He squeezed my waist. “So, you’ll still make an effort to see me?”
“Of course.” I snuck a hand between us to wipe my cheeks. “Actually, I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but I just got a used car. Should make getting around easier.”
He tensed up a bit. “Was this an inheritance or did you hotwire some giveaway car at the mall?”
“Um, well, after I was fired, I had a few hours before Jen went into labor, so I asked my Dad to take me to a used car lot.”
My life sounded so surreal when phrased like that.
“Why did you want a car right away?” Angel asked.
I was fired for being late.
But that wasn’t the only reason.
“I didn’t want to rely on everyone else anymore,” I said.
“You should be able to rely on your boyfriend,” he said quietly.
I cupped his cheek. “I know I can. And I have. Too much, in fact.”
Angel hesitated; his gaze stormy. “Was it because I couldn’t drive you this morning?”
He shouldn’t blame himself for what happened at The Closette.
I slid my hand down to rest over his heart. “I need to get behind the steering wheel of my life again.”
He let out a shaky breath. “Okay, pidge. But you’re always welcome to be my passenger princess.”
“I’ll be sure to take you up on that.” I smiled at the idea of us driving into the sunset together. “We could go to the beach again when the weather's nice…and it's officially open.”
He snorted a laugh, then gently rubbed my back. “Summer’s a long way off, though. And I’m guessing we won’t be signing a lease until your financial situation’s settled.”
“No, but we can stay there as Kat’s unofficial house-sitters for a bit.” I nuzzled into his chest for the reassurance of his warmth and steady heartbeat. “I promise I’m going to get myself together. It’s just been a lot of highs and lows the past couple months.”
“Have you considered talking to your doctor about…assistance?” he asked.
I blushed and peeked at him. “As much as I enjoy your ‘personal’ examinations—”
“No, I meant your real doctor.” He laughed, trying to school his grin. “For, um, medication.”
“Oh. Do you think I need them?” I’d been so sure getting a job would help me regain my confidence. Then, Angel came along, and our time together generated ninety-nine percent of my endorphins. But I hadn’t felt quite myself since before the accident.
He shrugged. “You’ve been through a lot of extremes lately. Maybe they’ll help provide a stronger baseline until you can…swim without a floatation device.”
“That’s a good metaphor. And excellent medical advice. No wonder you’re surviving the program,” I joked.
“I got by with a little help from a friend. Or acquaintance, as she called us back then.” He booped my nose, and I laughed, wrinkling it.
“So, what would you suggest to someone going through what you have?” he asked.
I rubbed my face. “I’d probably look into a mild anti-depressant. Or anxiety treatment. And I’d recommend they hold onto their super awesome boyfriend.”
“I could sign off on that,” he said.
We kissed, snuggling and sniffling in the main hall until my stomach growled again.
I rested my forehead on his shoulder. “Ugh, I need to grab a muffin and return to Jen.”
