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“This is the best New Year’s Eve I could imagine. In fact, if this is how we celebrate every year, I’d be happy.”
Press leaned down and kissed me, and while I had no idea what time it was, that we stayed just like that, making out on the sofa like two teenagers for what felt like hours, had to mean it was what we were doing when the clock struck twelve.
The following morning,Press and I prepared a feast for the two of us and his father, who left shortly after we ate, saying he was off to spend the day with friends at another winery. I wondered where Beau spent New Year’s Eve. Something told me he’d been alone, and that saddened me.
“Stop biting your lip, pet,” said Press, winking, then holding up his glass for a toast. “What’s on your mind?” he asked after we each took a sip of mimosa.
“Wondering where Beau landed. Feeling sad he’s probably alone.”
Press nodded. “In years past, I would’ve predicted he’d be with a bevy of beauties. However, I think you’re right that this is a very different year for him.”
It hadn’t been that long ago, yet it was hard for me to remember having feelings for him. Press was everything to me, whereas Beau was now an enigma.
He stroked the back of my hand with his thumb. “It was his choice to leave.”
“I know, and I don’t feel sorry for him. I’m thinking more about what you said about something missing from his life. I hope he finds it. I feel like I have.” I leaned forward and kissed him.
“If someone told me I’d be sitting with you on New Year’s Day, you kissing me, I never would’ve believed them.”
“There isn’t anywhere I’d rather be.”
“What do you usually do on the first day of the new year?” he asked.
“I’ve spent almost every New Year’s Eve and Day with Jada. Her family was always more fun than mine, so when she’d invite me over, I’d beg my mom to let me go.” I looked at the phone Zeppelin gave me yesterday, hoping to see a message from her. “No one would’ve blocked her number, right?” I asked when there wasn’t one.
“Definitely not. Why do you ask?”
“I sent her a message, but she hasn’t responded.”
“Perhaps she had a date.”
“Do you know what the deal is between her and Zin?”
His eyes opened wide. “Zin? Do they even know each other?”
I told him about the odd exchange I’d witnessed between the two of them. “The weirdest part was the look on his face when I jokingly said she’d told me everything.”
“While Zin and I certainly don’t confide everything in each other, if he and Jada had any kind of, um, dalliance, I would certainly think he would’ve mentioned it.” He shook his head and chuckled.
“What?” I asked.
“I was about to say he’s much older than Jada. However, he’s my age.”
“And I’m Jada’s age.”
“Exactly.”
“Zin seems older.”
Press laughed out loud. “I was also about to say Jada seems younger.”
The smile left my face. “She hasn’t been through the same things I have.”
Press stood and embraced me. “I’m sorry, pet. More than anything, I wish I could take the bad memories away.”
I rested my cheek above his heart. “I wish you could too. That’s what last night was for, though. I want to make room for joy this year.”
“Precisely. Now, how shall we spend the rest of what I hope will be our first year together?”
