I nod. “Are you in a place where your mental health can handle starting a relationship?”
She pauses, which makes me relieved. She isn’t rushing into this the way she would’ve in the past. She’s giving it actual thought and thinking about what’s best for her as much as what she wants. There is no doubt in my mind that she wants to be with me. But is she able to be?
“I think so, but I’d also need the opportunity to communicate if I need more or less. I haven’t tried dating anyone since you, so it’s all new to me. But I’d like to try with you,” she says.
“If you decide you can’t do it right now but you want to, I’d be willing to wait,” I say.
“You would?” she asks, surprised.
“I would. I think this is something worth waiting for.”
Cari leans over to kiss me. Her sticky lips melt into mine, letting me taste the cherry sweetness. I’m lost in her lips and I allow her to take control. Only a bus’s beep breaks us apart. We both laugh before she grabs my hand again. I follow her down the block before she spots an old Photo Booth. Her eyes light up like a kid seeing a candy store.
“Can we?!” she asks.
“Sure.” I laugh.
We could take much better photos in my studio if that’s what she was after, but I think it is more about the memory. So, I step into the old booth, pat my thigh, she squishes in, and I pay the machine. She pulls the little green curtain over, and we take turns posing, kissing, and smiling. When it’s done, we step outside and wait for the photos to develop. Cari squeals when they fall out of the dispenser and grabs them carefully. There we were, frozen in time, Cari and I falling in love.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
CARI
Max slips her photo strip into her back pocket while I put mine safely in my purse. I don’t know where to put it when I get home, but I can’t contain the joy of having it. Tangible, photographic proof of Max and I. Not only had she initiated the conversation of being something more, but she was the one looking for more.
“So, just to be clear, will you be my girlfriend?” Max asks, taking my hand in hers.
I bite my bottom lip to hold back how happy I am. “Yes, of course.” I nod.
“Good, because I don’t think I could handle anyone else being with you.” Max laughs.
“Does this mean we should tell people about us?” I ask hesitantly. It had been a fight between us in the past.
“Fuck yeah, do you want me to go first? Okay.” Max clears her throat. “HELLO, BROOKLYN NEIGHBORS. THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE IS MY GIRLFRIEND. ALL MINE AND NOT ANYONE ELSE’S. SHE WANTS ME TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS, SO TELL YOUR FRIENDS,” Max screams, and I’m doubled over in laughter, trying to get her to stop.
“You know that’s not what I meant!” I giggle.
“I thought people should know.” She shrugs. “But yes. I didn’t want to tell everyone when it was just sex because I think that’s private. But this is something real, so of course it should be more than just us knowing.”
“I agree.” I kiss her again, and this time, a light moan escapes her lips. Fuck, how I’ve missed hearing that sound. Feeling the vibration on my tongue when I kiss her.
We stop kissing and head into the thrift store, but I can’t remember why I wanted to come in here at all. She is staring at me from across the room, shopping in the men’s section for any good finds while I look at accessories. I could always use another belt or purse, but today I can’t think of anything but Max. Her eyes follow me through the store, and I forget anyone else is even in here. Eventually, I give up trying to find anything today; I will have to come back another time when my head is clear.
We walk around Brooklyn for a bit, in and out of random indie shops. A bookstore, another thrift store, a few clothing shops, and a toy store. Eventually, we just walk around, not going in anywhere, and just talk about the upcoming week.
I realize when we make a random turn that we’re only two blocks from Max’s apartment. I’d been choosing the directions so I know it wasn’t her idea. I’m wondering how soon is too soon to sleep with someone when you’ve already slept with them a thousand times? It’s not like this is something I can Google.
“I know what you’re thinking. And trust me, I’ve been thinking the same thing too,” Max whispers, stopping to face me.
“Oh yeah?” I blush.
“I have no idea how long we should be waiting, but I’d be crazy not to invite you upstairs.” She smirks.
“Hmm, I mean, you are my girlfriend now…” I tease.
“Why don’t we go upstairs and just watch a movie?” Max asks.
“Are you trying to Netflix and chill me?” I laugh.
