Page 31 of Property of Player

It’s too late now, though. What’s the point of rehashing it?

The surf shop that sets up the bonfires for tourists rolls up to clean this one up, and we stand.

“I’m tired. I should get home. Walk me to my car?” I ask.

“Of course.”

At the end of the boardwalk, we pause and pet the yellow lab the couple has on a leash.

Player scratches the dog’s ears. “What’s his name?” he asks the owners.

“Her. Luna.”

“Hey, Luna.” The dog wags her tail.

We say goodnight to the couple and walk on.

We don’t speak on the walk back. When we reach my car and I unlock my door, I turn to face Player.

“Here, let me give you your hoodie.” But he stops me.

“Keep it.” Then he touches my face and tips my chin, dipping his head and brushing my lips with a kiss. He holds it for a second but doesn’t push for more. And in that moment, I don’t want him to go.

He’s already gone; a part of my brain reminds me.

When he pulls back, he opens my door for me.

I slip behind the wheel, and he crouches next to my seat. “You still got the same number?”

I nod.

“Me, too. You still got mine?”

“Yes.” I’ve never had the heart to erase his contact.

“Call me or at least text me when you get home.”

“Okay.” It doesn’t mean we’re starting anything. It’s just a safe arrival call. Don’t read more into it.

“Goodnight, Tay.” His use of the shortened name he always called me warms my heart.

I grin. “Goodnight, Josh.”

He winks, and then he rises and walks to his bike. He sits and watches me pull out, before swinging out behind me and following for a bit, then he breaks off and takes a road to the right.

Sadness fills me watching him ride away. I liked having him behind me. It’s like watching him ride out of my life all over again. I wonder when our paths will cross once more.

When I get home, I check on Mom. She’s sleeping peacefully, so I leave her room quietly and go to bed. I’m barely under the sheets when my phone vibrates.

PLAYER: Home safe?

ME: Yes. You?

PLAYER: Yep. You work tomorrow?

ME: I open the place for lunch. I’ll be there at 10am.

PLAYER: I enjoyed talking to you tonight.