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With a satisfied smile, she replies, “That’s what big sisters are for.”
I welcome the drive to the drugstore, stopping at a café first to grab myself a coffee. Despite the wintery season, the sun is shining, though a cool breeze warrants a sweater. It’s a nice change from the godawful snowstorm hitting the East Coast right now.
Balancing my coffee in one hand, I check my phone but still no response from Will after my rather dirty text I sent him this morning. Trying my best to ignore the rejection seeping in, I think logically and assume he’s busy with work even though it’s the day after Christmas.
Tossing away my empty cup, I grab a red basket, throwing in a couple of things I need in there before perusing the feminine products aisle. Ava didn’t even indicate what type of tampons she wants, so I send her a quick text:
Me: How big is your vagina now that you sleep around? Do you need super?
Ava: Bitch. Regular will do just fine.
I laugh to myself before yanking a box of regulars and throwing it in my basket. As I lift my head, the familiar warm honey-colored eyes are smiling back at me.
“Austin?”
“Millie?”
My mouth falls open, and we both laugh before we find ourselves in our familiar embrace. Everything about him brings back memories—the scent of his cologne, the comfort of his arms around me. It may have been over two months, but when you’ve spent almost every day with this person in high school, it feels like a lifetime ago.
I give myself a moment to take him in, certain he has grown taller during our time apart. I wasn’t sure if that were possible at our age to continue growing, but nevertheless, where our faces once met lost in a passionate kiss now appears unaligned.
His physique, though hidden behind a baggy sweater, still looks formed. Yet surrounding the beautiful eyes I once dreamed of every night is the face of a boy who has matured into a man. His jawline, more prominent, is shadowed by a slight beard, making him seem a hell of a lot older.
“What are you doing here?”
“Errands for my sister.” He drops his gaze toward the basket. “It’s that time, apparently, tomorrow.”
My shoulders rise then fall, unable to hide my laughter. “Me, too. At least your sister gave you warning, mine just raided my cupboard hoping to hit the jackpot.”
We both slow down our breathing, caught in a stare that feels all too familiar.
“How have you been? I mean, the last time we spoke…”
Austin places his hand on my arm. “Hey, don’t get caught up on how it ended. We both were trying to adjust. It was for the best. But I shouldn’t have said the things I said. I’m sorry, Millie. It was completely uncalled for.
I nod my head, glad he feels that way. “So, how have you been?”
“Busy. The class load is insane. Even coming back here, I feel like I’ll falling behind or something.”
“Me, too.” I sigh, relieved someone else understands. “I was studying before Ava interrupted me. You know, if you need any guidance, my dad isn’t working right now. I’m sure he’d chat with you, maybe give you some pointers?”
“You know what? I may take you up on that.” He grins with relief, almost as if a burden has been lifted from his shoulders. “Is he free today?”
“Yes, why don’t you come over? I’m sure Mom would love to say hello, too.”
We agree to follow each other back to my place, paying for our purchasers, then chatting while walking back to our cars. It’s so good to be able to catch up without the pressure of labeling our relationship because, at the end of the day, we were friends before lovers.
“Millie, I want to be honest and tell you I’m seeing someone.”
I still my movements, unsure what to say. It doesn’t hurt, not one bit, but then I wonder if I need to be just as honest? There’s too much at stake, so I opt to keep my personal life to myself.
“I’m happy for you, Austin. You deserve only the best.”
“Thank you.” He beams, letting out a huge breath. “I’ll tell Summer you said that.”
“Summer.” I chuckle knowingly. “The name rings a bell.”
“I know what you’re thinking. There wasn’t anything going on until we broke up, I promise.”
