Page 72 of How We Loved

“Yeah. I can make more of an effort to like the guy, I guess. I’m sorry I couldn’t see past my jealousy. It’s just … I really like you, and knowing some other guy gets to be around you so much—especially when I don’t—is really hard.”

I close my eyes, feeling like that hole leading to pure happiness just broke open so much wider and I can almost get through.

Thoughts of what Ben said cross my mind, but I wipe them away. I know my relationship with Trevor isn’t like that because we’ve hung out a few times where we barely kissed. When we watched a movie that night, he truly was a good boy, being respectful of my dad’s wishes. Same when we were at his house too.

“I really like you too. You don’t have to worry. I’m yours, remember?”

His slight chuckle into the phone is like fairy dust being sprinkled all over me, causing me to lift into the air with joy.

“How about I make it up to you?” he asks. “Can you come see me tonight? I get off at seven.”

I cover my mouth as a grin grows across my lips, finally feeling okay after the hell that was the past few days.

“Yeah, I can make it.”

“Great. I’m heading into work. That’s the only reason I called so early. See you then.”

“See you then.”

I hang up and kick my legs with glee. I needed him to understand, and him saying he’s sorry shows me he does. Maybe this will work after all!

With a skip in my step, I hop out of bed and head out of my room, my day looking brighter by the second.

I pull up to his house around seven thirty to see he’s already waiting outside by his truck. We’ve texted a few times today, but that’s it. The only words that have been said about our fight were our brief conversation this morning. This is the first fight I’ve ever had with a boyfriend, so I’m not sure how this first meeting will go.

I put the car in park and turn it off. Before I can even open my door, he’s by my side, opening it up for me, so I sit and wait for his lead on how this should go.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” He leans in, practically picking me up out of the car and holding me to him, and he kisses me with so much emotion that I completely melt at his touch.

After a few seconds, he sets me down, and I gather my wits about me.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers with his forehead pressed to mine—well, as much as it can be with how tiny I am compared to him. “Do you forgive me?”

I grin playfully. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Yes, you are!” He gives me a quick peck, then holds my hand and pulls me toward his dad’s truck.

“Where are we going?”

“To the industrials. Where else?” He looks at me as he opens the truck door.

I hop in, and he shuts the door behind me. I instantly slide over to my spot next to him and love the reaction I get when he opens the driver’s door to see me sitting there.

“That’s my girl,” he says with a cheesy grin.

He gives me one more kiss before he cranks the engine and drives away from his place.

The industrials are about ten minutes from his house, so we sit in silence as we listen to music while holding hands. After the stress I’ve felt the past two days, I’m in heaven, just being with him.

We park in the same spot we did last time we were here, and we exit the truck, hand in hand as we approach his friends, all sitting on the tailgates of their trucks. It’s definitely colder now than it was when we first came, so I pull my jacket tighter around me.

“What’s up, fellas?” Trevor says, and they all nod their hellos.

“Hi.” I wave to everyone.

“Maya, you haven’t dumped his ass yet?” one guy yells out.

“Shut up, fucker,” Trevor responds, then turns to me. “Want a drink?”

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