Page 29 of From Us, Forever

My eyes softened, taking him in. “I would like that although I must say I don’t really like this weather.” My eyes swept over the bright yellow sun, casting a glow on everyone’s face. People in NYC went a bit crazy whenever the sun came out. They acted as if they hadn’t seen it at all, which was entirely untrue, considering the brutal heat wave last summer.

“Don’t I know that?”

“Do you know where we’re going? I’m really craving the fish tacos they sell near the apartment.”

“Fish tacos it is.”

“I don’t think you can go there, though.” I frowned. “People are going to recognize you.”

“I’ll make sure they don’t. If my girl wants tacos, then we are getting tacos.”

I spend about five minutes laughing at Jay’s apparent disguise, holding the hood of his car. He looked like a clown.

“I’m glad you find this funny,” he said, walking in short strides to match my pace. He knew I couldn’t walk fast.

“But it is,” I spewed through my laughter, taking his hoodie drawn over his head, along with a baseball hat, his sunglasses, and a mask. He was right, though his disguise did work. People hardly even batted an eye as he walked with me.

“I didn’t think it was possible. Walking with you on the streets again—freely,” I commented, gripping his hand tightly.

“I advise we shouldn’t do it that often because I’m sweating my ass out here,” he grumbled.

Although I couldn’t really see his face, I knew he was sporting a grimace.

I stepped in front of him, walking backward as I smiled widely. “But you would do it for me.”

He nodded, slinging his arm around my neck. “Yes, I would. But you better behave because you look so adorable that I want to kiss the fuck out of you right now. You don’t want everyone to see me kissing you in the middle of Central Park, now do you, sweetheart?”

“No,” I mumbled, a blush scorching my skin as I quickly darted back to his side. “That’s the one right there.” I pointed at the food truck with a sizable line even though it wasn’t even lunch hour yet. “They have the best tacos in the city, not that I’ve tasted a lot. But I swear they’re amazing.”

“If you say so.”

“Why don’t you wait for me? I’ll go get us some.”

“No way.” He shook his head. “I don’t want you standing for long. I’ll go buy it for you.”

“Jay.” I held both his hands, which were wrapped around my waist. “I’m fine. I’ll go get it. If people were to recognize you in the line, then it’ll only create a ruckus.”

It took a moment before he sighed. “Fine, but here.” His hand swooped into his back pocket. He retrieved his wallet and pulled out a black card, handing it to me.

My fingernails dug into my palms as I loosened out of his hold. “Don’t embarrass me, Jay. It’s a five-dollar taco; I think I can afford it.”

And with that, I stepped away despite his protests.

About ten minutes later, I walked over to Jay, who stood under a huge tree.

Sweat glided off my forehead as I carried the steaming hot tacos.

“Let me,” he said, taking them away from me. “Let’s go find a good spot.”

I took him to the bench where I usually sat. It was in a pretty secluded area of the park, a last bench hidden by tall trees behind a small field filled with kids playing around.

“Thank fuck, I can finally get these off,” Jay cursed, taking off his mask and sunglasses. Beads of sweat were pooled on his face.

I chuckled as I opened my small purse and dug out a tissue for him.

“Thanks,” he mumbled, wiping it all away.

“Poor baby,” I whispered, cuddling closer to him. A soft breeze that carried through the air felt like a true blessing.

---