Crossing the Line

Recovery after a sprain—this is not how I planned to spend my summer vacation.

But I have to admit, it’s not that bad, because my wonderful friend Bailey, who has just finished medical school, is taking care of me.

We spent a week in my family’s beach house. A whole week of swimming and barbecues, entertaining my little cousins, and sleeping in neighboring rooms. A whole week of watching Bailey grow closer to my mom, my sisters, and a slightly crazy but sweet grandmother.

A whole week of enjoying the way Bailey takes care of me—something that definitely means something, because I need to constantly apply ice packs to my injured ligaments and bandage my aching muscles.

For the first time in a long time, being myself beside her, I discovered that the walls I’d built had collapsed. Bailey is funny and kind, but… she isn’t looking for a serious relationship. Yet I definitely have no intention of staying “just a fun guy who’s always around”…"