I tell myself to enjoy this while it lasts. But maybe it wouldn’t be the worst idea to protect my heart. At least a little.
“Date night soon,” I agree. And, quieter, “I miss you too.”
Some part of me worries it’s a phrase I’ll be all too familiar with someday.
forty-two
LOGAN
The weekend fliesby in a blur of games, and I haven’t been able to take Blair out on a date. I’m antsy as hell about it. I miss her. And I don’t just mean that I miss having sex, but I missher. Talking, joking around, just spending time being quiet together.
I video call her whenever I can, but it’s not the same. And maybe it’s all in my head, but things between us feel…off. So I hate that I won’t get to spend any real time with her before our three-day Christmas break. And even then, I’ll only get to be with her on the twenty-sixth.
The reason for my absence on Christmas Eve and Christmas makes my phone buzz for the millionth time today.
Ryder
Do you think I have enough twinkle lights?
A photo of two large plastic storage tubs full of Christmas lights arrives moments later.
Maddox
Any more and you’ll blow a fuse, rookie.
Ryder
Not a rookie anymore.
Maddox
Meh.
Sebastian
I think you have plenty of lights.
Ryder
What if Lexi doesn’t think so and she says no when I propose?
Griffin
Dude. Take a breath. She’s gonna say yes.
Ryder
How do you know?
Griffin
Your girl isn’t sweet enough to put up with your insecure ass just to be polite. If she didn’t love you, she’d have broken up with you a long time ago.
I snort, because Griffin’s right. Lexi’s cool, but she’s not the type to endure a year of a relationship just because she’s worried about hurting someone’s feelings. But Ryder’s been spinning out about his upcoming proposal all week.
Ryder
You’re right. I know you’re right. But if she says no, I’ll probably die.
