I yawn. We’ve played five rounds of Uno and it’s almost midnight. I can’t believe how quickly the night flew by.
“I should really get you home.” Finn rises to his feet and helps me up.
“Why don’t you just spend the night, Liz. It’s so late. Finn can take you home in the morning.”
“Umm, Mom…”
“What? It’s been a month. I’m not old-fashioned. I know how people are these days. There’s nothing to be shy about. Plus, by the time you take her home and come back, it’ll be after one a.m. for sure. You’ve told me many times how awful that drive can be.”
“Not at this time of night. I’m sure the roads will be fine, Mom.”
“But Finn, we’re supposed to have some rain tonight. I’m going to be worried sick.”
I glance back and forth between Finn and his mother. She’s genuinely concerned.
“Could you give us a minute?” I ask.
“Of course,” she replies. Finn’s dad is dozing on the couch and she heads back into the kitchen. I hear the water running and a clanking sound so I assume she’s washing dishes.
Finn and I step into the hall.
He whispers, “I’m so sorry. You’ve been amazing tonight with all of this. I’ll be fine driving. Really, don’t let her force you into anything. She’s always worried about something.”
“Itislate and I feel bad that you have to make two round trips. That sucks.”
He places his hand on my arm. “I’ll be fine, I promise. Unless…”
“Unless what?” I ask.
“Unless you want me to stay at your place again?” He raises his eyebrows in flirtation.
“Would that make your mom feel better?” I ask, twisting my hands and nervously glancing toward her direction in the kitchen.
“Are you serious?”
“Your mom is so sweet and she seems to like me. I feel like I’d fall a notch or two if I made you drive me home.” My eyes fall to the floor. When I glance back up at him, he’s shaking his head.
“You care that much about what she thinks?”
I nod.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Would it be weird if I stayed?” As soon as the question leaves my mouth, I regret it.
I hold my hands up to stop him from speaking as his mouth opens. “No, wait. Don’t answer that. Of course it would be weird. I mean, this isn’t real and we’re not really dating, so how would that work? I mean, I wouldn’t want to invite myself over. That would be really awkward for you and super bizarre for me.”
I start listing things on my fingers, pointing to each one. “I don’t have my toothbrush, my pajamas, or my floss. And where would I sleep? It’s crazy to even think about it. You should take me home. It was a dumb idea. I think you should tell them we’re not really a couple. They can probably tell that already. I mean, why would you be with me? You’re a painter and valedictorian, for Pete’s sake. I don’t think I ever won an award for anything, unless you count perfect attendance. I guess I did get that, but only my junior year, because my senior year I had the flu and missed a week. But anyway. Yeah. Take me home.”
He licks his lips and blinks at me a few times.
“What?” I ask.
He steps toward me and whispers in my ear, “You’re fucking adorable.”
I pull back. “What?”
“You heard me. Hey, Mom?” he calls out. “Liz is going to spend the night after all.”
