Page 88 of Keep My Heart
‘Yeah, I’m going with her and Tom. I’ll feel like a third wheel, but I guess it’s better than going alone.’
‘What if I went with you?’ I ask, my heart pounding as my thoughts race back and forth about whether this is a good idea. But now that I’ve thrown it out there, I can’t take it back.
‘Are you serious?’
‘I was thinking of flying back for it, but I don’t want to go alone. Maybe you could with me?’
‘Yes! Nick, I’d love to,’ she says, sounding out of breath. ‘When could you be here?’
‘I’ll try to get a flight out tomorrow night. Maybe we could get together before the reunion.’
‘Yes, definitely. When are you thinking?’
‘Saturday morning? I could take you to breakfast and we could go from there.’
‘That sounds great!’
‘I’ll check on flights and let you know when I’ll be there. I have to get back to work. I just wanted to let you know my news and that I’d coming out there. I’ll see you on Saturday.’
‘Wait. Nick?’
‘Yeah?’
‘What made you change your mind? About the reunion?’
‘Matt talked me into it. I couldn’t take him nagging me, so I finally gave in.’
‘Oh. Okay, well, I’m glad you’re coming. See you soon.’
Why the hell did I lie to her? Why couldn’t I just tell her the truth, that she’s the reason I’m flying back? Because it’d be leading her on, that’s why. I don’t want her thinking Saturday is a date, or that I’m coming back to continue where we left off.
Shit. Why did I do this? It’s going to be nearly impossible to be around her without holding her hand, touching her, kissing her.It’s all I’ve thought about all week. Being with her is only going to make me want to act on those thoughts, and I can’t.
As I look for flights on my laptop, I call up Matt.
‘Hey, buddy, what’s up?’
‘I made partner,’ I say, like it’s not a big deal.
‘No shit? That’s awesome! Congratulations!’
‘Yeah, it’s good, but I don’t think my workload will get any better. I’m stuck at the office tonight. I’ve been here every night since I got back.’
I find a flight that gets me to Wisconsin at eight tomorrow night. I get out my credit card to book it.
‘I’m glad I don’t have a job like that,’ Matt says. ‘At least you make a lot of money.’
‘Yeah. Hey, can you get me a ticket for the reunion?’
‘Wait—what? You’re going to the reunion?’
‘I’m flying there tomorrow night.’
‘What changed your mind? The hot girl you used to tutor in math?’ He laughs.
‘She might’ve factored into my decision.’ I sigh. ‘Matt, what the fuck am I doing? I can’t be with her, so why am I going to see her?’
‘Because you love her. And youcanbe with her. You just need to figure out how.’
