The last thirty-sixhours with Hayden had been perfect. I even enjoyed the hockey game, especially when his friend, Emmett Cooper, made his 300thgoal.
Watching Hayden in his element, snapping photos at record speed, was impressive. Since finding out he worked atThe Hub, I’d spent some time online looking at his work. He was an excellent photographer and getting to learn from him, especially during our after hours lectures, had me looking forward to when I could share my own stories through photojournalism. Of course, I’d hoped to cover bands and concerts, not sports teams.
Unfortunately, all good things came to an end, and the closer we got to my parents’ house, the more I wanted to jump on the plane back to Massachusetts with him.
“I wish you didn’t have to leave,” I admitted as we drove along the coast.
He lifted my hand he was holding and kissed my knuckles. “Me either. Being away from you the last few days was harder than I expected.”
The wistfulness in his voice echoed how I’d felt since I arrived in San Diego. If we were both struggling after such a short time, how would we ever be able to maintain a long-distance relationship after graduation without feeling utterly miserable?
“Yeah, but I’ll be home in a few days.” I’d never referred to Massachusetts as home before, but it was beginning to feel that way since the man who was quickly working his way into my heart lived there.
“About that … I don’t think I’ll be able to pick you up from the airport,” he advised as he turned onto my street. “With Jack out on paternity leave, me and my other sports photographer need to cover his games.”
Before I’d left for San Diego, he’d mentioned getting one of his coworkers to take the Celtics game on Saturday, but I understood he had work commitments he couldn’t get out of. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find a ride.”
“Could you come over after the game? I know you’ll be tired and all, but I’d really like to see you when you get back.”
A smile spread across my face. “Call me when you’re done and I’ll come over.”
Before I was ready, I saw the house come into view and pointed to the sprawling beachfront property. The outdoor lights were on, making it stand out against the night sky. “That’s me.”
“This is where you grew up?” Hayden asked, driving slowly past my place so he could park out of view.
“We moved here when my dad and Chase decided to live together.”
“It’s beautiful. No wonder you want to move back home.”
“Uh … yeah,” I sighed. “I still haven’t found an internship, so we’ll see.” The truth was, I hadn’t applied for that many yet. At first, I had chalked it up to being busy, but now I wondered if I was hesitating because I didn’t want to leave Hayden behind. Maybe I needed to widen my search to places on the East Coast as well.
We sat in silence for a few moments, and I wondered if he was having trouble saying goodbye like me. Finally, I spoke up, “I guess I should let you go if you’re going to make your flight.” He still had another thirty-minute drive to the airport.
“Yeah. I’m really glad you could come with me last night.”
“Me too.”
I leaned over the console and pressed my lips to his. Our tongues moved together in perfect rhythm, and he kissed me so passionately, a shiver ran down my spine.
When we broke apart, he rested his forehead against mine. “I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Saturday,” I repeated and slid out of the car.
With one last goodbye, I shut the door behind me and made my way back to the house before walking inside.
“Tyler, is that you?” Dad called from somewhere in the back of the house.
I headed that way and found him sitting at the dining table with Chase and Jamie. “Hey, guys,” I greeted. “J-Mom, I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.” Under any other circumstance, I would have hurried home to spend more time with her.
“Cammie left her phone at my place, so I brought it to her. Come sit down with us.”
“Let me go put my stuff away.” I lifted my bags. “And I’ll be right down.”
I ran upstairs and tossed my things into my room. When I joined them again, I gave Jamie a hug and took a seat next to her. “Did you guys move the table or something?” I asked when I noticed we were sitting closer to the window than usual.
“Your dads are being ridiculous.” Jamie chuckled. My dads each glared at her playfully before shifting their attention to the deck.
I glanced outside and saw a small group of kids, who all looked to be Cammie’s age, sitting around the fire pit. “What’s going on?”
