Page 63 of A Slice of Love

“Help me. Be more specific.” I feel the sting of tears hit my eyes and I blink them back as fast as I can. “I don’t want to screw this up, Julian.”

I can hear him swallow. “Shit. Don’t cry, Frankenstein. I hate it when you do that. I’m sorry. I’m taking this seriously, I promise.”

“I am too, which is why it’s so damn scary.”

“You really like him, huh?”

“So much. I know I shouldn’t because of what happened before, but I can’t help it.”

“Can I be honest with you?” He doesn’t wait for me to answer. “Who gives a flying fuck about the past? You were kids. You did something dumb. It didn’t pan out the way you wanted it to. Get over it. You’re not the same person you were four years ago, and neither is he. Quit living in the past and start living in the now. You deserve it.”

I don’t even try to hide my tears.

He’s right. About all of it. We aren’t who we were before. Our lives have changed so much, and so have we. I can give him another chance and not beat myself up about it.

Maybe he’ll surprise me this time around.

He has already, with the cake, the notebook, and all the times he’s shown up over the last two weeks.

I just need to let go and enjoy whatever it is we’re doing.

“I do, so help me pick out what to wear.”

“Your dark wash shorts with the frayed hems. They make your ass look amazing. Pair it with your army green shirt with the lace on the top. It shows just enough cleavage without making you feel exposed, and it’ll give Jonas something to look forward to later. And before you ask, yes, wear your gray boat shoes. They’ll look just fine. I promise.”

“Thank you.” I blow out a breath. “You’re my hero.”

“I know, but just remember, you owe me.”

“I promise to bring extra donuts on Monday.”

“You’re gonna make me wait until Monday for donuts?” he cries. “After everything I’ve done for you?”

“Fine. I’ll let you buy me post-coitus breakfast tomorrow and rehash all the dirty details of tonight.”

“Wait…seriously?”

“No!”

“Boo, you non-whore!”

“Love you, Igor.”

“Love you too, Frankenstein.”

* * *

Julian was right.

These shortsdomake my ass look amazing.

“One fried Oreo for the lady.”

I wrinkle my nose at the treat Jonas insisted we try. “Do I have to?”

“Where’s your sense of adventure, Frank?”

I pat my pockets. “Shit. Must have left it at home.”

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