Page 46 of A Beginner's Guide to Forever
We take a seat on a set of chairs that have been strategically placed to appreciate the view.
“So.” She smiles at me.
“So.” I hesitate, looking out at the water. Its resounding power reminds me how very small we are. Or maybe it’s just me feeling out of place. “It’s beautiful here.”
She nods. “We summer here every year. Have you ever been?”
The use ofsummeras a verb. How charming. “It’s my first time. I’ve been to Nantucket, though, which is similar.”
She nods.
I’m curious about this girl, Vaughn. She’s very pretty in an understated sort of way. Chic shoulder-length haircut, slender build, a full mouth. Did she ever date Hart? Maybe shared a drunken kiss at aparty? Or is she really just a friend? But I’m too old to play the jealousy game, or at least that’s what I tell myself.
“How do you know Hart?” I ask.
She smiles, a wistful smile, and gazes out over the sea. “We met at thirteen. Our parents were friends. We used to sneak glasses of champagne at their parties and let our parents think it was ginger ale.”
“Are your parents still friends?”
She shakes her head. “They had a bit of a falling-out, but thankfully our friendship remained.”
I nod.
“I don’t know if it’s my place to say this.” She hesitates.
I take a large gulp of my prosecco, eyes on the ocean.
“But Hart has a rocky dating history. He was cheated on by his last girlfriend.”
“Sophia?” I ask.
She scrunches her nose. “No. Sophia was no one important. Her name is Mia. She broke his heart. And I don’t know what this is between you two, but ... just be careful with him, okay?”
I don’t know what this is between us either—but maybe that’s why Hart proposed this whole thing to begin with. He wasn’t in the right place to pursue anything normal or healthy for him. Maybe I felt like a safe space—someone who wouldn’t break his heart. It makes sense, but it also stings.
“How long ago was this?”
“A while. More than six months. But she did a number on him. He deserves some fun after that. He really is one of the good ones.”
I nod, fingers curled around my glass.Fun.It’s almost a foreign concept. I’ve been so focused on finding a husband, someone who checked all my boxes, that I almost forgot that people dated, hooked up just for fun. Just for the thrill of it, with no plan or expectation or ulterior motives.
Footsteps make us both turn.
It’s Hart. He’s striding over to us in a slight jog. “Of course I find you here. It’s one of my favorite spots.”
When he stops beside me and leans over to kiss my cheek, Vaughn rises to her feet.
“You okay, V?” Hart asks.
“Yes. I need to go find something to eat. The prosecco has gone to my head. You two have fun, and I’ll see you inside.”
“It was nice to meet you, Vaughn. Thanks for the drink.” I raise my glass.
“You bet.” She winks at me and then sets off.
Hart sinks into the chair beside me.
“Hi.” I grin.
