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“Why?” He glanced at her when they were stopped at a four-way intersection.
“Because I knew you’d come, and I didn’t want you to see me like that.”
“You’re right that I would’ve come, and I would’ve been thankful that you were alive. I wouldn’t have cared how you looked.”
“I cared. I know that sounds so stupid, but I couldn’t handle seeing you when I was in that condition.”
“I hate that you were worried about that.”
“Without trying to sound like an insecure fool, do you remember how I used to drive myself crazy trying to figure out why you chose me when there were so many prettier girls?”
“I remember, and I’ll tell you the same thing I told you then—not to me there weren’t. You were the prettiest girl I ever met. Still are.”
“Stop,” she said, laughing. “There’s no way that’s true.”
“It is true. You never had anything to worry about where I was concerned. And you still don’t.”
Lexi fanned her face. “It’s getting warm in here.”
“That’s another thing that hasn’t changed. It was always hot between us. I bet it still would be.”
“You’re filling me with foolish hope.”
“When I got home last night, all I could think about was how good it was to be with you again. And what a relief it was to see you, when there were times I thought you had to be dead to have stayed gone so long. I used to get really upset when I worried about that.”
“I’m sorry. I was young and freaked out and battling a foe so big and scary that I had no time to think about anyone else’s needs. If I had it to do over again, I would’ve called you—and asked you not to come.”
“I would’ve come anyway. As often as I could.”
“Do things like this happen? Do people see their first loves after years apart and still feel all the same things?”
“I don’t know if it happens to other people. I can only speak for myself. Being with you again feels like no time has gone by.”
“Same.”
They glanced at each other and then laughed, which released some of the tension that had been building in her chest.
Max Abbott still felt the same way about her.
She still felt the same way about him.
Best day in a long,longtime.
When he pulled the truck into the driveway at the barn, the feelings of nostalgia that she’d experienced at the store came rushing back. She’d had so many good times at the Abbotts’ home. Family dinners, pizza gatherings and game nights full of laughter and love. She’d adored his family and had missed them almost as much as she’d missed Max.
They were greeted by two older yellow Labs.
“This is George and Ringo,” he said. “My parents’ dogs. They got them my freshman year of college.”
“Nice to meet you, boys,” Lexi said.
“Um, they’re both girls.”
Lexi laughed. “Of course they are. Your dad never lost his love of the Beatles, huh?”
“Nope, and if he does, that’s when we’ll know it’s time to send him to the nursing home.”
“Haha, I’m sure he’s a long way from that.”
