Matrimony Homies

28: Graduation (Harry)

That kiss. Holy fuck. I'm dead. Deceased. Bury me. Just make sure that Loren is in the coffin next to me cause I don't want to ever be without her again.

Not that she's as affected as I am. To her, I'm just a friend. Her bestie's brother.

But what was up with that comment? Maybe she really did say 'paid' instead of 'laid'. If so, I need to get my ears checked. Another day with her, and she's wearing another suggestive shirt. Fuck. Thank goodness I don't wear skinny jeans anymore. My condition would be way too obvious to everyone – not just Lor.

"I presume we're ahead of schedule since we drove here last night?" I ask. "Do you want to go straight to the last castle and then home? Mum would be happy to see us, I'm sure. You know she wants as much time as possible with you."

"Ha! She wants as much time as possible with YOU," Loren laughs. "With your tours and movies, I know Anne would love to have extra hours to bask in your presence."

What Loren doesn't know is that I don't want to rush back to Mum's house. There's something about being in that shared space that chafes when Loren is around. Withdrawing my phone, I map out our route. "Hmmm...there are a couple of places that we could visit on our way to Dunkenhalgh. There's Quirky Quarter which is in Liverpool. All kinds of wacky exhibits and opportunities to take some bizarre photos." Walking to her, I hold out my phone so she can see some of the exhibits.

Not sensing much excitement for this option, I continue talking, "Or there's Fairy Glen which is in Lancashire. It's got a walking path with waterfalls."

"Yeah?" Her inflection makes it obvious she prefers the second choice. "Let's do that. I wouldn't mind a hike in the woods. Do they have a trail?"

"It's a loop. Four miles, it says."

"Perfect! Let me put on my trainers then. I don't want to try to traipse through the mud in my ankle boots."

Relieved that I've found something she'll enjoy and which coincidentally keeps her in my company for a few extra hours, I smile as I finish packing my bag and watch as she latches hers.

In the car, she chooses Frank Sinatra, which would be fine as I enjoy his crooning, but she's chosen 'Songs for Swingin' Lovers'. Not the kind of music I need to hear after the morning we've had. It's romantic and suggestive, and includes gems such as 'Love is Here to Stay', 'I've Got You Under My Skin', 'Anything Goes', and worst of all – 'Makin' Whoopee'. Why is she trying to slay me today?

Maybe I should just tell her how the kiss made me feel?

And get laughed at? Nope. I'm not going to be ridiculed. Best to keep my mouth shut and my desire for this sweet creature to myself.

Apparently Loren has decided to keep her thoughts to herself too today as we both sit in silence that feels more awkward than our first road trip two weeks prior. Every topic that comes to my mind, though, is exactly the wrong thing to say to start a conversation.

"Lor?" I ask softly. We're slouching side by side on one of the outdoor sofas Mum has put in the garden. The fire pit keeps us warm, and I'm grateful on this chilly November night. Gemma is inside the house, wishing the rest of her guests safe travels. For me, though, this short time at home is as much about spending time with this woman who has captured my heart as it is about seeing my sister's graduation. After all of this time away, I thought I would have moved beyond my crush for her, but no. Not even remotely. I feel that we're more equal now – you know – since we're both adults.

"Yeah, Dork?" Her sigh conveys something that sounds like pleasure.

"What are you going to do now that you've graduated?"