Chapter 22: Up-High Ty

Calvin

There it is.

I’ve laid it all on the line for her.

My heart is in the palm of her hand to do with as she pleases.

She takes a moment to process my words. She turns toward me, wide-eyed, slack-jawed, unable to speak. I brush wet strands of her hair from her face. My thumbs caress her jawline as I stare deep into her caramel eyes, imploring her to love me, to accept my confession, and to allow us to move on together.

She looks back toward the truck. She doesn’t crane her neck or stand for a better view. She stares for several long minutes. As she turns back to face me, I’m paralyzed. I can’t breathe. I can’t move.

“You…” She gulps audibly. “What’s his name?” Her brow furrows as her eyes search mine for answers.

“His name is Tyler. He’s four,” I repeat.

“Tyler Calhoun?” she questions.

I nod. This is not the reaction I expected. I thought she’d ask about his mother, how we hooked up, why she wasn’t in the picture, and where he goes while I’m in class. She doesn’t seem concerned wit