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You could practically see steam billowing from Mack’s ears when Chad brought up his mom.

Mack didn’t scream. Didn’t yell. Didn’t say a word.

He just raised his right hand, pulled it back, and THWACK—Chad left school with a broken nose.

Mack was suspended for a few days, but that broken nose? It started a bond that feels more like the brother I should’ve had.

Me:Mack, I really don’t know how to tell Stella, we just started seeing each other again.

Me:Fuck, I think we started seeing each other again.

Me:We talk every day, video chat, and video chat ??wink emoji??eggplant emoji

Me:But neither of us has actually said if we are back together or not.

Me:Shit, Mac. What if she’s just looking for hookups while back in Agave Hills?

Mac:Jesus, Slate. I’m knuckle-deep in Bessie. Get a grip.

Me:Whoa, brother, who’s Bessie? And does she know you’re multitasking, texting me, and helping her out at the same time? She sounds pretty lucky.

Mac:Only you, fucker, could go from a complete downward spiral to making some perverted comment while I am just trying to bring the miracle of life into the world.

Mac:Bessie is a heifer, and her calf is almost here.

Mac:And if you are asking me for my humble opinion. Just take a leap of faith, take the job, pack your shit, and move to Virginia. Don’t tell Stella women love grand gestures and romantic fairytale book shit.

Me:Idk, dude. What if I uproot my whole life, and I am not really what she is looking for?

Mac:Then I guess you have a fresh start in a new state, with a badass job to boot.

I think about what Mac said all day.

Playing it over in my head while I showered. Don’t tell Stella.

Can I truly surprise her like that?

I mean, you do hear women gush over extravagant grand gestures and all that shit.

I step out of the shower, grab my towel, and dry off.

I’m meeting Stella at Agave & Iron in about an hour; she insisted on driving herself.

That makes me nervous. Last time she was here, we drove everywhere in my car.

Maybe she wants to be able to make a quick exit… or maybe she’s got another date after.

Is this even a date?

Mac’s right, moving to Virginia will be the grand gesture.

But tonight? Tonight is me claiming what’s mine.

I’m telling Stella she’s the only girl I want, and I want to make things official.

Stella

Ireturned to my parents’ house fairly early. My mom and dad were there when I walked in.