That’s a long time to miss someone, and knowing Sterling, I’m positive he’s kept himself away on purpose.
“You should say hello.I’m sure he’d like to see you.”
The battle finishes, and there’s a loud cheer.Someone’s decided as the winner, but I’m too focused on Sterling to see who.He isn’t moving, and I make a decision.
“Come on.”
I don’t know what their history is, but it’s obvious there is some, and it’s confirmed for me when Lucky spots us, his gaze triangulating between us and everywhere we touch—especially where Sterling has his arm around my waist.
We never did have that date, but if he’s sad or jealous, he’s hiding it well.In fact, he’s got the same glint in his eyes that he had when he asked me out, except this time, it’s directed at …
Oh, I see now.
Well, that’s interesting.Very interesting …
“You’re pretty talented on that thing,” I tell Lucky, who laughs.“Do you take requests?”
“Let’s find out.”He looks up from where he’s packing his guitar away, his eyes bright.There’s no mistaking who his next words are for.“It’s good to see you.”
“You too,” Sterling replies.
“I heard about what happened at the bank.Good to know you haven’t given up your habit of throwing yourself face-first into danger.”
“It wasn’t always danger I threw myself at.I did kiss you first.”
“Yeah, I remember,” Lucky says, standing.It brings him close.“It’s kind of impossible to forget.”
“Are you …” Sterling gestures around us.
“Busy?No, you know I can always fit you in.”The words are directed at Sterling, but the wink is sent to me.
“Teaching,” Sterling finishes, his voice rougher.
Lucky laughs like he knew that, like he’s testing the boundaries on purpose.“Nothing official.”
It’s a beautiful day, the kind of day where anything is possible, but sometimes, Fate needs a helping hand.
“Hey, Lucky,” I say.“Maybe you can do something for me.”
He slides his hands into his pockets, casual as anything.“Anything, love.”
“Well, a few months ago, you asked me a question.”
He followed up on our maybe date a few days later, and I had to tell him I was seeing someone.If I’d known the possibility for something more existed … well, it’s never too late to make up for lost time.
“Can you ask me again?Both of us this time.”
The question is barely out of his mouth when Sterling is accepting—a short, sharp, “Yes,” that must have been waiting there for years.
Yes,I think,this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
THE END
* * *
start over
ONE YEAR LATER
