You Only Need One by Lauren Connolly

Author:Lauren Connolly [Connolly, Lauren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lauren Connolly

BEN

We sit, wrapped up together, silently watching the logs crackle and spark. This weekend’s adventure started with the simple goal of visiting this cabin without having the memory of my grandfather overwhelm me, and in doing so, I’m growing closer to Holly.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who needs some help.

She’s starting to open up to me.

I’ve gotten the surface of Holly. Just a few pieces of her that she’s willing to share. But I can tell, from offhanded comments and unconscious reactions, that there’s more underneath her protective shield.

Twice now, she’s been vulnerable with me.

There are no genuine words of comfort I have to offer because, until the donation happens, everything is just hoping. All I can do is be open and honest, like she is with me.

“My grandpa Ben, he was … he lived here. By himself. Except for when I visited.” The words don’t come easy, but having Holly in my arms helps. “He committed suicide. That’s how he died.”

She lets out a small gasp before slipping her arms around my waist to wrap me in a tight hug. “When?”

“It was the summer before my freshman year of college. So, I guess it’s been three and a half years now.”

But I remember that day so vividly that it could have been last week. Mom picking up the house phone with a smile that was gone a second later. The way she stared at my dad, who was still reading the newspaper across the table from me. He didn’t even notice her watching him, oblivious to the devastation that coated her face as some police officer relayed the news of her father-in-law’s death. And I sat there, cereal forgotten, knowing that, whatever the call was about, it would tear my heart out.

“Doesn’t matter how much time goes by. It still hurts,” she whispers the words and rubs soothing circles on my back.

It’s strange, revisiting the darkest part of my life, which was even worse than when I got sick, and at the same time feeling the highest level of comfort with Holly’s small body pressed against mine.

After sitting quietly for some time, I’m ready to change the depressing mood. This is supposed to be a fun getaway, not a sob-fest.

I lightly kiss her silky, honeysuckle-scented hair and then use my grip on her to stand us both up.

“Enough with this sad talk. I promised you an adventure, and I’m gonna deliver. Put your boots on.” There’s almost a physical pain when I let my arms drop away from her.

“My boots? You don’t expect me to go back outside, do you? It’s below freezing out there!”

She rests her fists on her hips and glares at me like I told her we were going to run naked through the snow. Maybe, if there were snow, I would suggest it. The thought and her sassy reaction have me grinning.

“Don’t worry, princess. We’re not going out for long. And you’ll be plenty warm. See?” I grab the stack of quilts. “I’ll wrap you up.

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