I thought he was kidding. He was not. I stared ahead to the towering skyscrapers at eye level to the one we stood atop and felt my stomach drop. The dizzying heights nearly knocked me over the edge. Marco put his hand across my stomach to stop me from leaning forward.

“Careful.” He raised his eyebrow, silently questioning why I agreed to do something I clearly wasn’t prepared for.

“Oh, yeah, totally.” I tried to sound nonchalant and ended up sounding like panic was bubbling up.

He paused. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Uh, yeah, um, yes. Yes, I do.” He gave me an out and I didn’t take it. What is wrong with me? Ugh.

The instructor strapped us into the equipment and we began our descent. Mercifully, Marco went first. I wasn’t sure if having him rappel below me would help me at all if I fell, but I had to convince myself it would to keep myself from freezing completely.

The wind was whipping my face and hair. A gust made me feel like I’d be blown to the side and I froze for a moment. I squeezed my eyes shut and exhaled heavily, trying to regain my composure.

It felt like an eternity, abseiling all the way to the street, but we were there.

I did it. I can’t believe I did it!

I stood and looked up in awe at the massive building I had just conquered. I was exhilarated.

“Well? What did you think?” A wide smile spread across Marco’s face.

“It was…wow.” I was speechless.

We kissed and then he offered to buy me a beer, which I accepted. My nerves were a mess and I needed to celebrate. A beer was perfect for that.

One thing’s for sure - I definitely want to see Marco again.