Page 70 of To Love the Stars too Fondly

I laughed. “You seem more like the noble knight type anyway.”

Her grin held bafflement. “I need to up my ‘dark and broody’ game. I have a reputation to uphold.”

I kissed Alex’s cheek, feeling the heat beneath it. “I won’t tell anyone. Just be sweet to me, and in exchange, your princess will never be in another castle.”

A beat. Alex chuckled. “You fucking nerd.”

I joined in her laughter as the cab pulled to a stop. Only then did I notice the helicopter.

“Holy shit.” I stumbled out of the cab before the driver had a chance to help, drunk off laughter and light. “Alex….”

She wrapped an arm around me. “Surprise.”

I held her hand as she escorted us forward.

The instructions were simple—wear the headset and keep your seatbelt on. And though I was scared shitless, Alex looked so self-assured. I followed her up the fold-out stairs and into the cabin, noting that we were the only passengers. My feet jittered; my hands too, as I buckled myself in. I gasped then giggled as the helicopter rose, forgetting my stomach back on earth.

My anticipation brewed, as well as my anxiety, but all that faded as we left the town beyond and flew into the vast Sycamore Canyon.

Past the canyon, past rivers, past mountains painted crimson by the desert’s magic, and all the while Alex held my hand in hers. My heart soared as high as the helicopter could fly, elated at the perfect scene before us.

But as I gazed upon the ocean of red rocks and splendid skies, Alex’s smile remained in my peripheral, the most beautiful sight by far.

Epilogue

Tuesday

The curse of taking time off for a whirlwind vacation was the dreamlike state of the memories once you returned. Sedona had been a fairytale, and so my brain had categorized it as such.

But my slight tan didn’t lie, and neither did the beautiful constellation necklace hidden under my work blouse.

“Iced mocha latte for Madi!”

Perhaps I was simply in a particularly glowing mood given I didn't often give second glances to customers, but Madi offered a notably pretty smile as she dropped her spare change into the tip jar. Liam handed me the next order. “Caramel latte for—” The name threw off my rhythm for a mere beat. “…for Clint!”

Not Cliff. Cliff had been arrested. I wasn’t the only stalking charge on his record, turned out. According to Alex, I wouldn’t be the only woman speaking against him at the trial.

As much as my stomach churned at the thought of returning to a courtroom, this was different. Last time, I hadn’t been able to save El. But at least this time, I’d been able to save myself.

I’d gotten lucky. Consequently, I’d signed up at Alex’s gym and hadn’t argued when Alex waved the fee. If I had to break a guy’s nose, I’d rather not break my hand with it next time.

“So, you ditched movie night,” Liam said, sliding over once the latte was gone. “Luckily for you, I get it. We’re going again this weekend. You coming?”

I bit my lip. “Can—”

“—Alex come? Yes,” Liam said with that shit-eating grin of his. “Does she even know what a dollar theater is?”

Before I could give a snarky response, Alex appeared, making her usual, confident strides through the door. I failed to bite back a grin, my heart skipping a beat when I matched her gaze. “Hey—”

Liam shoved his way between me and the register. “Welcome to Tortalgan Coffee Co,” he said. “I hear you have intentions for my friend.”

“I’d like to think they’re more than intentions,” Alex replied, as smug as ever. “We certainly acted on a few last night.”

“Good. Keep it up. Otherwise, I’m giving you decaf.”

Alex placed a hand on her chest in false offense. “Threat well-received.”

“One abomination drink, I presume.”