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“He is pretty great,” I say, my smile even more telling than my words.
“He feels the same about you. I could tell the second he started talking about you that you were different.” I don’t know how to reply, so I take another sip of my coffee, and she continues. “Troy is so special, despite the obstacles he’s endured. He always comes out on top.”
I nod in agreement.
“The fact that both of you beat the odds and are together makes you stronger than you know. I’d be willing to bet you two can handle anything. But I want you to know you’re always welcome here if you need help with anything. You’re important to Troy, so you’re important to us.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Montgomery. That means a lot.”
“Melissa.”
I smile as the door slides open, revealing my sleepy boyfriend with… a bowl of ice cream? It’s impossible to hold back my grin. He glances up from his spoonful of mint chip with a smile that says he’s just as happy to see me. I take him in again before glancing back to the yard, and I’m swept into a vision of our kids running around, playing with Grandma Melissa and Grandpa Mike. Of Troy sneaking them inside for ice cream when he thinks I’m not paying attention.
I think Iwantto be a mom.
This is the first time I’ve ever felt that way. It never seemed like a possibility before since I didn’t have a healthy example. Now it’s like I’m immersed in a world conducive to raising a family, and it hits me how much I want that. With Troy.
“Morning, boyfriend.” I smile up at him–suddenly not afraid of anything when it comes to him–and reach my coffee out for him to share.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
TROY
Idon’treallyknowany of Mack’s band’s songs. I’ve only heard them a few times at Shot in the Dark when Lexy worked there, and when she played a couple of their albums on our drive up here. They don’t play the type of music I prefer, but they are talented. His final show is on Sunday night, but they picked up a second gig tonight. “This song is good,” I say loud enough for Lexy to hear, leaning into her as we stand at a small, round high top table in the corner of the bar.
Her eyes are glossed over with sadness when they meet mine. “This is the one he wrote for Maci.”
“Wow. He must really love her.” I can tell by both the lyrics and the way he’s singing.
“Yeah, he does.”
“Do you know what she plans to do?”
“I don’t. Guess we will all find out soon enough.”
“Are you excited to see her? Two more days.”
She smiles so big I can’t help but do the same. “Yes. I miss her.” She pauses, laughing to herself. “Look at me, I’ve got a boyfriend I love, friends I miss. Who even am I anymore?” Her voice is laced with humor, but I have a feeling she loves every part of this change.
“If we lived here, you’d get to see both her and Mack more.” I’m a little hopeful, but I’m still hesitant. We haven’t talked directly about how she feels about Oregon, at least not in regards to us moving here. We’ve enjoyed our week, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.
Before she has a chance to respond, Cooper joins us. He carefully sets down the three beers he has pressed together in his hands.
Lexy thanks Coop as she picks up her glass, examining it before she takes a sip. “Is there any business in this town that doesn’t rep the football team in some way?” She’s noting the University of Oregon logo on her glass.
Cooper and I both chuckle. “I’d be surprised if there was,” he says. “Everyone has school spirit here and will always come together for football.”
I add, “You haven’t even been in a grocery store yet. Totally decked out in green and yellow and Duck decorations. It’s nothing like the melting pot of So Cal.”
“I like how different it is. No one is loyal to anyone but themselves in LA. People seem less… only out for themselves here, from what I’ve noticed.”
I start to speak, but Cooper cuts me off. “I’m just saying, you guys can stay with me as long as you want to if you decide to make the move.”
“Thanks, man.” My best friend makes this move sound simple. I wonder if Lexy gets that impression too.
“Incoming,” Cooper mutters under his breath, but it doesn’t register until Emily is in front of us. Her blonde bangs have grown out and are swooped to the side. She’s painted on more makeup than she used to wear. I wouldn't recognize her if I hadn’t completely memorized her at one point. It’s not that she’s not pretty, she just doesn’t ignite a fire in every fucking part of me the way Lexy does. My first instinct is to take Lexy, walk away and avoid whatever drama is about to ensue, but there’s no time for that either.
“Hey, Troy.” Her words sound like poison coming out of her mouth, remembering the death that took place after the last time my name rolled off her tongue. “Can we talk?”
