Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
I say nothing as his hands cover my knees, caressing them softly.
“You’re not playing fair,” I tell him as the hurt and pain mix with the good, completely swirling together in my mind, the memories of Friday night in the forefront.
He removes his hands, backing away, sitting in the seat opposite me, waiting for me to make my decision.
I sigh heavily, and for a second I think he thinks I’m getting up to leave, but my chest falls, and my words spill. “You only told me you loved me AFTER everything that happened. After it was too late. You were so nonchalant and unconcerned as you made your decision - a decision that wasn’t me!” I stand up and start to pace, my hurt and anger rushing out as each breath leaves me.
I turn back to him, watching as he sits and says nothing, listening, all knowing that he’s completely deserving of the pain I’m inflicting with my words.
“You explained it, multiple times. To the point where I understood!” I shake my head. “After everything you did, the worst part is I understand, and I still love you.”
I look at his smiling face.
“I can’t help it,” I shrug. “I fall in love with you every day, over and over again. Sometimes it’s easier to stay away, because everything I do always leads back to you.”
Before I get another word out, his warm hands are sliding around my cheeks, and his lips crash against mine.
“I am so in love with you, Luci,” he mumbles.
“You’re not supposed to talk, remember?” I mumble back.
He smiles, deepening our kiss, and I can help but taste forever.
“Dinner’s ready!” We pull back upon hearing Deb. “Oh, sorry!” She covers her eyes, retreating.
I wipe my lip, embarrassed to have been caught making out in front of her.
“Let’s go back to my place,” he whispers.
“We can’t!” I argue. “Your sister invited me for dinner.”
He lets me pull him towards the kitchen easily, grazing his thumb against my hand as we move, and he doesn’t let go, even after we sit down.
“Even though you annoyingly came anyway,” Deb clears her throat, looking at Josh. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She puts a steak on the table as Matt brings over the vegetables and mashed potatoes.
“This looks amazing,” I tell her.
“Thank you!” She responds, taking her seat. “So, we have some news!” Her excitement is palpable, and I can’t help my smile as I dish up my plate.
“Luci,” she looks my way, grabbing Matt’s hand. “We’re taking your advice,” she stares, waiting for my reaction, before turning to Josh. “We’re going to elope over Spring Break, and we want you both to be there!”
“What?” Josh lets go of my hand.
“Matt leaves at the end of the weekend to fulfill the residency requirement, which works out perfectly for his new job,” she gushes. “Oh! I forgot to tell you! It’s going to be in France! Say you’ll come! Please!”
“Deb,” Josh’s tone is guarded. “What do Mom and Dad think?”
“No,” she shakes her head. “I’m not going to tell them! Let them have their wedding, but I’m going to have mine.”
“Bu-” Josh starts, and Deb interrupts, facing me.
“Matt doesn’t have any siblings,” she explains. “You’ll be the only ones there!”
I try not to make eye contact with Josh, as clearly I put this idea in her head.
I eat quietly while listening to them argue. Josh is hesitant to upset his sister, and I desperately wish I never got involved in the first place.
Josh leaves Deb’s house when I do, and after thanking Matt and Deb for a wonderful meal, we both head outside.
“What happened to your car?” He asks, noticing my Mom’s.
“It died,” I sadly tell him.
“Oh shit,” he says. “When did that happen?”
“This morning,” I sigh. “Now I’m a slave to my parents, or worse, Gracie.”
“Well if you need to borrow mine, let me know.”
“Thanks,” I smile, and he walks me to the car, leaning me up against it.
“I still can’t believe you threated to quit your job over my student teaching position!”
He shakes his head, tisking. “We don’t talk about this anymore.”
I roll my eyes.
“Do you want to come over?” He whispers.
“It’s probably not a good idea. Things are a little rough right now at home, since I basically didn’t tell anyone where I was Friday night.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”
“It’s fine. Family can suck,” I shrug. “They’ll get over it soon enough.”
“Tell me about it,” he sighs.
“Don’t be mad at Deb, or me,” I place my hands on his shoulders. “I think it's romantic what they're doing.”
“You would,” he laughs.
“You don't?”
“I don't think it's right that my parents don't get to see this,” he explains.
“She’ll still have her fake wedding, and no one will even know,” I shrug. “She seems pretty determined. Are you going to go?”
“Of course I am. Are you?”