“You are ridiculous,” Cherry says. I haven’t told her about the intimate parts of my Casper dreams, but I explain how much in love we are. “I can’t believe you’re still thinking about those stupid dreams.”
“It’s hard not to when I have them every single night.” I toss one of her pink fluffy pillows up in the air. I’m at her house, which is a nice reprieve from my house. After weeks of us spending time with our boys, we force a girl’s night. “Do you think people can have the same dream?”
She looks up from writing the names of songs for her next playlist. She’s always making playlists for herself or for me. I assume she’s started doing that for Luke. “I’m sure people have similar dreams all the time. Why?”
I shrug. “I wonder why mine are a continuation. It’s like a story or something.”
“Because it’s your subconscious giving you a story to write.”
I pick at the pink fuzz from her pillow. “I wrote a lot, but I stopped. I’ve had a lot going on.”
She fakes a cough. “Vincent.”
I throw the pillow at her. “I’ve never felt like this with a guy.” Or two guys.
“Omigod. I know what you mean. I am seriously in love with Luke. Did you know he’s liked me for a long time but was afraid to ask me out? Me. Of all people.”
I briefly think of Casper. If he really did like me for a long time like he said, wouldn’t he have asked me out or at least told me how he felt before I had a boyfriend? I roll my eyes. It doesn’t matter. I’m with Vincent and I feel myself falling for him, too.
“By the way, Luke’s birthday party starts at eight tomorrow night.”
“I told you I can’t go. I have to work until midnight.”
“Call out.”
“I’ve been calling out so much lately.”
“I know. Ugh. I’ll find someone to cover for you. You and Vincent have to come.” She smiles and raises her eyebrows twice.
I roll my eyes. I hate parties, and it’s weird that Cherry is throwing one for Luke. She never likes that scene. “Since when are you such a party girl?”
“It’s really like a few of his friends, their girlfriends, and me. Ten people, tops. Please? I don’t know any of them except Luke and his best friend. I want my bestie there to help and to keep me company. Please?”
“Okay. But only if someone covers for me.” I doubt they will, but if I know Cherry, her determination will win. I text Vincent about the party and he replies with a yes.
“Vincent’s in.”
“Awesome,” she sings. “So, have you and Vincent…you know?”
“No. Why? Have you and Luke?”
She bites her lip and blushes.
I’m surprised. “Cherry!”
“I know. Part of me feels like I should’ve waited, but the bigger part of me knows he’s the one. It was perfect, Meg. He had candles and roses.”
“So soon?”
“Hey, when you know you love someone, you know. Besides, we’ve liked and known each other for years. It felt natural. Which is strange.”
“When did this happen?”
“Valentine’s Day.”
“Why am I just now learning this?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know. Wanted to keep it between us for a while. I love him, Meg. I really do.”
I smile and squeeze her hand. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
“What…what was it like?”
“It hurt a little at first, but he was so romantic and gentle. It’s been amazing ever since.”
I bite my lip. “I don’t know if I’m ready.”
“Is Vincent pressuring you?” she asks, alarmed.
“No. Not at all. I’ve been thinking about it.”
“Do you love Vincent?”
“Yes,” I answer honestly. There isn’t a doubt in my mind.
“The way I see you two together, it’s like you were meant for each other. I’m not saying that to stroke your ego, I really mean it. You move together. You both joke with each other and can take it. You might have found your one, Megan.”
I feel myself smile. She’s right. I may have found my one.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Cherry and I don’t fall asleep until way into the morning. Luckily, I don’t have a dream that leaves me in tears when I wake. I call Mom to ask if I can stay another night with Cherry. She’s so weird about me spending so much time with friends, but it’s okay for me to work every single day of my life.
“Mom?”
“Yeah?”
“Cherry asked me to stay the night at her house tonight—”
“Didn’t you just spend the night at her house?”
“Yes. But we both work to midnight,” I lie. “And she wants me to go to church with her in the morning.” Another lie.
“What time do you work tomorrow?”
“Ten to six.”
“I want you home no later than six-thirty. We’re having a family dinner for once.”
I roll my eyes. “Thanks, Mom.” I hang up and when I walk into the store, I pass Cherry at the customer service desk. “Mom says I can stay.”
She squeals. “Awesome! I got someone to cover you after seven.”
“Already?”
“Never underestimate my magic powers. I’m covering Sherry’s shift tomorrow.”
I call Vincent to let him know we’re going, but as usual, it goes to voicemail. I send him a text with the plans. What’s he doing and why can’t he ever pick up his phone? Then I curse myself. He’s probably with his mom. Maybe one day he’ll let me meet her. But I understand if he doesn’t. Cancer’s a nasty thing.
By the end of my shift, I’m tired, my feet hurt, I’m irritated that Vincent hasn’t called, texted back, or shown up, and I’m ready to go home. I don’t know how many times I have to try to tell him to talk to me.
