His lips curve into a soft, sad smile. “Kiss me, and then next time we kiss, we’ll be in sunny California, where we’ll start the next chapter of our life together.”
I don’t hesitate.
I crush my body against his, and I kiss him with all that I’ve got.
Our arms are locked around each other, holding each other tightly, knowing deep down that Nate’s words are a lie.
One year will not go quickly, but it’s the only hope we can hang on to.
“I love you so much,” I cry against his lips.
“I love you, Mads.” He pulls back and wipes the new wave of tears. “It’s time to go.”
Mason appears, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me into a hug before steering me toward the waiting car.
I turn, wavingagainfor the fifth time to Nate, Leo, Rosa, Javier, and Camila.
Camila waves two hands in an over-the-top fashion, and I know she’s doing it to put a smile on my face.
“You okay?” Mason asks as he leads me to our waiting vehicle.
I swipe his sleeve across my face, using his shirt as a tissue. “No.”
“Ew,” he groans, looking down at the damp stain. “I had tissues, Maddie.”
I shrug, unapologetic.
We round the corner toward our car, and a familiar figure catches my eye.
Mama.
“Hi, baby girl.”
I stop short, my tear-streaked eyes snapping to Mason in shock.
“Nate,” he mumbles. “I told her I bought her ticket with the money I saved, so go with that.”
When I get closer, she opens her arms wide, and I don’t hesitate to throw myself into her, inhaling her familiar scent.
“It’s okay,” she soothes, stroking my hair.
Mama may drive me crazy. She might be too controlling and overbearing, but if there’s one thing I know without a doubt, it’s that she loves me with all her heart.
And after hearing Nate’s story about his parents, I vowed to give her more credit.
I sniffle. “I know you think this is just a summer fling, Mama, but please…keep it to yourself today. I’m already struggling.”
She pulls back slightly, her eyes scanning my face, something shifting in them.
Regret?
Who knows. I’m too exhausted to read her emotions properly.
Either way, she doesn’t argue.
She doesn’t say a word.
Instead, she presses a kiss to the top of my head and pulls me back into her arms, holding me tighter than ever.
