“Here? At the diner?”
“Nope. At Spencer’s company. Your bro called me personally and offered it to me,” I said happily. “It’s in communications, so I don’t have to lie to my parents anymore.”
Grayson’s face was a cold mask.
“I see,” he said finally. “I wish you best of luck on your new job.”
He took a step back.
“Oh,” I said, deflating. “Well … thanks.”
I waved to him, and he nodded then turned away.
I stared down at the note in my hand, the rain making the ink run on the paper. I pulled my poncho hood over my head, my fingers numb and fumbling.
Ahead of me, Grayson was a silhouette in the dull light from the streetlamps.
I couldn’t tell if it was the rain or if it was tears running down my face.
Grayson paused then turned back, jogging across the soggy ground.
“Lexi! Lexi, wait,” he called.
He threw the umbrella down and cupped my face.
“Lexi,” he said, the rain pelting his face. His chest was rising and falling, his eyes frantic.
“Did you know,” he said, “that you are the first person to ever say you loved me?”
“That’s really sad,” I said, a lump forming in my throat.
His hands fell to his sides.
“I used to think that you were the only person I had ever loved. But that’s a lot to put on someone, isn’t it? Even you. But you helped me realize that there are other people in my life that I care about and who care about me. You did that for me; you expanded my world, brought me a type of peace I didn’t think I would ever be able to experience. I’m sorry I said that you ruined my life, because you didn’t. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” His eyes were sorrowful.
“In fact,” he said, his voice catching, “you’re the only good thing that’s ever happened to me. I know I don’t deserve it, and I know that you deserve better than me, but I’m a selfish, horrible person, and I want you to be there with me, telling me you love me every day. Because I love you obsessively, deeply, horribly, and I don’t want to leave here without you.”
“Grayson—”
“Trust me, I know that’s not really your problem,” he added. “I can’t force you to forgive me, no matter how much money I throw at you, or what I promise. More than I want to be happy, I want you to be happy, and if that’s with Spencer, then so be it. You deserve to be happy.”
“Whoa, whoa! In no reality am I dating Spencer. I have had enough awkward moments this year and am now in my season of boring introversion. I will manage to contain myself. Besides,” I added with a smirk, “Spencer’s not the hottest Richmond brother.”
Grayson’s expression was cautiously hopeful.
“I don’t have anything worthwhile to offer you.”
“You mean besides being blessed with height, good looks, a hot body, and billions of dollars? The humblebragging isn’t a good look on you.”
Grayson gave me a crooked smile.
I swiped a lock of his wet hair off his forehead.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slightly soggy note.
Be Mine.
I hesitated as I looked at the note, thinking about what my mom had said, that maybe some things just weren’t meant to be.
