Page 80 of Never Say Never

Turning so that my back is facing the fountain, I toss the first coin over my left shoulder, followed by the second coin. I dig out my phone and record a short video of myself throwing the third coin and upload it to my stories on Instagram. I caption the photothrowing coins and making wishesand then post it.

In awe, I take one last look at the fountain before making my way back through the crowd. There’s a store I walked past on my way here that I want to peek in, so I head back in the direction I came. As I’m window shopping, my phone chimes in my pocket. It’s an Instagram notification from Tucker. It’s going on 8 a.m. in Reed Point, so he’s probably drinking his coffee and scrolling his phone. I open the app and go into my DMs, reading the two new messages from Tucker.

Tucker: You look damn beautiful.

Tucker: Tell me what you wished for.

I smile, taking a moment to enjoy a welcome breeze. Rome is undeniably beautiful, and undeniablyhot. I read Tucker’s messages again, feeling an ache in my chest at how much I miss him. Leaning against the stone wall of the shop, I type out a response.

Me: Thank you ;) And my lips are sealed. I actually want my wishes to come true.

A bead of sweat drips from under my hat and down the side of my face. If it’s this hot in mid-March, what is it like here in the summer? I’d love to come back with Tucker one day and I imagine the two of us here in Rome, holding hands, walking the cobblestone streets together, sharing a gelato. I shake my head, knowing that I’m getting ahead of myself. The heat must me getting to me. I step into the shop to get out of the sun, looking at the pastel hued Italian coffee presses lining she shelves. I run my fingertips along an aquamarine one, the color reminding me of Tucker’s eyes. My phone buzzes again with another message from Tuck.

Tucker: Don’t worry. I’ll fuck it out of you when I see you.

Me: Jesus, Tucker.

Tucker: You miss my dick, don’t you? Admit it, rebel.

Me: I miss your dick

Me: But I miss you more

I squeeze my eyes shut, holding my phone to my chest. I wish he was here with me.

Tucker: You know I’d be there if I could.

Me: I know. I watched a video of you and the guys at camp online this morning. It felt good to see you where you’re happiest.

Tucker: You keeping track of me, Dais?

Me: Maybe… You still get that same look on your face when you’re focused, just like you did when you were eight.

Tucker: I do?

Me: You narrow your eyes and chew on your bottom lip. It’s cute.

Tucker: As long as it’s cute. Oh, and you’re wrong btw.

Me: Wrong about what?

Tucker: You are what makes me the happiest.

Me: Cheeseball… but you made me smile.

Tucker: Your cheeseball. I love you. Now I’m gonna go take nudes and send them to you later.

I’m smiling like a lunatic in a coffee press store. People are going to think I’m crazy.

THIRTY

SHE’S YOUR END GAME

Tucker

“Collins.” Holden snaps a finger in front of my face.

I rip my attention from my screen and the photo Daisy sent me a few days ago. “What do you want?”

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