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Her smile falters.
I mourn it.
“Ever think of going back?”
“No. You were right. It didn’t suit me.”
My back straightens so fast, I’m sure I hear it crack. “When did I say that?”
“When we first met.”
I bark a laugh. “I’m an asshole. You shouldn’t have listened to me.”
She shrugs. “You were right. Law wasn’t for me.”
“Do you still take photographs?”
An amused grin dances on her full lips. “How much do you remember?”
“Enough.”
Biting her lip, she tries to smother the smile, but it’s too wide.
It’s too fucking beautiful, too.
“Yeah, I still take photographs.”
There’s something about her tone, a finality. She doesn’t want to talk about it, so instead we both relax with a sigh and watch the sun set in silence.
Neither of us ever feel the need to speak as we sip our beer. The air chills as the sky darkens, the moon reflecting on the still water of the lake.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispers mostly to herself.
I look at her.
With her here, the sun, moon, and stars aren’t so fucking obvious in the sky.
“Yeah,” I breathe. “Beautiful.”
All day, I’m wishing for time to speed up. An hour with her and I want it to slow down.
Choosing to stay in the silence, we both stand. I collect the empty beer bottles before we head back.
It’s not the first time I’ve seen Beth home, and I know I only live next door, but I suddenly wish she lived on the other side of town just to keep her close. The day has left a dull ache in the chambers of my heart, but she naturally brings a comfort I’ll never find at the bottom of a bottle.
She halts at the first step and gazes up at me under long lashes.
“Thanks, Logan. Goodnight.”
I’m not sure what’s she’s thanking me for, but if I brought her just an ounce of the peace she brought me then I’ll happily accept it.
She dips her chin, climbs the steps, and disappears inside the house. I wait until I hear the door lock and the first light to switch on before leaving.
Nineteen
Beth
First days.
