“I want to take you on a proper date.”
I can’t stop the smile from forming on my face. “I’d love that.”
“Yeah?”
I nod, all out of words, because his uncertainty is just everything. It solidifies how much this means to him.
“I want to take you back to that place on the beach, and kiss you the way we should’ve so long ago.”
God, it’s like he read my mind.
“I want that, too.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
He laughs, his voice hoarse when he speaks. “Are we doing this, Den? Are we going to make this work between us? Because I can’t think of a better person I’d rather be with than you. I feel… As corny as it sounds, I feel complete around you. All this time, I felt like something wasn’t right with me, then you returned, and suddenly my upside-down world was right side up. This feels… good.” He lowers his voice to a soft murmur. “Sorry it’s taken me so damn long to realize it.”
I touch his face, and he leans into my palm and closes his eyes. “I think it was supposed to happen like this.”
Mike smiles, but keeps his eyes closed. “I was thinking that earlier.” Then his smile drops into a frown, and he opens his eyes to look at me, keeping his face tucked into my palm. “This is really nice. Not just the kissing, but the touching. I guess I’m a bit… touch-starved. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until you started doing it.”
I feel his loneliness radiate, and I press my forehead to his. “Then we won’t stop touching.”
He breathes out a deep laugh. “I think that’s a great plan.”
I knock on my boss’s office door the next day. The high from my kiss with Mike is now gone. I can barely breathe and think straight. Mr. Hutchins called me in to talk earlier this morning. My gut is telling me that this talk will involve a firing at the end of it.
“Come in.”
I open the door, step inside, and close it behind me. I try to swallow, but I have no spit.
“Hi, Mr. Hutchins.”
My boss is a small, balding man, and he’s always been nice. “Hello, Dennis. Have a seat.”
He’s not smiling, so I know it’s going to be bad.
When I sit on the uncomfortable vinyl and metal chair, I squirm and blurt, “I’m so sorry.”
“I know you are, but…”Here we go. The horrible ‘but.’“I have to let you go.”
My heart and stomach sink. I knew it was coming, but hearing those words makes it real. This is my dream job, and losing it after just two short months is a hard blow.
“As you know, your probationary period is ninety days. You’re not officially an employee until that time.” He sighs. “You lost a kid, Dennis.”
I find a spot on the floor to focus on and nod. “I know.”
“The parents are upset. Normally, I’d give you a second chance, but he got hurt, and you got hurt. The boy could have gotten seriously injured, more than just a sprained ankle. I’m sorry, but the parents have demanded that I let you go, and I have no choice but to comply. You’re a good kid. You know your stuff and you’re bright, but… I’m sorry it’s come to this.”
I want to cry. God, I can’t fucking believe this. I don’t know what to do. There aren’t any other jobs like this at Cannon Beach. It’s not like our small town has many career options to choose from. And I’m notready to start my program. I have no money saved for it yet, and I need more experience.
“I… understand.”
“Harper is gone, too, since she was with you that day. The boy was the responsibility of both of you.” Shit, now I feel even worse.
“Okay,” I whisper and stand. “T-thank you for the opportunity.” I try to be polite, but on the inside, I’m screaming.
