Page 60 of Body Shot

“If he is, he’ll be willing to wait for me to get my shit together.”

“I want to spend as much time as I can with Anders.”

“Then do it. Don’t worry about me. I have my brother and Sloane, and Aiden, and lots of things to keep me busy. It’s only a few more days.”

“But this is supposed to beourtrip.”

“It still is. We can meet up for lunch or breakfast or dinner. You can invite Anders to join us at Johan and Sloane’s place tomorrow night, and we’ll all be together. They’re turning it into more of a party anyway, some kind of unofficial housewarming, so it’s all good. Besides, besties don’t make each other feel bad. You should know me better than that.”

I nod.

She really is the best.

“I do, but I thought it warranted a conversation.”

“You’re always overthinking, girlfriend. You know I wouldn’t want you to miss out on time with someone like Anders.”

We talk for a little while longer, but then she curls up in bed to read and I pull out my phone to text Anders.

CLAUDIA: We’re good for a sleepover tomorrow night.

ANDERS: Yeah? This is great news!

CLAUDIA: You’re also invited to dinner at Johan’s tomorrow night. This is something that’s been planned all along, and I don’t want to miss it, but I’d love it if you came with me.

ANDERS: Of course. It sounds like fun.

CLAUDIA: It was supposed to be just family, but I think it’s going to be more of a mini housewarming party now. So we can have dinner, hang out a while, and then make a break for it.

ANDERS: I like the way you think. Did you make sure everything is good with Hana?

CLAUDIA: Yeah, she’s pretty chill about this kind of thing. Especially since I never do anything like this.

ANDERS: Like what?

CLAUDIA: Date. It’s been years since I went out with anyone.

ANDERS: Well, their loss is my gain, I guess. What time should I pick you up tomorrow?

CLAUDIA: Party starts at six thirty, so around six?

ANDERS: Sounds good. And make sure you bring an overnight bag, if you want to sleep over.

CLAUDIA: I do and I will.

We say good night, and I put my phone in the cordless charger on the nightstand.

I’m going to sleep at Anders’ house tomorrow night.

And in my head, there’s an unspoken expectation that we’re going to push some boundaries in the bedroom.

Not because he’ll force the issue, but because I really, really want to.

I’m still nervous, but less so after everything we’ve done since we met.

I simply have to find a way to let go of the past enough to live in the present.

With Anders.

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