Page 35 of Another Love, Another Time
“I’m sorry, too. I should have talked to you the next day, but I needed some space. I really never thought through this whole thing. Seeing you with another girl… I guess I thought I wouldn’t have to see or hear about it. It was… really hard.”
“If it’s anything compared to how I felt when I saw the picture of you and that guy tonight, I know how you feel.”
“Who, Liam? We’re just friends. After tonight, we realized there aren’t any romantic feelings there.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. “Did you kiss him tonight?”
“Yeah, but we both said there wasn’t anything there.”
“I’m mad and happy at the same time. I hate the thought of your lips on anyone’s other than mine.”
She scoffs. “How do you think I felt the whole night, having a front row seat to it?”
“I’m sorry, River. I know this sounds stupid right now, but I wanted to show you how good of a boyfriend I could be. This is such a mess.”
“I know we talked about it, but it’s a lot more difficult to live it versus it being hypothetical, huh?”
“Yeah.” I rub the back of my neck. “All I ask is for patience. I’m trying to do what you ask me, but I’m going to make mistakes—just hopefully never the same mistakes twice. Still best friends?”
She beams, a real smile this time. “Yeah. Best friends. And just so you know, if you ever let one of your girlfriends talk to me like that again, not only will I punch her. I’ll kick you in the balls. Think about that before you let it happen again.” She gives me her evil grin.
“Got it,” I say as I put my hands over my private area in a protective stance.
She sees the movement and falls forward, laughing, and I join her.
I’m so glad to have my best friend back.
Chapter 9
Auggie, age 16
I took my driving test today and passed! River and her mom are currently on their way here. I wanted to drive down to see River, but I don’t think my parents are ready for me to drive that far. My dad passed his old truck down to me. They don’t feel confident that it would make it to her house. River had talked her mom into driving up instead this weekend, so I could drive her around just like I always promised I would.
One of my friends is having a party tonight in honor of my birthday. He probably just wanted an excuse to have a party. River has never been to any of the parties here. She’s met some of my friends, so she should be able to have a good time. Her mom and dad said it was okay for her to go out with me. They trust that I won’t let anything happen to her. I promised I wouldn’t leave her side for a second.
I text River to see how far away they are.
River: About an hour away
As soon as I got my license today, I sent a picture of it to River.
River: No fair. I have to wait a couple more months. Proud of you, Aug!
River: Can’t wait to see you!
My parents are taking the family out to dinner. We’re just waiting for Aunt Ashley and River to arrive. We’re going to one of those hibachi grills where they cook the food right in frontof you and throw eggs at your face. It’s River’s and my favorite place to eat. I’m about to jump in the shower to get ready when I get another text.
River: Are your parents going to let you drive us over to the restaurant?
Auggie: Yeah, we can leave from there for the party. Or do you need time to get ready?
River: You know I don’t care. We can just leave after. I’ll get ready in the car right now.
Auggie: Hopping in the shower, see ya when u get here
I finish getting ready just in time for River and Aunt Ashley’s arrival. Aunt Ashley hops in the van with my mom and dad, and River and I get in my truck to leave for the restaurant. We let them go ahead.
When River gets in, she hands me my birthday presents: a T-shirt that says, “Caution: new driver,” a Captain America keychain, and some new sunglasses. She calls it my “driver’s kit.” She also got me a gift card to Walmart with “GAS MONEY” written on it.
