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Holden studies me. “So…you want to go?”
I shrug. “Sure.”
His jaw works a couple of times, deliberating something. “She might be there.”
“I can handle it.” If anything, I might savor the opportunity to rub our relationship in her face a little. For what she did to Brooks, if nothing else.
* * *
Arlington University has more of a town feel to it than Richmond’s campus does. We arrive just before six.
Instead of heading straight to Finn’s frat house, Holden parks my sedan downtown. We wander past storefronts of bookstores and clothing shops for about fifteen minutes before he guides me into an Italian restaurant with real candles and cloth napkins.
It’s one of the nicest places I’ve ever been to.
“Are you sure you want to eat here?” I whisper once a waiter shows us to our table.
He’s usually more of a paper napkins and pizza kind of guy.
Holden grins. “Uh-huh.”
I showered after the car wash earlier, but only to put on jeans and a t-shirt. I’m dressed for a college party—my version of it, at least. The woman at the table next to ours is wearing a silk dress and heels.
We’re underdressed, but I can’t really bring myself to care. The last time we had dinner together, Holden’s hand was bleeding, and we’d just had a big argument.
This is already an improvement.
We talk about nothing important throughout dinner, and it’s incredible.
The past weeks have been filled with heavy conversations, following months without a single word exchanged. It’s a relief, to make predictions about the next season of a show we’ve watched together. To celebrate what a success the car wash was—it raised several thousand dollars. To simply appreciate each other’s company.
To joke and laugh and tease and flirt, like this is our first date and we haven’t known each other most of our lives.
The food is delicious. Holden gets Bolognese and I order ravioli. We split a Caesar salad and sip fancy wine.
It all feels very adult. Like a glimpse into what the rest of our lives will look like.
By the time we leave the restaurant, I’m so full that it’s almost uncomfortable. There’s a slight chill in the evening air as we walk back toward the parked car.
I squint at the tall silhouette in the distance. “What’s that?”
Holden follows my gaze. “It’s the water tower.”
“You’ve been there before?”
I haven’t been to Arlington’s campus since one visit freshman year. Holden has visited here much more frequently. And recently.
“Nah. Finn has mentioned it. The guys go hang out there sometimes.”
“Can we go?” I’m not dreading the party, but I’d rather spend time with him alone instead of sharing his attention. Dragging this portion of the evening out as long as possible is my preference.
Holden raises one eyebrow in surprise but agrees. “Yeah, sure.”
It takes about ten minutes for us to follow the path. It leads from the small downtown section and through a wooded area. There’s no gravel or map, the grass worn away by forbidden steps.
I gaze up at the tall, distinctive shape, silhouetted against the darkening sky.
“Let’s climb it,” I decide impulsively.
