Page 98 of Third Time Lucky

I walk Lucy to her car. The city is quiet around us, as if holding its breath in anticipation of what’s to come. When we reach her door, she turns to face me.

‘Here we are,’ I say, stopping in front of her blue Honda.

Without saying a word, as if guided by an invisible force, her lips meet mine in a soft, tentative kiss. This is the first time she’s kissed me and wow, there’s that supernova again. I slide my hand around her neck and feel her lean into me, one hand on my chest, gripping my T-shirt. She deepens the kiss, and I don’t know why I didn’t let her lead before. Jesus. Mary. And Joseph. This girl is about to knock me off balance.

When we finally separate, her eyes shine wildly, probably matching my own, and a lovestruck smile sits on her face – probably exactly like mine. My God, have I ever loved someone like this?

31

ASHER

Last night was easily the best night of my life. I practically danced back to my car after Lucy left to music only I could hear. Without a doubt, I fell asleep with a smile on my face. I know because I woke up with one. The first thing I did after brushing my teeth was text her. Three words: good morning, gorgeous. But no big deal, just me totally ass over tea kettle, as my grandmother would say.

Even though letting go of what we had left of Kris was emotionally exhausting, I feel so much freer. He’ll never be forgotten, but I think it’s important to let him rest without me constantly calling upon him for invisible advice. He helped shape me into who I am and introduced me to a woman I’m completely smitten with, and for that, I’m in debt to him forever. One day, I’ll get to thank him in person (or via souls – whatever it may be).

Today, I’m home, still reeling over every second I’ve spent with her. My playlist while I cleaned the apartment was more pop songs than I’m used to, so they’ve convinced me to buy this woman flowers and pretty much everything her heart desires, so I’m now sitting on my couch, Swiffer propped against the arm, staring at my laptop balanced on my knees contemplating which of these bouquets I should order. Do I go as big as I feel? Or do I dial it back a hundred notches?

My phone blares next to me as I decide. When I answer, I put it on speaker so I can multitask.

‘Hey, sis,’ I say.

‘Ash! Long time no talk, little brother. How are you?’

‘I’m the best I’ve been in a very long time.’

‘Good to hear. What about Aaron, he still alive? I called but he didn’t answer.’

‘I would assume he’s hungover or got a girl in his room.’ I laugh. ‘But to answer your question, yep, he’s alive, annoying, and Aaron. Where are you now?’

‘Berlin, Germany.’

‘Wow. How is it?’ I ask, impressed.

My sister has probably traveled to more than sixty countries alone, documenting her travels on her popular Instagram account. When you grow up as poor as we did, sometimes you want to take life to the extreme when you finally can, and that’s precisely what Alyssa did. She’s thirty-five, single, and doesn’t even have an apartment in the States because she’s only ever here for a quick visit, then off again. Pretty sure the girl has never paid for a flight because she purchases everything she buys on credit cards that offer her flight miles.

‘Stunning,’ she breathes. ‘I’m standing in front of a massive apartment complex with a vibrant, floor-to-ceiling painting adorning its exterior. It immediately brought to mind your recent email.’

She contacted me right before my first ‘official’ date with Lucy, and I mentioned the mural we were painting on the restaurant wall. I sent her a photo when it was done, and she agreed it was perfect.

‘How’s that going?’ she asks curiously. ‘I’m guessing well by your previous statement?’

‘It’s going pretty damn well,’ I reply with a grin, unable to hide my happiness.

‘Ash,’ she says sternly, just like our mother would. ‘Are you in love?’

I chuckle, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at the thought of Lucy. She came into my life unexpectedly, like a whirlwind of color and light that chased away the shadows of my past. ‘I think I am,’ I confess, my voice soft with emotion. ‘Lucy is… she’s just incredible, Lyss. Kind, funny, smart, beautiful. I could go on for days. Not sure how it happens, but everything falls into place when I’m with her.’

Alyssa lets out a delighted squeal that nearly blasts my eardrum through the phone. ‘I knew it! I can hear it in your voice. Tell me everything!’

And so, I launch into how Lucy and I crossed paths again, how my connection was instantaneous, the way she makes me laugh, and how she looks at me as if I hung the moon. It’s easy to talk to my sister – she’s nicer than Aaron, and she’s always been my protector, advice giver and second mother, really.

‘It’s meant to be,’ she says.

‘Ya think?’

‘Kris’ ex – a girl you’ve helped through two self-destroying losses now – yeah. It’s as if your paths were intended to cross, destined by the stars since ancient times, and now’s your time to shine. I bet you’re soulmates.’

That sounds exactly like a woman who spends her days admiring history would say.

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