"It's a saying," she said, stretching her arms overhead. "Sometimes it's nice to stop thinking."
"You're one of them. You think more instead of using your feelings." He stepped towards her, leaving less than an inch of space between them.
"Guilty," she said, wanting to look down but unable to disconnect from his glance.
Colby pulled her to him. "What scares you, Megan?"
Afraid to speak the truth, she turned, but his tender grip kept her from running away. Her heart beat faster than a thoroughbred racing in the Derby. Tears poured faster than water from an open faucet, releasing her built-up frustration and confusion. Jumbled words filled her mind rendering speech useless.
With his arms around her, she relaxed against him. Her breathing returned to normal, but the tears did not stop. The carefree, happy life Megan thought plausible now seemed to be shattering, with no explanation.
Running his fingers along her chestnut hair, Colby said, "Are you ready to tell me what's bothering you?"
"You make it sound easy." Megan refused to look his way, knowing one look into his eyes would forever keep words hidden. "How do people do it?" she asked, stepping away from him. "How does work or school coincide with a personal life? I tried once and failed. I want to be a vet but it's difficult. If I choose to have a life, do I have to give up my dreams?"
"No, why would you think that?"
Her shrug spoke louder than words. "If I'm studying, then I'm not with friends. If I'm with friends, I'm not studying."
Colby's laugh hit a nerve and Megan glared at him. "This is not funny," she said, with a pouty look on her face.
He touched her cheek. "I'm not laughing at you. Do you realize how many times I thought those same ideas? For years I thought I had to choose between family and work. To be a successful advertiser, I have to be raw and on the cutting edge. Where does that leave time for another realm of my life, especially one rich in history?" He took a deep breath.
"After we met, I realized my family taught me how to live my dreams and succeed in the world. It doesn't mean giving up my heritage. Everyone needs a break from life, whether it is work or studying. Breaks refresh us and keep us positive. Too much pressure, especially from ourselves, may destroy our dreams."