Page 61 of Unspoken Love

His mother squeezed her hand. “You’re doing amazing, sweetheart. I’ll go and get us something cold to drink.”

His mother got up and stepped behind the counter. His dad stood beside him, his hands shoved deep in his jean pockets, concern etched in his gaze. “You want me to go grab your truck? You know, get it closer to the door so you can bug out of here?”

Nate nodded. “Thanks, Dad. That’d help.” He handed him the keys. It’s parked⁠—”

“We parked right beside it,” his dad broke in. “I’ll pull it around back.” He motioned to the back doors.

As his dad ducked out the front door, his mother carried a glass of iced tea over and set it in front of Faye. “Here you go, sweetie.” His mother glanced at him with concern.

“Are you’re okay now?” he said softly after she took a few sips.

She nodded and leaned against his chest. She was still holding her head, but her breathing had steadied. “I’m sorry I panicked,” she said after a long pause. “It just hit all at once. The loudness of it all and my implant just…” She shook her head. “It was too much.”

He rested his chin lightly on top of her head. “You never have to apologize for anything. Not with us.”

“I’m going to leave you two alone. I’m glad you’re feeling a little better,” his mother said, squeezing his shoulder.

Faye was quiet until they were alone again. Then she spoke so softly, he almost missed it. “I heard you. What you said before. I did hear you.” He held his breath. “I wanted to say it back to you,” she whispered, “but I was scared and then…” She motioned to her implant.

He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. “I meant it. What I said. I don’t expect the words from you in return. I just needed you to know how I feel. How I’ve been feeling for a while now.”

Her eyes ran over his face, as she nodded. “I’m glad you told me.”

His dad walked in the back door and set his truck keys on the table. “It’s parked out back.” After making sure Faye was okay, he added, “I’ll lock up here. Why don’t you take her home?”

Nate started to pick Faye up, but she stopped him.

“I’m good to walk,” she said, steadying herself after she stood up.

He gave her a long look. “We’ll take it slow.”

They stepped out into the night together, the fireworks in the distance still crackling but far enough away now not to be a problem. Nate helped her into the truck, climbed into the driver’s seat, and slowly made his way out of town.

Outside of town, instead of pulling into the long driveway that took them to the lighthouse, he continued to the next turn and flipped the truck around at the top of the hill until they were facing Pride at a popular make-out spot everyone in town knew about.

Then he turned off the truck, and they sat in silence as they watched the rest of the fireworks. They were far enough away from town that each burst made nothing more than a low popping sound.

“What a perfect spot to watch.” She shifted closer to him and leaned her head against his chest as she laced her fingers through his. Tightly. “I may not be ready,” she said after a moment, her eyes glued to the firework display, “but I think I’m getting there.”

Nate smiled and felt his heart soar. “That’s all I need.”

When the grand finale was over and the town grew dark again, he leaned over and kissed her. “Feeling better?”

She nodded. “Tired and very embarrassed.”

“Embarrassed?”

She shrugged. “That wasn’t how I wanted your parents to find out about us.”

He chuckled. “Babe, they’ve known about us since the first time I kissed you.” He cupped her face. “I don’t hide things from my family.”

She groaned softly. “Have you told your sister?”

He nodded. “Haven’t you mentioned us to your brother?” She shook her head quickly. “Well, I’m pretty sure he knows since I doubt Juliette keeps anything from him.”

Faye closed her eyes. “Okay, I suppose I’ll have to officially tell him tomorrow in a text message.”

“What about your mom? Didn’t you tell her when you were in Portland?”