“This’ll work, I think.” Brayden shows me the bed of blankets he’s made.
It looks warm and cozy. I never knew a truck could feel so homey.
“It’s perfect.” I climb up into the truck before Brayden can get out and shut the door behind us. “Bray, I want you here with me. Even if we have to talk all night in order to not touch one another, I want to be with you inside this truck tonight.”
Brayden drags both hands through his hair. “Let’s start talking then because other parts of me are talking louder than your voice is right now.”
And so we do. We talk all night about anything and everything, and eventually, we drift off to sleep with my head on his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around me.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Brayden
The next morning, I kiss Leleila goodbye inside the truck before telling her I’ll see her Monday for the wedding.
“How’d things go last night?” Cam tips his head in the direction of Sophia’s car as Leleila disappears inside of it and they pull away.
“I’m in love with her.” I didn’t mean to say the words out loud, but the sentiment couldn’t be more true.
“Shit, Bray.” Cam’s hand claps my back roughly.
“Yeah.” I stuff my hands in my pockets and stare after the car as it gets smaller and smaller, driving away from me.
“Things will work out then,” Cam says confidently. “If you feel that strongly, they have to.”
I hope he’s right.
I simply can’t imagine my life without Leleila in it.
* * *
Leleila
I spend the weekend looking for an apartment. I find a studio apartment on Main Street, just a few blocks from June’s store. I’m terrified to live alone, but it’s always been a dream of mine, and I figure I can handle a studio. I don’t have a lot to bring with me, but I have to start somewhere.
I fill out an application first thing Monday morning. Just as I’m celebrating that milestone, Rona from the at-home job calls to invite me in for an interview this afternoon. She says she knows it’s short notice, but they’re looking to make a near-immediate hire for the position as they just got a new client, and they need the help right away. Well, I need the help right away too—the help of an income. I make an appointment with her for one p.m.
* * *
I walk in the door of Sophia’s house and she’s sitting on the couch.
“I got a job!” I say.
“That’s great, but what are you still doing in those clothes?” she asks me.
“What do you mean? I’ll change into jeans now.”
“Have you forgotten? You need to get into your dress, darling. Brayden will be here any minute.”
Shit.The wedding’s at four. “I completely lost track of time.” I jump up and head for her bathroom with my dress in my arms.
“Ready or not, Lei.” Sophia glances out the window. “Brayden just drove in.”
I reach the bathroom and slam the door shut.
“Don’t let him inside!” I pull off my shirt and pants and begin to apply my makeup. “I need ten minutes.” I glance more closely at my face, which looks pale and exhausted. “Okay, maybe twenty minutes.”
“Hey, Brayden. Don’t you look gorgeous in that suit?” I hear Sophia say. “Leleila’s just finishing up putting on her hot dress. Take a seat with me on the couch here.”
