Page 33 of Why Not Now?

The hip hop song switches to the next.

“Maybe I don’t do that anymore.”

I grin at him and repeat the words he’d said to me when he’d correctly assumed I still scheduled every second of my life. “People change, Derek. They don’t change that much.”

The second song is one by Lorde that we used to listen to while he was driving. An image of him, younger, the window down, his elbow resting on the window-frame, superimposes over his current self, older, just as confident as he drives down the road, one hand lightly holding the steering wheel. I’m still watching as he uses that one hand to turn the wheel, guiding the car effortlessly into a parking lot and into a spot without ever needing his second hand. I shouldn’t be surprised at how hot his competence is, but by the time he kills the ignition, my panties are damp and I’m ready to tell him he can take me here in the front seat of his car if he wants.

“So?”

I swallow, wondering if he’s guessed my thoughts. But he’s talking about where we are. I blink out of my lust-fueled thoughts and note we’re at VanDusen Gardens. I’m honestly shocked he’s found a parking spot, but he’s always been lucky.

He gets out of the car and comes around to my side, turning his cap around to shield his face from the light rain before opening the door for me. “Come on.”

“Isn’t the Festival of Lights like thirty dollars?”

“Not quite. Let’s go.”

I still don’t get out. “Derek. I told you nothing too expensive. Two tickets fornot quitethirty dollars isnot quitesixty.”

He sighs and crouches next to me, looking up at me from under the brim of his cap. “Ava. I can afford one slightly more expensive outing. I promise the rest aren’t.” He considers for a moment. “Well. One is more, but I got comp tickets to that, so it doesn’t count.”

“Comp tickets?” I ask, confused.

“Yes. My buddy’s wife has been on me to take some for a while now. I never got the chance before.”

“Why did she want to give you comp tickets?” I delay longer, debating between my desire to go in and not wanting him to spend his money. It’ll feel too much like a date.

“I got them some deals on their wedding this past summer. Now. I’ve already paid for this, so if you don’t come with me, it’ll be a waste.Andyou won’t get pictures of the lights.”

I purse my lips, and his gaze drops to them. “Fine. I’ll come. But I want it noted that I am not happy about you spending money on me.”

“Consider it noted.”

He holds out his hand and I take it, getting out of the car. He looks me over, frowning.

“Wait. Where’s your coat?” he asks.

“Um. I’m wearing it?” I zip it up and pull my hood on as though to prove my point.

“That’s not waterproof. You’re going to get soaked.”

I shrug. “It’s not a big deal. I don’t have another coat.”

“Ava. How can you not have a waterproof jacket in Vancouver?”

I roll my eyes. “It was a choice between coat or shoes. I chose shoes. It’s warm, at least.”

He shakes his head, moving to the back of his car. “That just means it won’t dry fast later. Here.” He pops the trunk and pulls out a bright blue shell jacket, shaking it out. He puts it on me over my coat, zipping it up so I’m completely covered.

“What is this?”

“The jacket I wear when I’m running. It’s clean. And waterproof.” He scowls. “Let’s go.”

I follow him to the admission gate. We’re through quickly and I come to a stop as I take in the lights for the first time. The riot of colour makes the breath catch in my chest and I pull out my camera to take a picture.

The lights, the laughter, the music. Everything combines, sending a shiver through me, the magic of the season filling me up as I capture the joy in the pictures. Couples and small groups of people mill around, smiling and laughing despite the cold, wet weather.

When I look up at Derek, he’s already watching me, a soft smile on his lips. “Worth the entry fee?”

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