Page 106 of You Found Me
“You’re actually trying to kill me. Go sit your sweet ass down and wait quietly for me.” I watch as he runs his hand over his face, but even his massive hands can’t hide the grin underneath.
I don’t say anything, just smile and nod and sit down. Not too long after I sit, does he bring over a lovely serving tray he must have found, loaded with all of our breakfast goodies. I’m still watching him as he sets it down, enjoying the way his eyes dance with excitement. It’s cute—maybe a little odd. I mean who gets this worked up over waffles.
But then I look down at one of the plates and immediately realize why he was so giddy.
“It was aShrekwaffle maker?!”
“Yes! I was rifling through the cabinets to see what all they had and found this gem—plus the green food coloring,” he says with a huge smile, “and if you lift up those first couple of Shrek heads, you’ll find his yappy sidekick.”
“I’m sure the color of them will only make the Shrek waffle experience even better. And are you serious? It had different plates?”
His grin somehow manages to grow even wider. “It did. I know it’s probably goofy, but I couldn’t help myself.”
“It’s definitely goofy. However, I enjoy goofy when it’s you.”
I don’t miss the shy smile he tries to hide. “Perfect. Let’s dig in.”
After we finish eating and clean up, we move our stuffed Donkey and Shrek waffle bodies to the couch to chill out and find a movie to watch. And staying on theme, we choose to watch Shrek.
Apparently, we were both very into this franchise as kids—which I love. With every new and surprising tidbit I learn about Spencer, the harder it is to ignore my feelings. Being genuinely shocked we have so much in common is just an added perk.
And so far, I have not found a single reason to think a future with him won’t work out. The thought both terrifies and excites me.
Shrekis a movie I could quote word for word. It’s a useless talent, but it’s fun. Remembering how Spencer didn’t mind when I said lines at the drive-in, I allow myself to do it this time. There’s still that small pit in my stomach that tends to form when thinking of how Chance reacted and treated me.
But when Spencer starts to imitate one of my favorite scenes, the relief I feel is crazy. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal to me, yet, it is. I jump in as his scene partner, and we continue reciting the movie in unison until it’s over.
“Hey Spence?” I peek up at him from my spot on the couch. “Thank you for helping me feel like myself again.”
“Emmy, I’m glad you feel like yourself again, but I haven’t done anything.”
“You have though. In small ways and more. I’m starting to feel more like I did back when you first met me. Not completely as carefree as college me was . . . but more than I was before we started this.” I gesture between us.
“Well, I’m happy about that and I can see a change in you. I think it’s more to do with you being back here—choosing to go back to school, being with the people who love you and missed having you around.”
“I think if we hadn’t started this charade, I’d still be sulking in my room at the apartment and trying to come up with excuses to not go out with the group.” He tries to butt in, but I don’t let him. “Now, I’m not saying I wouldn’t have eventually gotten to this point on my own. But you definitely pushed it along.”
“I only wanted to see you smiling and happy because the version of you that I met in the diner was defeated. You had this glow about you at that party that was so bright it was impossible to look away from you, but it was nowhere to be found back in June.” He tenderly touches my cheek. “And I will do anything to make sure that glow never disappears again, Emmaline.”
Just when I think he can’t get any more perfect, he says something like that. And it triggers the memory of my minor meltdown at the anniversary party. I’d given up on the idea of finding a relationship resembling my parents’.
But with Spencer, it truly feels possible.
Chapter 32
Spencer
As the sun sets, covering the cabin in a golden glow, we agree that we’ve been bums for long enough, and get a jump on dinner.
This alone time with Emmy has been great. I mean I always have a good time with her, no matter what we’re doing, but getting away from it all and focusing only on us was needed.
She’s still had moments this weekend where she gets that frown and far away look in her eyes. Probably overthinking things she’s said or done, and I know she prefers to have her space when she needs to process. I still try to be there for her even as I watch her talk herself down from the spiral happening in her pretty head.
Since she refuses to touch raw meat, I’m cutting up the chicken we need for the Cajun Alfredo pasta while she starts on the salad and the bread. She actually gagged when I grabbed one of the breasts and I had to stop myself from laughing.
Instead I say, “You’ve seen people in varying states of harm, including bones protruding out of skin. Butthis,me touching raw chicken, is what gets you?”
“I can’t explain why but it grosses me out.”
