Come here.
No.
He smiles. No?
Uh-uh.
He moves closer to me. And I can feel his breath on my face.
What are you doing to me?
I don't know.
You don't?
I take in how he's looking at me.
Pretty sure you're doing something.
I smile. No. Nothing.
Nothing? Not nothing.
I hope he kisses me.
What are you doing tomorrow?
I giggle. Things.
Things?
Mm-hmm.
Can I see you?
Maybe.
This makes him grin.
Maybe? Maybe, eh?
I try not to smile. I fail.
And he chuckles. Well. Think you'd maybe, possibly, be free around seven?
Possibly.
He looks amused.
Okay. And would you possibly want to go for ice cream?
Oh he's good.
You making an offer I can't refuse?
Maybe. He winks. Possibly.
God. He makes me smile.
So tomorrow?
See you two days in a row?
Yep. Too much?
No. Yes.
Yes!? He tickles my side, feigning offense.
I try not to laugh. And fail.
Okay, okay!
He stops and his hand lingers on my waist. And somehow it makes me feel nervous and calm all at once.
Hey.
I look up at him. He's smiling.
I really like you.
You do?
A lot.
I smile.
Then he leans in to kiss my cheek. His beard feels rough against my face, but somehow I've never been touched more gently.
When can I see you again?
I've been hurt before. I don't know.
He grins. Tired of me already, huh?
No.
Then you do want to see me again?
I do. But I'm scared. I'm not sure.
Okay. I won't push.
Push.
I can wait.
I nod. I don't want to make you wait.
I know it's hard.
I... I'm not good at this. I want to be but.... God. The way he looks at me.
I know. I've been hurt too.
He waits for me to say something back. I want to, but the words get stuck.
There's no rush. I'm not going anywhere.
I nod.
You just let me know, okay?
Okay.
He smiles then hugs me. And I can't help but feel safe.
It was really good seeing you.
Good seeing you.
He starts to let go, but I hold him tighter.
Be patient with me. I'm trying.
I know.
I pull back to look at him. It's just...
Hard?
Scary. I want to say. But instead I just shrug my shoulders.
He smiles. It's okay if you're not sure.
I am sure.
Then what's wrong?
My words get stuck again.
What?
I don't know if I can do this. I haven't been good at it. None of my relationships ever seem to work out.
I like that. Means you're single. Kinda something I look for.
How is it so easy with him?
I smile. I like you. I do.
Well. I'm likeable.
I roll my eyes.
And he laughs. I like you too. And I think there's something here.
I know—I just don't want to wreck it.
We won't. It can't be wrecked.
How do you know?
He shrugs. Just do.
He's fearless. It makes me want to be too.
I've been afraid. I am afraid.
So am I. He smiles. But that's the best part: we get to be afraid together.
I nod.
Isn't that what makes it exciting? The not knowing? The what if? The maybe it could all blow up in your face?
It's scary.
Only 'cause you tell yourself that. But fear and excitement feel the same.
I frown. But they don't.
Then why are rollercoasters so popular? He shrugs. It's just how you frame it. The story you tell yourself.
And what's your story?
I met this girl. And she's amazing. And maybe she thinks I'm amazing too.
I do.
He smiles. Then, what else is there?
God. The way he looks at me.
He shrugs. That's all I need to know.
We stand there for a moment. And soon his smile finds mine.
And I think I could kiss him forever.
