Page 66 of Win You Over
Holden’s hands find my chest and he applies pressure, forcing me to take a step back.
“You’re dangerous, Remington Langford.”
“Funny,” I chuckle. “I was thinking the same thing about you, Holden Booker.”
“We’re both going to be in the doghouse if we’re late. So, I’m going to leave you and let you get dressed.” Holden takes a step away from me, heading to the bedroom door, and disappearing from my sight.
I make quick work of throwing on the white shorts, matching shirt, and pink tie that my sister chose for me, then run a comb through my hair, which is blonder after nearly two weeks in the sun.
My phone beeps from somewhere in the room, and when I finally find it down the side of the bed, I open the messaging app and scroll through the messages I’ve been neglecting. I’ve been too locked in my Holden bubble to answer any of them, which, given how I’ve always craved the attention, isn’t like me at all.
But maybe it was never abouteveryoneliking me. Maybe it was about finding that one person who liked me unconditionally.
Our group chat is full of summer photos, memes and jokes. A few people ask how the wedding plans are going, and there’s a photo of two girls I know who are also here on the island. There’s a separate thread of messages from Finn; the most recent one came in about an hour ago.
Finn:I hope the wedding goes well today. I’m excited to have you back soon, bro. No more of this Holdennonsense, okay?I get why you took him with you. I know Nadine would never let it go knowing you lied, but the jig is nearly up. Miss you, bro.
My stomach rolls. How do I explain to him that this ‘Holden nonsense’ is far more serious than he realises?
My fingers hover over the keyboard before I type out a short message.
Me:Thanks, Finn. I miss you too. See you soon.
Truth be told, I do miss him. This is the longest we’ve ever been apart, and there is an element of guilt that it’s my fault. But at the same time, I can’t regret it. Can’t regret these past few days with Holden.
My hope, however naïve, is that when we get back, my friends will all see that I’m happy. That Holden makes me happy. And that will be enough. Finn loves me – the way a best friend does – he’ll want this for me.
I throw my phone on the bed, then finish getting ready before heading downstairs to where everyone is waiting.
Holden is standing side by side with my dad, both of them bent over my dad’s phone. I catch the tail end of the conversation when I sidle up to them.
“It’ll be delivered to the house next week. We can test it out if you’re free,” my dad says.
“What are you two up to?” I ask, wrapping my arms around Holden’s waist.
“I’ve ordered a new remote controlled car. There was an article about it in RC News Weekly rating it the number one model for beginners.”
“Dad,” I groan. “You’re so embarrassing.”
Holden slides his hand over mine, then clears his throat.
“I’m…” He pauses, and I know he’s trying to overcome the barriers that hold his words back, so I hold him tighter and give him the space he needs.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he finally says.
My dad pats him on the shoulder and then flicks me on the arm.
“Ow! What was that for?”
“Calling your old man embarrassing when you love racing cars with me. And see, your boyfriend is excited about it too, you little shit.”
Holden laughs. The sounds so fucking beautiful, I forget to breathe.
“Let’s go!” my mom yells, and we turn towards her. Like my sister, she looks stunning in a baby blue dress.
We all file outside, Nadine and my dad in the limo, with her bridesmaids and my mom, Holden and I in another smaller chauffeur-driven car. We sit side by side, his hand on my knee as we drive along the winding roads, headed to the hotel where my sister is about to marry the love of her life.
Chapter 25
