Page 87 of Hits Different

“That’s your worst mistake? What about the time you burned down—“

He elbows me gently. “Listen Carter, I might not say this enough, but you’re big hearted. Funny. People like being around you because you make them feel good. Your theories are bonkers in a hilarious kind of way and your coffee order should be studied by scientists. But if you think I didn’t think about you every single day when we were apart, you’re completely fucking crazy”.

There are so many reasons for Parker not to be with me.There are a million women out there that would fall at his feet. Give him a nice, uncomplicated and satisfying life. “Here was me thinking you were with me for my body”.

“An added bonus. Tell me that you hear me”.

“I hear you”.

“And that youbelieveme”.

“I believe you”.

“Before I forget”.Parker hops off the bed and retrieves a small package wrapped in tissue paper from his jacket. “You’d better unwrap this. Lower your expectations”, Parker looks embarrassed. “It’s a very early birthday present”.

It comes apart in my hands. It’s a toy trophy. I squint at the sticker plastered to the stand, in Parker’s handwriting. My heart swells. ‘Special Contribution to Entering without Breaking’.

I can’t speak. It’s the most personal present anyone’s ever given me. I can feel Di Rossi’s eyes on me.Do not cry. Do not. “I love it”, I say thickly.

“Full disclosure, I swiped it from the store room when I went looking for you. Might as well add petty theft to my list of crimes”. He pulls me into the kind of kiss where I feel like I’m falling off a cliff. When we break apart, he doesn’t let go, and for once, I don’t make him. “It’s midnight”.

“You’d better get going”, I say, forcing brightness into my tone. “Before Will and Archie wonder where you are”.

“You’re kidding, right? With a storm like that outside?” Parker kicks off his shoes, and pulls his shirt over his head. “Don’t just lie there, Carter. Budge over. I like the left side”.

An uncontrollable smile stretches across my face. “You’re sleeping over?”

“Obviously”. He flicks off the light and climbs into bed, pulling me close. “Where else would I be going?”

As he settles down, I slide my phone out of my sleeve, and slip a quick message to Millie:We both want what’s best for Parker. Talk to your friend.

I drape an arm around him as his chin finds a home between my neck and shoulder. His head is warm and heavy.

We lie together for a moment, his breathing slowly syncing with mine. My eyelids succumb to the heaviness, drifting to a close. I don’t know how long I’m asleep for, but when I wake up, it’s dark outside.

“Do you remember at the Rosebud”, Parker says tentatively, in the darkness, “When you said that I never got scared?”

I incline my head, as the next part comes out in a rush. “I do get scared sometimes. I was terrified today”.

A wave of guilt runs through me. “I need”, he says, with effort, “For you to not die on me. Ever. Because I wouldn’t recover. If you left me. If something happened to you. I’d never get over it”.

“I’m not going anywhere”, I emphasise every word, “If the apocalypse comes, all that’ll be left is you, me and ideally, some decent junk food and a soccer ball”.

He doesn’t laugh. “Promise?”

“Cross my heart”, I take his finger in my hand and trace it across my chest. “Hope to never die”.

He pulls me closer. Seconds pass.I’m almost asleep when he murmurs into my ear. “Did you know there’s a whole part of the city we haven’t explored yet? We should go. Tomorrow”.

“It’s a date”. I whisper back, dreamily.

“I thought you’d never ask”, he says, “Tomorrow, I’m taking my boyfriend out. On a date”.

Chapter 35

First Date

Parker

---