Page 119 of Faking Forever 1
She reaches out an arm to possibly push me or maybe even punch my arm, but just in time, I grab her hand, pulling her closer to me.
“Happy birthday, baby girl,” I say, kissing her tanned forehead.
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I was lucky enough to have the part of the water we sat on as calm as possible. I was nervous about picking any body of water, but I still wanted to give her a view wherever we sat. It was dusk enough that the string lights came on, and instantly, she was enamored with the entire thing. I drove the boat out far enough to where we didn’t need to worry or even consider someone bothering us. Just peace and quiet, plus the both of us, with the cabin cruiser parked right under the sunset.
I set our basket of hours d’oeuvres in the back, on the mini sofa, and joined Paisley to sit with her there once we weren’t moving anymore. It took her no time to kick her skinny white heels off her feet and help herself to the imported wines I had picked up for us. I almost didn’t want to interrupt her because I knew these were some of her last moments at home before leaving everything she loved—once again. I know it pains her.
She pretends it’s okay because she’s doing what she loves. I pretend, too, as if the idea doesn’t induce some depression within me. Ignoring the big elephant in the room is easier than acknowledging it. When you do, it just stomps all over you.
“I poured you a glass, too.” She holds it up for me, watching me slither out of the sliding door to get to her.
“A big glass, I see. You plotting on getting me drunk?” I exasperate a chuckle, taking it off her hands as I measure the liquid with my eyes. It was almost to the brim. I set it down beside me.
She rolls her eyes, batting her long lashes at me, “Don’t worry, mine would’ve been too, but it was tasting too good on the way here.” she says, taking a sip after delivering that statement.
Her blush-colored lipstick stained the glass each time she 288
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applied it to her lips, but the pigment had ceased disappearing.
“What’s in the basket?” she pokes at it, giving me doe eyes.
“Something youmisseddearly. It goes with the wine.” I remove the blanket from the top, then flop open the top flaps of the basket, letting her look inside.
A sharp gasp flies out of her mouth while she hovers over the basket, tucking her hair behind her ears.
“Authentic Italian appetizers?” her lips spread wide with a smile as her eyes returned to looking at me, “No way.” she lights up more, setting her wine down.
“I thought it would be more creative than dinner,” I add to her question, nodding as I pick at the buttons on my shirt.
“And you dressed so nice, and the lights, and—Josh, you’re too good to me.” her voice wavers into an unsure tone.
“I disagree. You deserve everything and then some.” the skin on my face tightens as I wrinkle up my eyebrows.
Effortlessly, she sits up on her knees, lovingly grabbing my face with secure hands, pulling me to her level, and placing the sweetest kiss on my lips. We stay there, and my eyes fall shut,soaking in the taste of raspberries from her lipstick. I wanted more and more the longer she let her lips hang onto mine.
She pulls away, leaving me no time to prepare. “You’re everything to me. I wish I could take you to London with me.
I’d stuff you in my suitcase if I could.” she whispers, rubbing my chest with her hand until it falls back to her lap.
“I don’t even want to think about it,” I say, looking in the basket.
I picked out sausage-stuffed fried olives, bread with fresh mozzarella and oil, and Emilian spinach and cheese pie.
“I know that you would prefer not to,” she watches me, 289
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tracing a finger along my watch and then grabbing my wrist.
We have to, though. In a few days, things are going to be different again.”
“That’s why I’m trying to find myownhobbies. Alone.” I crack a side smile, nudging her.
