Page 103 of Wish You Weren't Here

I launch into his arms, giving him a big, grateful squeeze.

‘Thank you for this, for earlier, for coming – for everything,’ I babble at him.

‘Have you not realised by now that I would probably do anything for you?’ he says, pulling back just enough to look at me. I’m not letting him go though. ‘Look, I know you think we’re cursed, or that the universe is conspiring against us, but that’s just not true,’ he tells me. ‘And if you really believe it, well, I’m going to have to prove you wrong.’

I would love him to do that, but…

‘But we live in different cities,’ I remind him. ‘It won’t be easy.’

‘Unless the reason I was back in Leeds was because I was buying an apartment,’ he tells me. ‘Because I’m moving there, because I want to work more closely on the app, and turn it into something much bigger.’

My heart slams against my chest as I just stare at him. Is he really, really saying what I think he’s saying?

‘Of course, I’ll probably need a local tour guide,’ he adds, his tone playful. ‘Maybe a lodger, to begin with. Do you know anyone who might want to rent a room from me? No strings attached, of course. Just the usual ones, when someone rents a room – no deposit needed though.’

‘I just… are you…?’

‘I’m saying there’s a single bed with your name on it,’ he says with a laugh. ‘I know you’re in a tough spot, let me help you. Move out when you’re back on your feet, or don’t, but I want us to be together.’

‘We don’t have a good track record, when it comes to single beds,’ I point out, grinning from ear to ear.

‘That’s true,’ he replies. ‘Then I guess I’ll have to let you in my bed, occasionally, for safety – if you’re good.’

I’m practically laughing now, I’m smiling so widely. I just can’t believe it.

‘Is this my birthday present?’ I ask.

‘Yes,’ he replies. ‘Oh, actually, I have another. I almost forgot. We’re stopping off somewhere on the way home.’

‘Where?’ I ask.

‘Paris,’ he replies simply. ‘It’s all booked.’

Oh my God, he’s amazing.

‘Do you think it’s safe for me to kiss you now?’ I ask him. ‘No tidal waves, wildfires, shark attacks, or fireworks of any description?’

‘I’ll risk it if you will,’ he tells me, moving his face closer to mine.

Screw it.

Our lips meet and it’s like everything clicks into place, like a wave is washing over me but it’s warmth and relief and genuine, comfortable happiness. And – wait – can I actually hear fireworks? Am I imagining this because the moment is so perfect? No, okay, there are actual fireworks going off, probably from the wedding, but still, the moment really is perfect.

We kiss a little longer before pausing to watch the rest of the fireworks, Ethan’s arms still wrapped around me. The big colourful lights pop and crackle in the sky, reflecting so beautifully on the water below.

And… nothing bad happens, not yet at least. Perhaps our luck really is about to change but, if not, I know that with Ethan by my side we can figure anything out.