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That look alone could power entire cities.
I check my reflection, smooth down my blue dress with the cap sleeves that hugs my body (and floats away from it) just right. I found it in a vintage shop with Mom a few months back and have been waiting for the right occasion to wear it.
After a final spin in the mirror, I grab my purse, slip into my wedge sandals, say bye to Mom and Dad, and launch out the door. It’s a gorgeous summer evening, and the setting sun casts a golden hue across our neighborhood. Birds sing in the trees, and the smell of smokey barbecue makes my stomach grumble. There’s a mugginess in the air that means rain is coming, but for now, everything’s perfect.
I practically skip to Ethan’s grandparents’ house, bursting with excitement. When I get there, Pops is in the driveway, wiping down his blue pickup.
“Hey, Pops!” I call.
He does a double take. Laughs this rumbly, booming laugh that reminds me of Ethan’s. “Hello, my girl! And my, don’t you look stunning this evening.”
He takes my hand and gives me a twirl as a blush rises up my neck. It matters to me what Ethan’s grandparents think of me, not only because I’m dating their grandson, but because they’ve been around for most of my childhood, too. “Thank you. Is Ethan here?”
“He’ll be out in a minute, just grabbing a couple odds and ends.” Pops smiles, his blue eyes dancing. “You excited for this evening?”
“I guess so… Ethan hasn’t told me much about what we’re doing.”
“I can understand why he wouldn’t want to talk about it. Our Ethan does have a hard time keeping secrets from you.”
I smirk, leaning in closer. “What kinds of secrets, Pops?”
He booms with laughter. “I’m not going to spoil the fun, my girl! But prepare yourself for what’s to come. All good things, of course; Ethan would never want to see you unhappy. He’d do anything for you.”
I smile, the heat taking over my cheeks. “I’d do anything for him, too.”
“You’re here!” The warm voice wraps around me like a blanket, and seconds later, Ethan’s strong arms follow.
I turn to loop my hands behind his neck. “I’m here.”
He bends to kiss me. “I missed you.”
“You saw me, what, three hours ago?”
“Who’s counting?” He winks, then steps towards the truck and opens the passenger door for me. “Ready to go?”
I look at Ethan’s sweet, smiling face, and then glance at Pops, who’s absolutely beaming next to the truck. All at once, I know that I’m all in. No matter what happens after senior year or the next year or any year after that, I want to and will fight for this relationship. My story with Ethan isn’t even just a page in a book, he’s the whole freaking book.
My eyes lock on his. “I’m ready.”
23
Ethan
Wow.
That is the only word that comes to mind when I see Val coming out of her room. It’s not eloquent or original, I know. But I’ve never had my brain fall out of my head quite like it does when I see her.
And for today, she’s all mine.
“Hey, you,” I say softly when she approaches, not caring how intimate it sounds.
“Hey, yourself.” She tucks her hair behind her ears shyly. It’s down for the first time all trip, her curls hanging loosely around her shoulders and framing her face. “You okay? Do I have sunscreen on my mouth again?”
I force myself to look away, to shake my head. But I’m feeling a bit brazen, so I say, “Nope. You just look… beautiful.”
She laughs and a flush spreads across her chest and up her neck. I love to see her like this. Her huge eyes are ringed with the slightest amount of makeup, but what draws me in is the sweet, clever sparkle in their depths. “So cheesy. You ready for the picnic?”
“Ready when you are. I’ve got everything in the car.”
