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Without hesitation, she tilted her head, rising on her tiptoes, and connected our mouths. A hum rumbled inside me as I pulled her harder to my chest. I tried to keep the kiss slow and lingering, but she raked her hands through my hair, drawing my mouth closer. I stepped forward, pushing her against the open doorjamb, and her body went soft and pliant against mine. Breaking the kiss took all of my willpower, and I left my forehead on hers until we both caught our breath.
“I’ll see you in a week, Trouble.” My voice was rough, not wanting to let her go. I needed more time with her before I left. I swallowed the thought, and instead, I led her out to her car. I stole one more kiss before I watched her get into her car and drive away.
When I got back inside, I heard a throat clear. “Want to tell me what that was about?” Piper asked from where she and Lucas stood in the kitchen.
“Fuck if I know.” I ran my hands through my hair. I was in over my head.
“She give you a ‘let’s be friends’ line, Jaxie?” Piper grinned from ear to ear.
I deadpanned, not reacting to her taunts.
“Don’t worry, it happens to the best of them. Not me, but you know… others,” Lucas shouted from the other room.
“We’re keeping it casual.” The words bit at me, and a deep breath escaped on a sigh. I was leaving and didn’t fit into her perfect plans. This was enough. Enjoying thisneededto be enough.
“But is that what you actually want?” Piper’s eyes were knowing and probed into what I was holding secret even from myself.
“I’m listening to her. She wants to be friends… well… more than friends.” I shrugged. “I’ll take what I can for now.” When I tried to turn away, she put her hand on my shoulder.
“You see, it’s that ‘for now’ that has me worried.” Her eyes were full of concern as she looked to where Sid just drove off.
“Babe, quit picking on him. He never had so much as a crush. This is unfamiliar territory for him.” Lucas ducked, dodging my smack.
“I’m just saying I’ve never seen you this happy. There’s something that’s changed in you. Right, babe?” Piper stared expectantly at Lucas.
“She’s right, man. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you this… happy,” Lucas said while shrugging.
Am I happy?I thought happiness only came in the form of skating, but Sidney had shown me that the little moments could be just as fun.
“Anyway, boys, I’ve got to run too. See you tonight.” Piper gave Lucas a kiss that had me wishing Sid was still here. As soon as she was through the door, Lucas looked at me. They were heading to her parents’ place for spring break.
“Seriously, man, you doing okay?”
Did he think I was going to admit that it felt like a dagger to my chest when she said the words “friends”? She was right, though. There was no point in pretending. Sid had made it clear there was no future for us. I nodded instead.
“K, good, because we’ve got some planning to do.” A huge smile split across his face.
“What?” I wasn’t sure I liked the look in his eyes.
“I’m going to propose to Piper when we get back. Already have the ring and everything.” He showed me a giant diamond set on a simple band.
“Aren’t you young for that?” Although if anyone could make it, it was them.
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m dead positive about this.”
I wrapped my arm around his shoulders. “Alright then. How are you going to do it?”
“I’m thinking we set up a surprise with all of our friends there to watch, a photographer, the whole thing. Then we could have an engagement party that same night.” Any other couple, I would think that was putting a lot on the line, but I was positive Piper would say yes. Lucas clearly knew that too.
“Maybe Sid will get in on it. Help trick Piper so she gets a genuine surprise?”
“Maybe.”
SIDNEY
When I got home from work, I hollered out, “Honey, I’m home,” in a voice loud enough to echo off the walls. My smile slipped, realizing Mia wasn’t home. I dropped my bag with a plop to the ground and flipped the lights on as I walked to the kitchen. My shoulders slumped, and my neck cracked as I rolled it. Stomach rumbling, I checked the fridge, but no matter how many times I opened and closed it, there was still only the sad-looking bag of baby spinach tucked into the back.
I grabbed a box of crackers and a random cheese slice and turned back to my room. Quickly peeling off my uniform that was sticking to my body after a long day, I put on my comfiest pajamas. Armed with a handful of crackers in one hand, I plopped down on my bed.
