Page 63 of A Curvy Girl’s Hurricane Survival Guide

Sonny swallows. “Yes, of course.” He puts his phone on the side table. I walk over, and he reaches for me, pulling me into bed next to him.

“I just want to say that you in this hoodie just unlocked a whole new level of hotness,” Sonny says. His hand smooths the edge of the hoodie that barely makes it over my hips.

“I think the hoodie is doing a lot of the heavy lifting,” I say playfully.

“Why did you put it on?” he asks, his fingers playing at the hem.

I consider this for a moment. I have mostly done it out of habit. “I’m not super comfortable walking around just naked.”

Sonny nods. “I want you to be comfortable, and if covering up makes you feel better, do it. Just know that I find every inch of you absolutely perfect.” His hand rubs my thigh and circles around to grab my ass. “Hoodie or no hoodie. Naked or dressed. I don’t want you to feel like you have to hide yourself with me.”

I kiss him. It’s slow and sweet. I’m not sure I even recognize how long I’ve wanted to hear those words. The little gremlin inside of me poofs out of existence.

Sonny pulls me against his chest, wrapping me in his arms and pulling a blanket up to cover my bare legs. I curl into him, my head resting on his shoulder.

“You know,” I say softly, tracing lazy circles on his chest, “I played Silent Knights with Rey while we were planning the grand gesture.”

Sonny goes still. “You did?”

I nod, a little embarrassed. “I didn’t want to show up to the con without at least trying to understand what you do. I thought it would be all explosions and violence… but it wasn’t. I got completely sucked in. I played as Alice and cried during that side quest with the German soldier and the girl he loved.”

I let out a self-conscious laugh. “Full-on ugly crying. Rey even noticed, so I’m sure I have years of getting roasted coming my way.”

Sonny is quiet for a moment. Then he tilts my chin up, so I have to look at him. His eyes are soft, almost awed.

“You cried over one of my side quests?”

“Don’t make it weird,” I mumble, hiding my face in his neck.

“I’m not,” he says, voice warm with affection. “That’s… probably the best thing anyone’s ever told me.” He kisses the top of my head. “You have no idea how much that means.”

I have forgotten about the condoms I had brought from the bathroom. I thought we’d be using them right away. But the wave of exhaustion from the whirlwind of the last week or so catches up with me.

In the cozy, safe cocoon of Sonny’s arms, I fall into the most peaceful sleep I have had in years. I feel safe and happy, and I dream of a night after a storm, with a sky full of Cocuyos.

I wake up completely disoriented. It was the kind of deep, peaceful sleep that makes you forget where you are. It takes me a moment to remember the events of last night.

Then the bed feels too empty.

A small spike of panic hits me until I notice the note on the nightstand, propped against my phone.

Cai,

Sorry, had to duck out early, work stuff. You looked so peaceful; I couldn’t bring myself to wake you. Plus, I was worried that if you were up, I’d never be able to leave. There’s food in the fridge, and fresh towels in the bathroom. Make yourself as at home as I felt at your parents’ home during the hurricane. I know you just got back and may have things to do, but I am not good at playing it cool. I want to take you out tonight. I have something being sent for you to wear. I’ll be by to get you around 6. I hope that’s not too presumptuous. -Sonny

PS Don’t try to guess! Enjoy the surprise.

His number is scribbled across the bottom of the page too.

I read the note twice, grinning like an idiot. Then I read it a third time just because I can. The mix of sweet and confident, the little jive about what it would have been like if he were to have awakened me, the way he remembers how at home he felt with my family—it all makes my chest feel too full.

I flop back onto the pillows, clutching the note to my chest.

Tonight.

He wants to take me out. Properly.

For the first time in a long time, I’m not running toward the wrong person or hiding from my mess. I am running toward something that feels right.