Hot Summer Nights

33

Chapter Thirty-Three

Leah

I can't stop smiling. Ever since my incredible night with Landon, I've been in a constant state of pure bliss.

Colin keeps eyeing me from his spot by his desk as he puts together pattern swatches for one of his projects. A question hangs between us as he works. One I know he's been dying to ask from the second I stepped foot in his space.

I decided to drop by and bring him lunch today after finishing up a project of my own. After my disastrous conversation with my mother the other night, and the following pick me up by my boyfriend, getting out a new video for my followers was just what I needed to reinspire my confidence in what I do.

The several thousand likes and comments that popped up soon after my posting also helped. I know my parents don't get it- my career path- but showing people who I am and what I'm passionate about is so fulfilling. Sure, sharing beauty and fashion vlogs and tutorials might sound superficial to some, but those are some of the things I enjoy creating most.

Besides, that's not all I do for my following. I have live sessions where anyone can join and vent about life, love, and anything else they need a sounding board for. Those sessions have taught me a lot. So many people out there are lonely and just need a friendly ear to listen to them every once in a while.

If my platform helps even one person, then I've done something good. And that's what matters to me. Even if it's just helping them find the right shade of foundation for their skin or letting them sound off about their recent breakup. Taking a little extra time to see and hear people makes a world of difference. And that's something I'm very proud of.

It may have started as a hobby in college, but since then, it's grown into something so much bigger. The people who have reached out to me to say thank you for helping them in various ways are numerous. Those I connect with on my lives especially make what I do so fulfilling.

My parents just don't understand it.

But Landon does.

He mentioned the other night that he sees how much my followers like what I do. Even if he hasn't seen the depth of what I do, he believes in me. He sees that what I do online isn't just a paltry gig. He sees how important it is to me. And he supports that.

Knowing he has faith in me touches something deep within me. He knows I'll be okay no matter what I do. Even if I don't continue influencing forever. Landon believes I can be successful no matter what I choose to do. I just wish my parents had as much faith in me.

Before I can let the melancholy seep in, Colin finishes what he's doing and sidles up next to me holding the iced latte I brought for him. "Soooo..." he starts, "what happened on date night?"

I let out a laugh. Leave it to Colin to cut right to the chase. "It was spectacular," I tell him. "Though it almost didn't start at all, thanks to a chat with my dear mother..."

His face pinches. "What happened?"

I fill him in on the details of the night before Landon's arrival, earning a dramatic eye roll and frustrated huff from my best friend. "You know I love your parents, but they are so out of touch sometimes. Do they not realize they have Insta royalty in the family?"

An unceremonious snort leaves my nose and now it's my turn to shoot him an eye roll.

"I'm serious, Leah. Mommy and Daddy Banks don't understand how popular you are. How amazing your content is," he tells me.

When I don't respond, he adds, "People don't get hundreds of thousands of followers for no reason. And it's not just about the tips and tricks you post. People go nuts for your lives because they can't wait to connect with you face-to-face. You're verging on celebrity status these days, bestie."

I scoff, "You are the sweetest, but you are delusional."

"I'm not wrong," Colin retorts confidently. "You should just get used to it. And don't forget us little people when you reach the million mark." He shoots me a wink that has me shaking my head and chuckling.

"Okay, now that the heavy is over. Tell me how the juicy part of the night went," he coaxes with a suggestive wiggle of his eyebrows, making me laugh out loud.

I tell him about Landon showing up and how he talked me out of my downward spiral. The finer details of the night are glazed over, but by the end of my tale, Colin is aware of just how satisfied I was at breaking my self-imposed celibacy.

I'm all smiles again by the end of it, thinking about Landon and when I get to see him again. I barely register the breathy sigh that leaves my lips at the thought of him, but Colin catches it right away.

"You love him," he says quietly. There's no judgment or disapproval in his voice. Only a hint of surprise.

Wide-eyed I turn to face my best friend. He's watching me carefully, waiting to see my reaction to his statement. Fumbling for words, I shake my head, unsure how to answer. "I- I don't," I start to deny, but Colin cuts me off before the lie can spill from my lips.

"You're in love with him. Aren't you?"

My lips twitch as my eyes start to fog.

"It's not just about giving him a second chance and having mind-blowing sex, is it? You've been in love with him from the beginning, haven't you?"

A choked sound falls from my mouth as I meet Colin's eyes. Nodding, I admit the truth. "I think so- I mean, not the very beginning- but after we'd been seeing each other for a while... Yeah. I think I started falling for him back then."

Colin's eyes widen, but he smiles softly at me. "Have you told him?"

I shake my head. "No, not yet. I don't know if I'm ready- if he's ready."

He nods, letting the silence pass between us for a beat. Then, he grabs my hands, gently squeezing them in his. "I'm really happy for you, Leah. Even if I give you shit about Landon more often than not." he shoots me a smirk. "As long as he makes you happy, I'm happy for you. For both of you."

Choking back a sob, I throw my arms around him. "Thanks, Colin. I needed to hear that."

He returns my hug, giving me a peck on my temple. "And if he breaks your heart, Tess, Char, and I will break his di-"

"Colin!"

"What?" he asks as I pull away from our embrace. "He can't hurt you and not feel an equal or greater amount of pain. Not that he will hurt you, but just in case. Those are the terms. He hurts you; he loses his favorite appendage."

I laugh despite myself. Deep down, I feel like that won't happen. That Landon won't hurt me. Even if his feelings for me aren't as strong as mine are now, I believe he's getting there. I feel it in my bones.

*A/N: If you're enjoying the story so far, don't forget to drop a vote. It helps with the algorithm in boosting the story to help other readers more easily find it (it also gives me immense joy). Thank you so much for reading this far. If you absolutely cannot wait to binge the rest of the book, the completed and edited version is now available for purchase on Amazon here:          https://a.co/d/cFZddwh

Much love, Laura

<3