“We aren’t rule followers, though, are we?” Will winks and kneels in front of the water.
I follow him, grinning. “Time to live on the wild side.” I put my finger in the water.
His eyes glitter and he does the same, twisting his pinkie finger around my own.
After the baths, Will and I stroll through a few touristy stores before heading to a pub. He gets into a conversation with the bartender about their selection of ales and I take the opportunity to text some photos to Mom and post a particularly good one of Will and me in front of a Roman statue. I can’t resist the opportunity to show everyone back home what an amazing time I’m having, particularly since Crystal and Andy have no problem posting hourly photos together. It’s satisfying, but for once Instagram can’t capture just how wonderful the day has been.
Will returns with beer, which I try to drink in tiny sips. Luckily the bartender didn’t question my age when Will bought our drinks, but my luck isn’t going to hold up forever.
There are TVs all over the pub playing sports, and Will seems content to sit in silence and watch until our food is ready, but it’s not interesting enough to keep my attention. I want to spend every second of today getting to know him better.
“What do you have going on this week? More work?”
“Always.”
“So I guess you definitely don’t want to take over the family business?”
He barks out a laugh. “I’d rather string myself up by the toes. I can’t wait to be finished helping Dad with all this.”
“It does sound like a lot. What do you want to do after? Do you already have plans?”
He glances at the TV and back at me. “I’m not sure yet. I don’t like planning that far in the future.”
“I’m the same,” I reply, nodding. “Everyone else seems to have it all figured out, but I have no idea. I keep hoping I’ll have thissudden flash of inspiration and know exactly what I want to do, but it’s not coming. And it doesn’t help that I’m surrounded by people already planning out their medical residencies.”
“Yes, my parents are always on at me about university, but I’m not one for school. But a couple of my mates went in together to invest in a club in the West End. I was thinking of doing something like that.”
“Running a nightclub?”
“Not a nightclub necessarily. More like the brewery idea I mentioned at the party.”
“That sounds awesome. I bet there’s so much to know about brewing beer, though.”
“Probably. But I don’t need to actually know how it works. I only need the capital to invest in someone who does.” He raises his beer like he’s about to give a toast. “To all the gain and none of the work.”
I raise my beer too.
It’s strange to hear someone talk like this—having so much money that they don’t need to think about the work involved in starting a business. It’s a whole other world from what I’m used to. But if it means he has more free time to spend with me, then I’ll happily cheers to that.
Our food comes and Will turns his attention back to the TV. I squint at the screen. England vs. West Indies. Dammit, I wish I understood this game. Even after Googling it I can’t keep it straight.
“What do you think of the game?” Will asks.
His expression is so eager. I remember Frank saying this was Will’s favorite sport in the world. It would be so great to bond withhim over this, the way Crystal did with Andy. She knew all about the NBA teams when he’d bring it up, but I never paid attention.
“It’s great!” I make my voice extra cheerful. “So different from the stuff in America.”
“Yeah?” His expression brightens further. “It really is the best sport. It would be wonderful to have someone who appreciated it too.” He intertwines his fingers in mine and I find myself nodding.
“Yes. Absolutely.”
He lifts my hand to his lips and I have to clench my jaw so I don’t squeal. The heat from his kiss spreads up my arm and through my chest.
After another grateful smile, Will goes back to watching cricket and I stare down at my food. Being with him is heaven, but it’s pretty obvious we don’t have much in common. I know nothing about cricket or breweries or nightclubs. I don’t understand British real estate and he doesn’t want to talk about it anyway. I haven’t traveled to any of the other countries he’s been to and I don’t know the TV shows he watches. Sure, we can complain about the weather here, or how much school sucks, or talk about some American movies he’s seen, but how far will that take us? One more date? Two?
My throat aches. I don’t want to be rejected again. Not by someone like Will. But... maybe rejection isn’t inevitable. Just because I don’t know anything about breweries or cricket doesn’t mean Ican’tknow about them. I just need to learn more. That’s what Crystal did with Andy. She took the time to learn about all that. I can do the same.
I sit up, my new resolve pushing away my dread. Will takes my hand again and I keep ahold of him, never wanting to let go. I like the way I feel when Will looks at me. Like I’m something special. Like I’m worth his attention.
