While we embrace, Katherine tugs on my gown, pulling me into a warm hug. “How are you feeling?” Katherine’s genuinely caring nature never fails to touch me.
“I’m feeling…relieved,” I answer candidly, peeking over her shoulder to find my mom standing alone. I approach her slowly, swallowing a lump in my throat.
“Thanks for coming,” I say quietly.
“It’s my daughter’s college graduation. I wouldn’t miss it,” she says frankly, looking around.
“Where did dad go?”
“He had an emergency business call he couldn’t miss,” she says. For a second, I think I see remorse in her gaze, but I must be mistaken.
“Honestly, I’m just thankful you both showed up.” I smile softly. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Mom, isn’t Irie so badass? She graduated in the top ten percent of her class.” Kai hooks his arm around my neck. “Not as badass as me, objectively speaking, but still. Pretty badass.”
“Language, Kai.” Mom shifts uncomfortably, breaking into a subtle smile. “I’m going to head out to beat traffic.” She reaches out to Kai first, hugging him tightly. As an afterthought, shepulls me in for a hug, too. I yearn for the hug to last longer but accept the hand I’ve been dealt.
“Drive safe,” I shout as she steps away. I know a parent attending their child’s college graduation may be a bare minimum requirement for most, but for me, this is monumental. I can’t remember the last time my parents both showed me support publicly, so this feels good.
“C’mon, Irie, let’s go get dinner.” His hands grip my shoulders from behind, ushering me forward through the crowd as Katherine follows closely behind him. She laughs as Kai clears the way for her, using me as a human shield against the herd of people.
A ringing disrupts my dream, forcefully pulling me back into reality. A reality he no longer exists in. I sigh, wishing I could’ve spent more time in the memory—just this once. I shut off my phone’s alarm and instantly turn on music. I normally would sleep in on Sunday, but Callie and I are dress shopping this morning for both Katherine's wedding and the masquerade ball—two very different events that require very different dresses. I figure Callie’s help is absolutely necessary, as I can’t remember the last time I went shopping for formal dresses. Typically I wear whatever formal wear I already have available in my closet for events I orchestrate, but I figured this would be a good excuse to go shopping. I slip on a black hoodie with a pair of leggings today. After throwing my hair up in a messy bun, I check my phone.
Jasper
Good morning, Greene.
How is it that a simple text from Jasper can make my heart race?
Iris
Good morning :)
Truman’s aggressive meows signal an overdue breakfast. I feed him, then check my phone.
Callie
Good morning!! I’m on my way, see you soon!
I’m hopeful that Callie can help me gain clarity today. Obviously, I like Jasper and he likes me. I can admit that to myself, I’m not entirely dense. Not knowing how this ends concerns me more than I’d like to admit, though. What happens after we finish working together? How deep are his feelings? Where do we even go from here? Callie interrupts my spiraling thoughts, letting me know she has arrived. I meet her in the car, and we venture out of the Cove, southbound toward Seattle.
“So, what’s up with you and Jasper?” Callie asks after taking a sip of her coffee. She doesn’t wase any time.
“Ugh,” I groan. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” She raises her brows. “Odd, it seems like you are dating each other.”
“Well…” I pause, wincing. “We kissed. And made out.”
“OMG, excuse me?!” She nearly slams on the brakes while on the interstate, to which I hold my breath and brace myself.
“Callie!” I shout, frustrated. “You can’t do that.”
“I’m so sorry, I know, I know.” She casts an apologetic glance my way. “I’m just in complete disbelief you didn’t mention the fact that you made out with our town’s hottest resident sooner. I’m hurt, really.”
“It all happened so fast. We actually had our first kiss on Tuesday night. Truman went missing and Jasper helped me find him, resulting in me spending the night at his place. We cuddled together next to the fireplace, and it just kinda… happened.”
