Page 103 of Forever Love

I smile at that and look back at Aaron—who is now looking at us. When Rae’s eyes meet his, he smiles brightly and gives her a wink before looking back toward Caity. His smile doesn’t disappear, but it gets smaller.

I lean in toward Rae and whisper, “And don’t even try to tell me he looks at anyone else the way he just looked at you. His smile, too. It practically disappeared the second he looked away from you. You’re the girl that matters to him, Rae, even if he is too stupid to see it.”

“Twist the knife, Nick,” she says quietly.

“I’m not trying to hurt you. I just don’t want you to give up on it. Be patient. Have faith.”

“Is that what you’re doing? Trev told me.”

I inhale deeply. “Yeah. It is. And I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s been a shitty few weeks, but I believe in Leigh and in our future. I’m crazy in love with her, so I’m going to keep fighting.”

She nods slowly. “She’s your first love. But do you think first love can last? It didn’t work out for Maia and Braden.”

“You know what Maia told me about that?”

“Hm?”

“That it being first love doesn’t matter as long as it’s real love. It wasn’t real love with her and Brade.”

“But it is with Vince.”

“Oh yeah.”

“And you and Leigh?”

I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I believe we are, and that we can make it through this.”

She smiles and bumps her shoulder against mine. “I think you will.”

“I hope so. I rented an apartment for us.”

Her mouth slides open. “Seriously?”

“Yep.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, now I just need to decorate it. I want it to be nice for her.” I glance at Rae and smile. “Any chance you want to help me? Might take your mind off that.” I nod toward Aaron and Caity.

She shrugs. “Sure. I’m done babysitting around six. We can do some shopping.”

“Sounds good.” We look up to see Aaron waving her over. “I’ll see ya later, then.”

“Text me where to meet you, okay?”

“Will do.” She gets up and starts walking. “And Rae?”

She turns back to me, smiling this time. “Yeah?”

“For what it’s worth, I don’t think you guys are just first loves. I think you’re real loves. Forever loves. The kind that are always fighting for each other and never give up, no matter what happens. You’ll get there.”

“Thanks. Later, Nick.”

I give her a nod, and she walks over to Aaron, giving him the kind of hug that seems inappropriate given that he’s standing next to his girlfriend. I shake my head at that. They’ve got some things to figure out.

So does Leigh. My mind drifts back to her for the millionth time today. Or maybe I never really stop thinking about her. Part of me wants to go back to the farmhouse and beg her to talk to me. But I know that’s not what she needs. For now, my daily call and text will have to suffice. Hopefully, one of these days, instead of ignoring them, she’ll answer.

---