Page 32 of Bless My Body

she is looking for Celine in the bathroom.

Celine instantly pulls away from me, her eyes wide. She whispers, “Oh my God.”

I trace my thumb on her bottom lip. “Just think about it, ok?”

She nods, and I move my arm so she can leave.

She looks at me from over her shoulder, and I take in her flushed cheeks and swollen lips. She

turns to greet Stella. “Hey, I’m right here. I just needed a minute.”

“You ok?” I hear Stella ask.

“Yeah, yeah. All good.” And then, since I can’t see them from behind the wall, I assume the two

girls walk off together.

I put my forehead on the wall. I hope I didn’t ruin our entire friendship by kissing her. As much as

I want to stay close to Celine, I can’t keep pretending that I don’t want to be with her as more than a

friend. I had to shoot my shot.

I have a feeling she’s always known that I have feelings for her, but she keeps pushing them away.

Pretending like I don’t. Now there’s no question about my feelings.

I hope she takes me up on my offer. I probably didn’t think about the consequences enough before

I threw out the idea, but it’s too late now. Even if she does want to stop after thirty days, at least I can

say I tried.

I’ve wanted her for four years now.

Four years of hearing about her partying, hooking up with other guys, and living the college life. I

sat back patiently, waiting for my chance. Waiting for her to get it all out of her system so she would

be ready to take a chance with me.

I stand back from the wall and run my hands down my face. I guess I have to get back out there.

I walk around the corner and back to the main hall of the venue. My eyes immediately look for

Celine. She’s hard to miss with that bright red hair and larger-than-life personality. She’s with Stella

and Ozzy, and I watch her throw her head back in laughter at something someone said.

Instead of walking towards them, I head to the bar and order a shot with a beer to follow.

This is where I stay for the remainder of the night. Just watching from the sidelines. I don’t know

if it’s seeing Celine again for the first time in a while or being at a wedding where everything is all

about love and happily ever afters, but it makes me want more. I’ve always wanted Celine, and I’m

never going to be able to move on unless I feel like I’ve tried my hardest.