His eyes lock on me, a smirk on his face. But I can’t tell what he’s thinking.
I hate it. I want to know.
“Do you like the beer?” His voice is too deep, but I nod, trying not to smile because I feel my ears getting hot. “Good ...”
I hand him the beer before resting my forearms on the table. I don’t know why I’m suddenly so honest. But somehow, it feels like the perfect time and place.
“You know, I’ve never really said thank you. I don’t like to think about any of it—that night ... Halloween. And I don’t really like to talk about it, either, but what you said to me, Chase, that meant everything to me.”
He frowns, probably remembering the memory. How could he not? It’s burned into all our brains.
“You didn’t have to do that for me, especially since I’d been so mean to you leading up to that point. But ...”
He chuckles, but his smile doesn’t meet his eyes. It hurts him too.
I can feel my hands starting to shake, so I blow out a shaky breath. “You made me feel safe and brave. I wouldn’t have survived without you. Thank you for saving me and then bringing me back to life.”
I know my eyes are shining, but I won’t cry. “I’m sorry it took me this long to say it, but I’ve liked you since that day in Goldie’s kitchen when you started talking about Lisa Bonet. I was jealous you weren’t talking about me. So I decided to hate you. And when you got me the fish ... I treasured her. You were all I could think about at the wedding.”
The hint of a grin on his face stays in place as he searches my eyes, probably wondering where this is all going.
“You said I was embarrassed of you. That’s not true. I’ve always been embarrassed about how much I like you and scared to death that you’d never like me back as much.”
It feels like there’s a weight in the center of my chest that is lifted.
He puts the bottle down and reaches across the table, scooping up my hands and bringing my palms to his lips, kissing them.
“I’m gonna love you. That’s how fucking all in I am. Just don’t tell my girlfriend ... it may scare her away.”
My heart stops beating.Oh my god.Before I can say anything, the moment’s interrupted by Ariel’s cousin, Coral.
“Four lamb tacos, ready to devour.”
I can’t help but laugh, because of course this is what happens. He laughs, too, like he’s thinking the same thing.
We both watch as she places our cardboard plates down before asking, “Anything else?”
“No.” Chase grins. “I think that’ll do it.”
Donkey ... that’ll do, donkey. Get out of here already.
“Wait ... you forgot.” She holds out her phone, and I freeze, scowling. You have got to be kidding me.
He chuckles. “Oh, um. Yeah, I don’t think my girlfriend would appreciate that.”
Without hesitation, I say, “I’m the girlfriend,” and point to myself before smiling and repeating it even louder so most of the beach hears.
Chase is grinning ear to ear, staring at me as I mouth,Happy?
“Sorry,” she whispers, probably thinking I’m unhinged. I am, but only over him. “I didn’t realize. My bad.”
My mouth opens, but Chase speaks for me. “No worries. See ya around, Coral.”
He looks across at me, still smiling wide. And I know I’m doing the same because this man just basically told me he almost loves me, and I believe him.
“You’re not going to promise it back, are you?”
“No,” I breathe out, picking up my taco and taking a big bite, before I talk with my mouth full. “But I can definitively say that I love this taco.”
