I see Reed’s head nodding to whatever Daddy’s saying, his silky brown hair just a little too long to be clean-cut, bobbing with the motion.
“Hi,” I interrupt.
He shifts his focus over to me. “Wow. Hi, you look stunnin’.”
“Thank you. Ready to go?” I side-eye Daddy as his gaze volleys between us, terrified he’s about to embarrass me. He never acted like this with any of Eli’s dates.
“Have a good time, baby girl.” He kisses the top of my head and levels Reed with a glare. “Have her back by ten, and no funny business. You hear me?”
“Yessir.” Reed breaks into a smile so perfect, it’s worthy of any parents’ trust. My chest warms at the sight.
We walk toward the car. “I hope it’s okay we’re goin’ to the lake. I brought some food and a blanket to lay out.”
“Like a picnic?”
“Yeah, just like that.” He grins.
“Sounds perfect.” I link my arm through his.
The lake is quiet for a Saturday night, just a few people having a bonfire down the way. Reed spreads out his checkered blanket and we settle in. He opens up a basket, pulling out various meats and cheeses, a baguette, and some grapes. My eyes widen as I realize how much effort he put into this.
“I was plannin’ on an actual meal, but was told this would be better to woo you with.” He hands me a cup of sparkling cider.
“You were told, huh?”
“That’s right.” He grins. “By a very wise woman, so I thought it was best if I took her advice to heart.”
I hide my smile behind the lip of my cup. “Reed Stanton, did you ask your mama for help with this date?”
“I figured it was worth the risk.”
“What’s the risk of goin’ to your mama?”
“Well, there’s one of two possibilities. The first is that come Monday, you’ll be tellin’ the whole school how much of a Mama’s Boy I am.” He pops a grape in his mouth, chewing slowly.
“And the second?”
“The second is you’ll be tellin’ them you’re mine.”
My stomach jolts with butterflies.
He leans in closer. “Now, I may be biased, but I’m hopin’ for number two.”
Heat rises to my cheeks as I open my mouth to respond, but he puts a finger over my lips. “I know you wanna profess your love now, but I need you to keep me on my toes. I thrive under pressure.”
He moves his finger, the corner of his eyes crinkling as he watches me throw my head back and laugh. “Lord, you’re cocky.”
He chuckles. “Always confident, never cocky. How do you think I win us all those games?”
Before long the sun dips below the water, the moon rising to take its place. I drain the last of my cider and lie back on the blanket.
“Gorgeous out here, isn’t it?” Reed settles in next to me, reaching for my hand. He laces our fingers together and it feels... nice. “I always love comin’ out here when it gets dark. There’s just somethin’ about how bright the stars shine, you know?”
I hum my agreement, staring up at the sky. It’s been the perfect date. Thoughts of being Reed Stanton’s girl should be the only thing in my head.
But they’re not.
Instead, my mind is filled with all the nights I held another boy’s hand, under a glow ‘n stick sky, telling him he was bigger than the stars.
7
Chase
Eighteen Years Old
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been the picture of self-control. Since finding out Goldi’s going on a date, I’m starting to understand people who let emotions rule their life. I guess when it comes to her, I’ve always been weak.
I knew it was a dick move earlier. I could see the confusion in her eyes as my words promised things that my actions contradict. Swear to God, I tried to stay away tonight. I attempted to drown out the thoughts with the sound of hammers and drills, but nothing worked. So here I am, waiting in her room, leg bouncing and gut burning.
The ticking of the clock on her wall is the only sign the night is getting shorter, and the date is getting longer. The silence leaves me space to ruminate in thoughts of where they are—what they’re doing.
I’m such a fucking idiot.
I’ve been torturing myself for years. Creating boundaries. Keeping her placed firmly as “little sister’s best friend,” refusing to let myself have her because it will hurt too bad when she leaves.
Everybody always leaves.
But I didn’t realize it would be like this. Like my world is breaking apart at the thought of someone else getting to touch her, feel her, love her.
A car door slams. My feet move before I can stop them, taking me to the window. Reed helps her out of the car and I watch as they walk up to the porch, my stomach sinking as I see her beaming smile aimed at him.
Fuck.
He’s looking down at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I grip the window pane, physically restraining myself from jumping through the glass and breaking all his fingers. My chest grows tight, body trembling as a sheen of sweat breaks across my brow. Don’t kiss him, Goldi.
She does.
I’m in a special kind of hell. Must be karmic retribution from when I sat across from Goldi while Suzy Albott had her hand down my pants, whispering in my ear how she wanted my cum on her tongue. I ignored Goldi on purpose that night, pissed off she was cozied up to Ricky Walker. But I saw her watching. I saw her stand up and drag Ricky away, disappointment and hurt marring her perfect fucking face.
I’m brought out of my regrets when I see her break the kiss. Finally.
Reed whispers something that makes her smile, and I imagine the
