Page 66 of Never Have I Ever

Reaching over, he takes my hand again. “Face them together.”

Not two hours later, Laird left to take the trash to the nearest drop-off station while I finished packing my stuff. I set my knife bag down and walk out to see the lake. The urgency I felt to call Marina a few days ago faded as I settled into this extraordinary life with Laird in the mountains.

There’s a comfort I’ve found in him, one that I haven’t been able to ignore. So despite us rushing forward in every aspect of this relationship, it’s felt normal and right from the start.

It’s not me, though. It’s him. Something about him has me willing to throw caution to the wind and try to make something from nothing.

But what did I really have to lose?

The waves lap at the shore, the wind causing choppier waters. I don’t believe in those kinds of signs. I believe in Laird. That’s all I need.

I rub my arms to warm up because it’s still too chilly for my liking, but it’s still a beautiful view. We didn’t enjoy it much, but I’d love to return during the summer.

Life is changing, and I’m leaving behind the comfort I’ve found in Deer Lake. I take one big breath, hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale. I’m ready.

When I turn around, Laird’s standing on the front porch with his hands tucked in his pockets. His posture is relaxed, and he wears a lazy grin. So much handsome, so much love to give in one person.

He was dark, and his soul was heavy. Anger tinged the edges of his temperament. I may never truly know what changed him, but he’s leaving here a different person. We both are.

I go to him, closing the distance and embracing him fully in my arms. “I love you.”

He tilts his head to the side, and his smile cracks his cheeks. “You do?”

“I do.”

“I love you, too.”

Maybe we’re young. Maybe we’re foolish.

Maybe . . .

Maybe . . .

Maybe . . .

Maybe I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks. I love him as if it’s my destiny. So why am I nervous?

We close the doors to the truck and fasten our seat belts. The truck is shifted into gear, but as I take one last look at the lake, he says, “No matter what happens, it’s us against the world.”

Us against the world. Releasing a shaky breath, I nod. “No matter what.”

23

Poppy

I close my eyes, letting the water drift over my shoulders as I rest on my arms in front of me. Kicking gently behind me helps me stay afloat in the heated pool. Every bone in my body is so relaxed I may never leave.

When a cup is set down nearby, Laird says, “I bought it for the view.”

Opening my eyes again, I stare ahead into the distance, down the hills of Malibu and out to the ocean. Other homes dot the area, but it really does feel like we’re in heaven up here. “It’s stunning.”

The water lunges toward me when he hops in. Wading his way through the pool, he’s quiet like the sunset and mimics my position on the infinity edge. I turn to look at him, to see him in this new environment. This is his space, though I guess the cabin was as well, a Faris escape. “How often do you see family?”

“My parents, probably once or twice a month. They’ll drive up to LA for lunch or dinner, or we’ll go to Nikki’s to spend the day since she has a kid. My mom likes to check on my kitchen and stock it if it’s not deemed ‘full enough’ in her opinion.” He laughs to himself but then cuts it short. “I didn’t mean to make it sound like—”

“You sounded how you should. I love that your family is supportive and cares so much about you. That’s like my best friend’s family for me. The Westcotts are the family I never had. Her mom came to my plays, and her brothers gave my dates a hard time. Her dad always even made sure to cook my burger just the way I like it.”

“Which is?”

---