First & Forever

Chapter 31: Eloise

MAY

I creep just one eye open as if it will make it any less painful that it's not him, but what I see jerks me to full attention.

WPR

Holy sheet cake.

I reach for it, but then stop, scared and breathless, staring at his initials through wet eyes. Is my wish on the other side of that text or my heart's final undoing?

I take a deep breath, willing it to be the former as I open the text.

WPR: Hey...

What the - Seriously, Will? Hey? That may be worse than nothing at all.

I'm about to turn my phone off completely when I hear Eli and Emett squeal from their room, up way past their bedtime. Wait... Did they just say...

"Will!"

"Will-am is here!" I hear Emett call through the house.

My phone buzzes again.

WPR: Do you want me to Romeo this or will you come down here for me, Elle James?

Oh my God. He's here.

I quickly stand, straightening my dress and gasp when I turn to my mirror. He's here and I look like this.

EEJ: Two seconds

I run to my bathroom and quickly wipe all of the mascara off of my face. I'm a puffy mess, but this is the best I've got. He can deal. It's his fault anyway, right? I fluff my hair. At least it still looks nice.

Making my way to Eli and Emett's room I peek out the window to see for myself. Yep, there he is. William Rhodes, pacing back and forth next to his car under our driveway floodlights. My brothers giggle at his nervous movements and I crack a little smile. I should leave him out there for a bit. Make him squirm as long as he's made me. But... There's no guarantee he's here for the reason I think he is. He could be here to let me down easy. To tell me he's sorry he doesn't feel the same anymore. To say goodbye.

"Can we come?!" Eli calls as I head for the stairs.

"No!" I say a little too quickly. "Stay here, please?" I beg my little brothers.

"I'll watch them," Emely says from behind me, yawning in her Edward Cullen sleepshirt.

I hug her quickly with a nervous energy that I don't know what to do with. "Thank you!"

I hustle down the stairs, shrugging my shoulders at my parents when they give me curious looks from their bedroom door.

Halting at the front door, I take a breath, peeking through the window before stepping outside.

My stomach flips as I watch him nervously rolling up his shirt sleeves. He's still wearing the same thing from graduation, only now he's lost the tie and unbuttoned his shirt a few buttons. I feel chills cover my skin. He's gorgeous.

His head snaps up the second he hears the front door open. With my heart pounding out of my chest, I tuck my hair behind my ear and make my way toward him. The cool rough concrete under my feet reminding me that I didn't even think to put on shoes.

When I finally find it in me, I look up to meet his eyes, finding his already locked on mine.

His lips curve into the softest smile as he tilts his head. "Hey..." he drawls.

I stop in front of him, cross my arms over my chest, and shoot him a knowing look. "I suggest you find more words, hotshot."

He lets out a deep warm laugh, closing the few steps still between us.