I watch as they dance, lost in the memory of another time. When we danced under the lights, carefree and hopeful. It was only days ago, but it feels like it’s been ages.
When I look out the window, I see my mother in her chair, glancing up at me. For a moment, our eyes meet and they hold one another’s stare. She smiles at me softly, the look in her eyes almost wistful. Hopeful.
Happy.
I can’t remember the last time she looked at me like this.
“You ready?” Jacob asks, and I turn to see him in something much more laid back. A pair of jeans, a white T-shirt and a pair of white tennis shoes. His hair looks freshly brushed, judging from the way it’s swept back.
He looks absolutely perfect, standing amidst all the white and grey, the sunset peeking through the windows.
And then I get an idea.
I offer him my arm. “I think you mean,am I ready for it?” I joke, a call back to our dance the other night, underneath those lights. Things had gone so well. I felt on top of the world. Because of him.
Jacob Riley gave me a perfect date. And tonight, I plan on giving him his.
I lead him out the door and head to the car, opening his door for him.
“Thanks.”
“Always, baby.” I shoot him a smirk as I round my car and get in the driver’s side, firing up the radio as we head off to the boardwalk. Thankfully, I manage to find a parking space close to the boardwalk so we don’t have to walk far to get to the fair.
The sun paints the sky in shades of ochre and orange, lilac clouds standing out as they reflect on the water. It’s that weird time between sunset and dusk, where the outside lights are shining, but it’s still light out. The boardwalk is lined with shops and vendors and the air smells of popcorn and funnel cake. I walk by Jacob’s side, saying nothing as I watch him take it all in like a kid on Christmas morning.
“It’s so busy,” he says softly. “But it’s weirdly cozy.”
I chuckle. “That’s the funnel cake smell. Cake makes everything cozy.”
I reach for his hand, and he nearly jumps, but settles the moment I slide my fingers between his. “Come with me.”
It’s not a question, but a command. My tone is stern, leaving no room for refusal, and because he’s perfect, his cheeks blush and he says, “Okay.”
I lead him down the steps to the beach, which is sparsely populated with people. Some on blankets, sitting eating ice cream, others with their toes dug deep in the sand as they lean on their significant others.
Jacob looks out over the water, his mouth opening in awe as he gasps.
“Wow, it’s so…”
I watch his expression, taking in the flutter of his eyes, the excitement in his voice. His perfect profile.
“Beautiful?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
“I was going to say breathtaking,” he says.
I smile at him, but he’s too busy staring at the ocean to notice.
“Yeah, that’s a good word to describe you.”
I realize all at once, I fucked up. I meant to sayit.That’s a good word to describeit.But…
He is breathtaking, and it’s not because he’s just good looking. I think Jacob is beautiful beyond the surface. Deep down where no one else can see.
He smiles awkwardly as he shakes his head.
“It’s true,” I say, tugging his hand to bring him closer to me. He follows without question.
I gaze down at him with a smile of my own. “You are beautiful.” I kiss the spot beneath his ear. “And breathtaking.” I trail my lips down his neck, planting a soft kiss. I don’t miss the way his pulse hitches when I do so.
