I laugh a little to mask my disappointment. I look at him, wondering ifhe’s going to answer his phone now that we’ve been interrupted.
“I’m so sorry, Em. I want this moment to be perfect. I knowI’vewaited a long time for this. I have to do this right. You deserve the world and then some.” He pulls away from me and reaches down for his phone. “It’s probably my mom. I better answer.” When he looks down at it, he affirms, “Yup, it’s Mom.”
He turns away from me as he takes the call, and I try not to be disappointed.At least I know for sure he wants to kiss me. That’s something! As if that wasn’t enough, he had to go and melt my heart by telling me he wanted it to be perfect for my sake.
I pull out my phone to check the notifications, trying not to eavesdrop on his conversation.What could Mrs. Martin possibly need right now that had to interrupt this moment?
There are five texts from Rebecca. I breathe out a puff of air through my nose as I find myself both surprised and not at all surprised by the notifications. On the one hand, I thought she would leave me alone with Andrew, but on the other hand, I know better than that.
Rebecca
I hope everything is going well!
I’m dying here wondering what you two are “talking” about
OMG you two are totally not even talking huh?
Get some girl! Except that’s my twin brother… so that’s weird but I guess I can get over it for you because I love you <3
Hurry up and get back so you can fill me in!!!
I glance up at Andrew. He’s still on the phone, his brows furrowed and his light smile from earlier completely replaced by a prominent frown. I guess he’s probably just as disappointed as I am to be interrupted.That makes me feel a little better.
I take this opportunity to respond to Rebecca quickly. I know she will appreciate it. Plus, this way, she can’t say I kept anything from her this time.
Me
Rebecca I’m dying! He tried to kiss me again but your mom called and interrupted us… AGAIN!
Her response pops up instantly.
Rebecca
Noooooo! I’m sorry! I tried to tell her it could wait. I thought I convinced her. This is all my fault
No it’s not lol! Everything will be fine. We still have time
Not now you won’t
What do you mean?
Before Rebecca has a chance to respond, Andrew comes back over to me, resting his hand on my lower back. I take a second to appreciate the warmth of his soft touch before he speaks.
“Em, I’m sorry, but we have to head back. My mom is freaking out about dinner tonight since it’s our last family dinner for a while. She needs me to come help her cook.”
I nod, acting agreeable rather than bummed out like I feel right now. “No problem. I understand. I didn’t know you cooked though,” I point out.
He shakes his head, and a laugh slips out. “I don’t. I have no idea why she insists I need to be home to help out with this, but we better hurry because she sounded on the verge of a meltdown.”
I jut my lower lip out a little. “Aww, your mom is going tomiss you two! She’s going to have an empty nest for the first time. I’m sure it’s really hard to lose both of you at once.”
He squints at me a little as we briskly walk back. “She’s hardly losing us. We will be back in a few months for Thanksgiving and then Christmas, spring break, and obviously next summer.”
I tilt my head at him.“That’s not the same as having you around every day.”
“I know,” he finally acknowledges. “I’m sure it will be hard for her. That’s why I’m going back now instead of saying ‘screw that’ and staying here with you to finish what we tried to start.”
I chuckle. It’s odd how I went from being so disappointed to now feeling giddy and happy again. I guess just knowing we are close, and knowing Andrew is so set on making sure things happen between us, makes me feel like everything is going to be okay.
