Crossing the Line

Recovery from a strain — not how I planned to spend my summer vacation. But I have to admit, it's not so bad, since my wonderful girlfriend Bailey, who just graduated from medical school, is taking care of me. We spent a week at my family's beach house. A week of swimming and barbecues, entertaining my little cousins, and sleeping in adjacent rooms. A week watching Bailey bond with my mom, sisters, and slightly crazy but sweet grandmother. A week enjoying how Bailey takes care of me — and that means something, as I need to constantly apply ice packs to my injured ligaments and wrap my aching muscles. For the first time in a long while, being myself around her, I found that the walls I built crumbled. Bailey is funny and kind, but… she’s not looking for a serious relationship. But I'm definitely not going to stay as 'just the fun guy who’s always around'...