thats perfect. I take it from her.

She smiles, like she knows shes awesome. Put it on and let me see what it looks like. Also, where are those jeans I always borrow?

Probably at your house.

She thinks about it and finally nods. Yes. Lets go get them. We can get ready at my house, and Ill bring you back here before Cole gets here.

Kelsie, is this really necessary? I can just throw something on and"

Of course its necessary!

I sit back on the bed, defeated.

CHAPTER 27.

Cole shows up at my house right on time for our date, of course. And he looks amazing. Jeans, green b.u.t.ton-up shirt that brings out his eyes. Hot.

Uh hi.

Hey. He smiles as he gets a good look at me. You ready to go?

Yes.

He holds out his arm and leads me to his truck, being a total gentleman, like always.

I raise an eyebrow as I buckle my seatbelt. Where exactly are we going?

Cole glances at me out of the corner of his eye. Youll see. Why dont you relax and enjoy my awesome music.

Rock music blasts through the truck and I pretend to cover my ears. Oh, come on. Country is way better.

He puts the truck in drive and glances over at me. Dont swear in my truck, please.

What are you talking about? I didnt swear.

Country music is equivalent to a swear word in here.

Seriously?

Do I look like Im joking? Hes so serious, but theres a playfulness in his eyes. He cracks a smile, making me laugh. Im still serious about country music, though. Not a fan. Ever.

Well, youll have to get used to it when you ride with me. I push a b.u.t.ton on the radio and scroll until I find my favorite station. I sneak a glance at him to see if hes mad, but he sighs and mutters something under his breath. Youre not gonna change it?

Youre the only one Id listen to this nonsense for.

I take that as a compliment. Its not nonsense. Its romantic and fun.

Half the songs are about someone breaking someones heart. Or leaving their lover and taking their dog with them.

No they arent! I argue, though I know he has a point.

He chuckles again and we ease into conversation as he drives to wherever our destination is.

It takes me a while, but once Cole starts driving up a dirt road, I realize where were going.

Cole I say as he turns into a dirt parking lot and backs the truck up.

He takes my hand after he parks and meets my eyes. I thought we could have a nice dinner up here.

Wow. Bonus points for you, my friend. I smile as I look out onto the valley below. The sun sets in the distance, and I pull out my phone to take a picture. Youre awesome.