Page 98 of The First Time
But almost isn't enough to stop me.
I pull off the bow and rise to my tip toes to stick it on Mal's forehead. He chuckles, grabs the bow, and sticks it to my back.
Ah, two can play this game.
But presents first.
I tear open the hot pink paper and rip through the white cardboard box underneath.
My hands hit a smooth fabric.
Nylon.
And canvas.
And plastic.
Huh?
I tear at the box one more time. Cardboard flutters to the tile floor and lands on top of heaps of pink paper.
The counter is still dotted with pink.
With a raspberry pink rolling duffel bag.
It's a suitcase.
Why did Mal get me a suitcase?
I shoot him a curious look.
"Violet helped me pick it out," he confesses.
"Because..."
He shrugs, playing aloof.
I play cool. "You bought me a suitcase because..."
"Good coffee, huh?" He pours himself half a cup and takes a sip.
I tap my toe in an attempt to play cool. It doesn't help. I tap the other.
I take a sip.
I take a gulp.
This reallyisgood coffee.
Mal smiles serenely. "Let's get dinner to celebrate the end of the school year."
"Tonight?"
"Friday. I'll make a reservation."
My eyes stay glued to the suitcase. Rolling duffel. Whatever. It's a gorgeous shade of raspberry and it has a million pockets. "When does Ethan get back?"
"Next week."
