"You hated that outfit."
I shrug. "I love everything you wear."
He smiles. Like, really smiles. Dimples. Eyes crinkling. Head tilted just a little. God. He's gonna be the death of me.
I clear my throat and head for the door. "Get ready. I'll be waiting outside." He nods, still smiling. I turn to leave, and just as I'm walking out, I hear him murmur.
"This feels like the beginning a little. When you used to always wait for me outside."
I stop at the doorway. Look back at him. And smile.
I roll the bike out front, park it right in front of Rava's house. Start her up. I swing one leg over and stretch out across the seat, feet propped up on the handlebars.
Woah. Look who it is. Charles.
Walking up the sidewalk. I sit up straight immediately, feet hitting the ground. He scoffs.
"Calm the fuck down, punk," he says, not even looking at me. "I'm just here to grab whatever crap I left in that shithole." Iclench my jaw, say nothing. Because I promised myself, no fights today.
Not in front of Rava. Not when we're supposed to be having a good goodbye. I pull out my phone and text him real quick:
ME:
-Charles is here. Don't say anything.
-He's in a mood.
RAVA:
-He can't afford to be in a mood. Thanks to Lorenzo’s genius.
I smile. Right. Forgot about that little video.
Rava steps outside. Sweet as ever. I slide off the bike, walk up to him, and press a kiss to his forehead. "Did he say anything to you?" I ask quietly.
He shakes his head. "No. I don't think he knows I'm leaving tomorrow. Or he does…and he just doesn't care."
I nod. Not surprised. But it still stings, hearing him say it like that. "How do you feel?" I ask. He takes a breath. "Like I'm gonna explode if you don't tell me where we're going."
I snort. "Patience, baby." I grab the helmet and place it gently on his head, adjusting the strap as he stares at me. I glance up at him while I fasten the clip. "What?"
He just shrugs. "Nothing."
…
I slow the bike and stop just outside the gates. The lights. The colors. The music. It's all still here.
Rava gets off behind me and just stares. Amazed. He turns to me shocked. "I can't believe it. The fair?! I didn't expect you to bethisromantic."
I smirk. "Well, here we are."
He looks around again. "This was the first time I ever went out with youwillingly. While also wanting to strangle you the entire time. And now you brought us here for our last date."
"Please don’t call it our last one."
"Right… sorry."
I laugh. "This is where I discovered you hadreallynice lips." He snaps his head toward me. "You were looking at my lips?!"
