Page 99 of Here's to Tomorrow

“I see you’ve requested off three days for your birthday. Big plans?” he asks once there’s a lull.

A blush creeps up my face at his suggestion. “Hudson’s taking me somewhere.”

“Oh yeah? Where to? Vegas? ’Cause you two need to make that shit legal real quick. I ain’t ever seen two people better suited, and I’ve only been around you two a few times.”

I laugh his comment off, ignoring the way my heart flutters. “Nah. We’re waiting for our six-month anniversary for that one.”

He nods. “Good plan.”

Clearing my throat, I tell him, “It’s the beach, Benny. Hudson’s taking me to the beach.”

The bear of a bartender stops midstride, almost dropping the glass he’s holding.

“Shit, Rae. Are you… I mean… Wow.” He whistles. “Are you sure?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

“You…you sure that’s a good idea? I mean…the date, the place. Will you be okay?”

I love that Benny is concerned for me. It warms my heart to know he cares so much, but I need to grow up, face my fears.

“I’m scared shitless,” I say on a sigh. “But…I have to do it. I mean Ireallyhave to. I just have this feeling this is going to be something big for me. I have see what that is, you know?”

“I get it, but hell, kid…I worry. Only if you’re sure you’ll be okay.”

“I really don’t know if I will be, but I promise to be extra careful. Deal?”

We shake on it and Benny pulls me into a brief hug. “You’re brave, kiddo. I admire that. It’s gonna be fine, I’m sure of it.”

That makes one of us.

---