“Same,” she says. “It’s one of my favorite things to do, stare up at the moon and just soak it all in. It’s something I used to do with my dad.”
“Yeah?” I ask. “I was going to ask if you want to lie in the lawn and stare up at the stars with me, but if it’s something you used to do with your dad, then I don’t want to overstep.”
“You wouldn’t be overstepping.”
When we reach the front of our houses, I ask, “Are you sure?”
“Positive,” she says, her eyes hopeful.
“Okay then, Renley Lynn Gossage, will you lie down and stare up at the stars with me?”
Her smile is sweet but certain. “Yes, I will.”
I reach over and take her bag from her before tugging her down onto the grass. Sitting side by side, we both lie back and stare at the stars. My pinky rubs against hers, her head turns and I turn my head as well, before she fully grabs my hand and holds it.
Jesus, why did a wave of butterflies just erupt in my stomach?
“Are you flirting with me?” I ask her.
“What makes you think that?”
“You grabbed my hand.”
“Didn’t want you getting lost again,” she answers.
“We’re in front of our houses.”
“Are you really going to make a big deal about this?”
“No, I am not.” I turn my head to look back at the sky. “So, what do you look for when you sit out here? Because there’s something specific I look for.”
“Really?” she asks.
“Yeah.”
“There’s something I look for too.”
“What is it?”
“No, you say yours first. That way, I know you’re not copying me as one of your rule-breaking flirt tactics.”
“How do I know you won’t copy me?” I ask.
“Because I’m not desperate like you.”
“Says the girl holding my hand.”
“Fine.” She releases my hand and pulls away.
“Oh, no, you don’t.” I roll her back over and then take her hand in mine. “Don’t even think about it. You’re to stay here, holding my hand until I’m done with you.”
“That’s what I thought,” she says with laughter in her voice. “Now, tell me what you look for.”
“Shooting stars,” I answer.
“Really?” She sits up on her elbow. “Me too.”
“Are you being serious or are you just saying that to appease me?”
