Page 73 of The Nicest Thing
"You don't know that."
"Yeah, but…if I never applied, I can always lie to myself and say that's why I didn't get in.But if I try and fail?What happens then?"
I waited until she met my eyes."You try again," I said.
"But—"
"But nothing, Rose."I captured her hand in mine and gave it a squeeze."If it's something you want, you go for it.Never let up.My parents taught me that.Getting rejected is a good thing.Means you're trying.Make them say no to you a hundred times.All you need is one yes."
Rose's lips tipped up."Where were you around midnight three nights ago?"
In bed, thinking of you.
Her eyes sparked, and I realized I actually said it.
Instead of calling me out, she cleared her throat."Anyway, you want to know the coolest part about these pictures?"
I nodded, entranced by her voice.
"My books have been to a lot of these places."
Rose's smile was awestruck, as if she still couldn't believe it.
But I could.
She was so talented.
"Even if I never get to go," she added, "it means everything knowing my books have been there."
"You're amazing," I breathed.
"What?" she said.
"You heard me."
Rose rolled her eyes."Seriously, where would you want to go?If you could travel?"
I shook my head."I'll go anywhere—as long as it's with you."
It was true.
Rose didn't understand or accept it yet.
But she would.
"That's a good line," she breathed.
I leaned forward, placing my hand against her cheek, and Rose swayed toward me.
"Finn?"
I stared into her eyes."I mean it."
Moving slowly, giving her time to pull away, I closed the distance between us.Rose didn't seem to realize she was leaning forward.She closed her eyes, and I stared at her mouth.Just as I was about to close the gap, get another taste of those lips that I'd missed…
…my sister's voice echoed into the room.
"Hey Rose!" she said."I'm home, and I have chips and salsa!"
