Page 69 of Getting Over You

“Coffee first sounds heavenly,” I say. “My eyes are burning from how tired I am.”

And now my brain is thinking about how your brain is subconsciously making us anus.

“If you want, we can ride the Ferris wheel again,” Cade says as we pull in front of Beach Brew.

My chest stings, my breath hitches. The fire burns on. “I can’t bear the thought of putting you through that again,” I say.

Cade pulls the door to Beach Brew open for me, and I slip under his arm. “I’m alright, princess. Plus, I didn’t really get to take in the view last time.”

I swallow. He took in a view last time—a beautiful one. Not more beautiful than Geddington Beach from the top of the boardwalk Ferris wheel, though. He deserves the chance to see the real view if he wants it.

“You were occupied elsewhere,” I chide.

“I was,” he agrees, his eyes skating over my face. “Most definitely.”

We get our coffee and we’re on the way to the Pizza Ice Cream Parlor as Cade says, “Mind if we…?”

And before he finishes his statement, I say, “Of course we can go see your shop.”

The lopsided smile he gives me nearly stops my heart.

“How many times have you driven out here and just stared longingly into the windows?” I ask as we pull into the building’s parking lot.

“I plead the fifth,” Cade says. That makes me laugh.

“Still nothing from Eddy.”

“Still nothing from Eddy,” Cade confirms with a sorrowful edge. “Sorry, I jumped the gun on telling you I got it.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets, taking the few steps to the building’s front door. Even though he knows it’s locked, he tries to pull it open.

I follow him, peering into a window. It’s the same every time we look—empty, but full of potential. “I’m sorry for you,” I say. “Waiting has to be killing you.”

Cade’s jaw clenches, and he clenches and unclenches a fist. “I’m alright,” he lies. “I just want it. Bad.”

“I know,” I say. “Don’t worry,” I touch his elbow, and he turns to look at me, “good things come to those who wait.”

Cade narrows his eyes, gray slivers piercing into me. “What bullshit did you just say to me?”

“A positivity mantra,” I tell him. “Maybe waiting patiently for the shop will make it all the more sweet once it’s yours.”

“You’re insane.”

“No, I’m not,” I declare with a grin. “Just hopelessly optimistic.”

“And hopelessly romantic,” he says with a smirk.

“That I am,” I agree as I turn on my heel and saunter back to the truck. “And I’m not ashamed to admit it.”

His gaze burns the back of my head. When I settle into the truck, Cade has already moved on, his back to me as he surveys the shell of all of his hopes and dreams.

My throat closes the moment I notice his shoulders sink.

When we’re eating lunch at the Pizza Ice Cream Parlor, I say, “I’m still thinking about pizza ice cream.”

“Oh, yeah?” Cade says from behind crust.

I nod. “Meat lovers ice cream.”

“Cheese ice cream,” Cade says as he chews, “sounds so gross.”

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