Page 31 of Anytime I Want

“You should put your arms up. That’s what my mom always says.” He raises his arms and tries to cough with his mouth shut. I jump up to grab him a glass of water right as Aunty Em walks in with a water bottle. Graham takes it gratefully and manages to stop coughing long enough to drink some water. We make eye contact, a look in his eyes that I can’t quite identify. Regret? Disappointment?

“Well, I’m gonna go,” I say, backing towards the door.

“Oh, I was just going to ask you to stay for dinner. It’s just soup.” Aunty Em shrugs apologetically.

“Thank you, but I need to get going. I have some things to do anyway.”

“Well, let me leave so you can say goodbye.” She sends Graham a quick wink, and he smiles unabashedly.

“Thanks, Ma.” Graham rubs his hands over his face and starts to get up, presumably to walk me to the door.

“No, don’t get up! It’s okay.”

“I need to get up to give you a hug. You think after that amazing date, I’m going to let you leave with a wave and a mumbled goodbye? Absolutely not.” We walk to the door together, Graham holding my hand. I don’t know when weturned into people who hold hands, but I don’t hate it. I actually love it. I love how small my hand feels compared to his, but somehow they still fit perfectly. Do everyone’s hands fit together perfectly, or is this a sign of something more?Be in the moment, Julia. Focus.

“Thanks for coming over and taking care of me,” Graham says sheepishly, but somehow he is still smirking.

“Of course. Any time you want to buy out a drugstore and then get sick, I’ll help you out.” I smile.

“Well, I am a bit of a lovesick fool, you know.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. My body betrays me, letting out a full body shiver. Graham smiles and wraps his arms around me.

“I want to kiss you. I’m going to kiss you. But not today. Stay tuned. It’s gonna be so good,” Graham whispers. I bury my face in his shoulder, killing two birds with one stone—hiding my huge grin and inhaling his scent.How does he smell so good when he’s sick? I give him another squeeze and pull away. I smile shyly, opening the door. Graham is watching me exactly like a lovesick fool would.

“Make sure you check off number eight. It wasn’t exactly what I was going for, but I’d really like to count it. I’m on your team, Graham.” I give him one last smile, watch his jaw slacken with my admission, and close the door before I walk home, unable to shake my smile.

Chapter 18

Julia

When I get home from Graham’s house, I need to clear my mind. Spending that much time with him, like that especially, is making my brain foggy. But in the best way. I change my clothes and grab my running shoes. As I leave the house, I think about Mabel. She had texted me the day after I met her, reminding me to come back and sign up for the variety show. I ignored it. I didn’t know what else to do. I don’t know her at all, but I can tell she has a strong personality, and I hate saying no when I don’t have to. Technically, I don’t have to say no here. I could do it; it’sjust hard. I fiddle with my phone while I am walking down the block, warming up for a minute. I pull up the text thread.

Mabel

Hello, dearie. It’s Mabel Campos, your fake grandmother. I’d love for you to come sign up for the variety show. Everyone would be so jealous of how talented my kin is!

Hello? Is this the right number? Julia Pritchett?

I let the cursor blink for a few seconds before responding.

Julia

Hi, Miss Mabel! Or should I say Grandma? ;) Sorry I didn’t respond before. I am just going out for a run right now. Maybe I could come see you?

Mabel

Will you sing for me?

Julia

Uhm, maybe?

Mabel

I’ll be at the playground. Hurry, please. These old bones don’t like to be kept waiting.

I smile to myself before turning on some music and take off running. I skip the laps inside the community to hurry for Mabel. When I get to the playground, she’s sitting on the end of the slide. Her face lights up when she sees me.

“Julia! It’s lovely to see you again.” I sit on the ground next to her, taking the opportunity to stretch.

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