I nudge his shoulder. “We’ve come a long way from public speaking and library lunches, huh?”
He lifts his hand up like a visor over his forehead and pretends to scan the crowd. “I don’t see our good friend Garett here… Do you think he even graduated?”
Laughing and linking my arm with Ben’s, we happily stroll out of the student area. Danny follows closely behind, chatting with a teammate.
I recognize the girl with the high cheekbones and stick straight, inky black hair as soon as I spot the lone pink streak framing her face. “Mia!” I shout with excitement.
“Grace?! Is it really you?” She jogs my way, all but shoving Ben to the side and wrapping me in an embrace.
“Hey!” Ben shouts, fixing his glasses.
Mia pulls back with a smile. “I feel like I already know you.”
“Same. The pictures don’t do you justice. I love your hair,” I gush.
“Of course the pictures don’t do her justice,” Ben announces, stepping in between us and putting his arm around Mia’s shoulders. “No picture could ever capture her essence.”
“Oh please,” Mia snorts, but gives him a peck on the cheek.
Danny holds out his hand for a fist bump. “Hey, Mia. It’s really nice to finally meet you.”
“And you must be Dan,” Mia replies, giving him a bump back.
“Ceremony, check. Class picture, check. Introductions, check.” Ben starts listing off items, making an invisible check mark gesture with each one. “Can we please leave now? I’m starving.”
“Let’s get out of here,” I agree. “We’ll meet you at the diner.”
We arrive at the same time, grab a booth together, and order burgers. Milkshakes are a must for dessert: chocolate for Danny, mint for Mia, cookies and cream for Ben, and strawberry, of course, for me. In between sips, we make small talk about college. Ben and Mia are going to Indianapolis Tech University and have plans to go to law school in the area post-grad.
“You know, Grace,” Ben says, wiggling his eyebrows. “When I was researching colleges in Indiana, I just so happened to notice that Indianapolis–Metro has an amazing veterinarian school.”
Mia jumps in. “Yes, I read that too, actually. You should definitely apply there as one of your post-grad options. How fun would it be if you followed us to Indiana one day?”
“Hey, who’s gonna follow me?” Danny playfully interjects, looping his arm around my shoulders.
My gaze traces over the planes of his face, the texture of his skin, and the lips that have captured mine countless times. Every feature is one I know by heart, and I can’t wait to keep memorizing him over the course of our life together.
“I’ll follow you anywhere, Danny.”
Chapter 31
Danny
Eighteen Years Old
Aswarm of buzzing, busy bees invades my stomach as we follow the printed directions to Gracie’s dormitory. Mom’s driving—at Gracie’s request. The rental truck is filled to the brim with dorm room staples. Mini trash cans, ramen noodles, shower caddies, and sheet sets.
“We’re going to Gracie’s dorm first, right, Mom?”
“Right. She has more things, so we’re going to stop there first to unload and make sure she’s all settled for her internship orientation. Then, you and I will head over to the athletic side of campus.”
“I think it’s bullshit we can’t just room together.”
Mom plugs one of her ears with her free hand. “La, la, la. I do not need to hear anything regarding that, Daniel.”
“I didn’t say anything bad! I just meant to hang out together more. We’ll be further apart in distance at college than we are at home.”
She gives me a flat look in the rearview mirror, eyes rolling. “Sure… I’msurethat’s exactly what you meant. Just make sure to use condoms, please. I’m too much of a free spirit to be a grandmother right now. In fact, I’m about to date as soon as you munchkins leave the house. Tomorrow, maybe.”
