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He sets me down and smiles wide, looking between Aaron and me. “My last class of the day was canceled, and I figured what better way to spend my weekend than with you guys?”
Aaron smacks his shoulder and says, “Perfect timing. We’ve got things to celebrate tonight.” He gives me a conspiratorial look.
Trevor points between us. “Uh, are you guys…?”
We glance at each other. “No, but we both got some very good news today. Should I tell him?” I look up at Aaron, who nods. “Okay, I got an incredible paid internship doing exactly what I want to do in the future.”
“Damn, Rae, that’s awesome. Congrats.”
“Thanks. But Aaron’s news is better.”
Aaron tells him his news as Trevor gapes. And then smiles. He walks over and puts his hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “Fuck yes. You’re right. We do need to celebrate. But I’m thinking less alcohol and more food.”
“Agreed! Okay, I’m gonna go round up everyone else.” I twirl past Trevor and bounce out of the room. I’m in such a good mood.
I almost collide with Miles and Joel who raise their eyebrows at me. “What’s up?” Miles asks.
“Aaron has something to tell you all. So head back to your room. I’m going to get the girls!” I smack Miles on the butt, then skip down to my room. Thankfully, all the girls are inside. I drag them down to the boys’ room.
First, they’re all excited to see Trevor, then their attention turns to Aaron.
“Actually, I think you should go first.” He smiles at me, and everyone’s gaze turns to me.
“Oh. Right. I got the internship!”
Sarah grabs me and squeezes me tightly as everyone congratulates me. “I knew you would. You’re meant to do this, Rae baby. I love you.”
“Love you too,” I whisper. I let her go, then look back at Aaron. “Your turn.” I beam at him with pride. Yes, I wish I could be celebrating this with him as his girlfriend. And it’s still hard that we’re apart, but the last few days have highlighted how important holding onto our friendship is, so I’m channeling that right now.
“Right.” He looks around the group. His eyes lock on Miles, Joel, and Tommy, who just wandered in. A little smirk plays on his lips before he says, “What are you boys doing Monday at four?”
Tommy seems to know Aaron is playing a game, but since Miles and Joel are constantly stressed about Aaron, they’re uneasy. He’s loving it.
“Uh, I have practice,” Joel says quietly.
“Good. I’ll see you there. Oh, and you better not give me any bullshit, or I’ll have your ass in practice.” He grins at me as the boys gape at him.
“You’re playing?” Joel sputters.
Aaron’s arms fold over his chest. “Nope. I’mcoaching. So seriously, no bullshit at practice. Pretty sure I can make you run laps.”
Miles lets out a deep laugh and steps up to Aaron, putting his hands on Aaron’s shoulders. He leans in and whispers something that I can’t hear, then pulls him into a hug.
I smile like a proud mama watching their friendship. For the first time in too long, things feel right again. We might not be exactly where we want in our relationship, but we’re both healing and great things are happening for us individually. Given how things have been, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Aaron
My phone rings as everyone continues congratulating me. Seeing it’s my mom, I grab my phone and step into my bedroom.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hi, honey. How are you? I just wanted to check in.”
“I’m good. No, actually, I’m great. And I’m glad you called. I have some exciting news.”
Mom’s voice brightens. “Really? What’s going on?”
I find myself suddenly emotional. “Before I tell you that, I want to thank you for loving me through how I’ve been lately. I know I’ve been a mess. I know I haven’t made it easy on you. And I know you’ve been worried. I can’t tell you I feel one hundred percent better, but I’m getting there.”
