Page 46 of The Now in Forever
“Why not?” I turn my body to face him. “It’s warm and you’re so cozy.”
He laughs. “I don’t think anyone has ever said that about me,ever. You can sleep if you want. I just thought you had work today?”
My whole body slumps under the truth of his statement. “I do. I have to open, since somebody had to go and yell at a customer.”
“I wasn’t yelling at the customer. I just got a little carried away. It’sKafka on the Shore.”
It occurs to me that it would’ve been his last day either way. Since he’s leaving. I lay my head on his chest and listen to the thump, thump, thump of his heartbeat. “I don’t want this night to end.”
He runs a hand through my hair. “It already has.”
Panic snatches my breath, and I look into his green eyes.
“I just mean it’s already morning.”
My stomach clenches as if preparing for a blow. Needy is theabsolute last thing I want him to think about me. I don’t want to be the one to ask if we’re going to see each other again. But the question hangs in the air between us.
We get dressed and trudge back down the path, through the fancy neighborhood, to Robin’s house. I stop a couple of houses away. I don’t want Robin’s parents to see us if they’re already up and moving around the house.
A soft tug on my green streak brings me back to the moment. Ed’s hand brushes my cheek as it drops to his side. I smile, but I feel like crying. This can’t be goodbye.
Ed runs a hand over his shaved head. “Tonight—last night, I mean. It was the best night of my entire life.”
Joy bursts in my chest. “Same.”
“Do you think I can get your number?”
I picture myself, us, messaging back and forth. Me waiting for him to text—just like with Brandon. I’ve been down that road before, and it only leads to heartache.
“No.”
His smile falls from his face.
I put a hand on his arm, excitement bubbling in my chest. “It’s just, I have a better idea. You’re going to be so busy with your writing, and I’m getting ready for college. What if we plan to meet? Just like in the movie. Are you busy in December?”
The smile is back on his face as he shakes his head.“The residency is over in early December.”
“I could visit my grandma for Christmas break.”
Ed’s eyes brighten. He wraps me in his arms. “Let’s meet then.Before Sunrisestyle. When? Where?”
I get out my phone and pull up the school schedule I have saved. “My break starts December twentieth.”
Ed’s smile is so wide it reaches to the corners of the earth. “Six months from now. It’s perfect. Let’s meet on December twenty-first. Where?”
I’m nodding, equally elated and deflated. This feels like a brilliantidea and also so dumb. “Boulevard Park. Where we met tonight? Seven p.m.”
“It’s a date.”
It’s also the most romantic thing that has ever happened in my life.
Movement in Robin’s upstairs room draws my attention. The curtain is pulled back at the corner, and Robin’s angelic little face is peeking out, but I don’t think she can see us over here. “I should go.”
Ed leans down, putting his full lips to mine. I channel all my mixed emotions into this one passionate kiss. We pull apart and stare at each other for one last charged beat. Then Ed lets me go. My body misses his hands already.
“See you in December.”
“See you then.”
