Page 27 of How We Loved

When we turn the corner, an old truck that I recognize comes into view. I blink, wondering if I’m seeing things, when the truck door opens, and a very cute boy with the best dimples hops out to greet me.

Without thinking, I run from Ben’s arms and jump into Trevor’s. Thankfully, he’s ready for my impulse and catches me just as I wrap my legs around him.

As I stare into his eyes, amazed he’s here, he tilts his head more and gives me a kiss.

“Well, I guess you’re happy to see me.” He laughs.

I feel my face blush, embarrassed that I didn’t hold back on my crazy, as I just reacted and ran toward him. Anyone here would know that’s just me and my personality, but he hasn’t really seen that side of me yet.

Deciding he’s going to know that side of me sooner or later and after Ben just saying how I always make him smile with my nonsense, I roll with it and give him the same cheesy grin I gave Ben two minutes ago.

“I am. How are you here?”

“I don’t have a sixth period. I normally stay to help work on FFA stuff, but decided to surprise you instead.”

He’s still holding me up, so I lean in and give him another kiss. “I’m glad you did.”

I slide out of his arms and turn to see Ben staring at us with an expression I cannot read, which is weird because, normally, I can tell exactly what he’s thinking.

Trevor gives Ben a nod, and Ben does the same.

“I got her from here,” Trevor says as he wraps his arm around me in a possessive way that makes me swoon.

Ben takes a deep breath in, then purses his lips together, gripping the straps of his backpack near his shoulders with his hands. He nods and heads toward his truck without saying a word.

I turn my attention back to Trevor. “What do you want to do?”

“Unfortunately, I have to work tonight, and I have homework I have to get done, so I was hoping we could go somewhere to study together. It’s not glamorous, I know, but at least we’d be together.”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “I love it! I know exactly where we can go.”

He kisses me one more time, and then I drop my arms from around him. We head to our sides of the truck.

I guide him to a coffee shop in town that will be the perfect place to study together.

We walk up the steps with our backpacks on, and he opens the door for me.

“Why, thank you, sir,” I say in my favorite Southern accent, trying to act like I’m back in the 1800s.

He grins and plays along, holding out his arm and saying in the same accent. “After you, my little lady.”

Once we’re at the counter, I place my order of a cinnamon brown sugar latte with a scone, then place my hand over Trevor’s as he reaches for his wallet. “Please, my treat this time.”

He looks at the man behind the counter, then back to me and raises his eyebrows when he says a firm, “No. I got it.”

I’m kind of taken aback at his tone, so I step back and let him place his order. We both grab our snacks and head to a table. After we sit down, I grab my Spanish book and place it on the table. When I glance up, Trevor is staring at me.

“What?” I ask, looking around, wondering what I missed.

“I have money. I don’t need you to pay for things for me.”

I sit up straight and open my eyes wide, shocked by his words and tone. “I-I’m sorry,” I stutter. “I know you do. I just feel bad that you’re always paying.”

His demeanor calms slightly, and I feel my shoulders relax as well. “I am the man. I will always be the provider. Please, don’t offer again.”

“O-okay,” I stutter again.

Everything about him changes, and like the snap of my fingers, he’s back to the Trevor I’ve gotten to know over the past week.

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