The Keys to freedom

Milkshakes really do bring boys the yard

James shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he stood on Evie's porch, two cold milkshakes in his hands. The light buzzed faintly above him, and over the peeling paint and flowerpots lined neatly against the railing. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell, his heart thudding in his chest.

It was late—probably too late for an impromptu visit.

The door creaked open, and Evie appeared, blinking in surprise. She was wearing plaid pajama pants and an oversized sweatshirt, her hair a little messy from a night of curling up on the couch.

"James?" she said, her voice soft with curiosity.

He lifted the milkshakes with a sheepish grin. "I remembered you said you'd never thought you'd find one like you did before, so... I thought we could try one together."

A slow smile spread across her face, her eyes lighting up despite the late hour. "You brought me a milkshake?"

"Chocolate peanut butter, just like you like," he said, holding the cup up.

She let out a soft laugh, her cheeks flushing. "I'm in my pajamas," she said, glancing down at herself.

"No need to change," he replied, shaking his head. "You look perfect for the occasion."

She hesitated for a moment before stepping out onto the porch, the chill of the night air raising goosebumps on her skin. "Alright," she said, her voice warm and a little shy. "Let me grab a blanket, though."

James waited as she disappeared back inside and returned moments later with a thick knitted throw. Together, they made their way to his truck parked at the curb, the night quiet except for the distant hum of crickets.

He lowered the tailgate, spreading out another blanket across the truck bed before hopping up and offering her a hand. She took it, climbing in beside him as he handed her one of the milkshakes.

The first sip was met with a surprised smile. "Wow," she said, her voice brimming with delight. "It's perfect."

James leaned back, propping himself up on one elbow as he grinned. "I did some research. Had to drive across town to this tiny diner, but it was worth it if it means seeing you smile like that."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she took another sip, savoring the creamy, nostalgic flavor. "Well, you nailed it," she said. "I think it's even better than the one I used to get."

James couldn't help but grin, a wide, giddy smile spreading across his face as he watched her sip from her straw, completely unaware of the way she was lighting up the sparks inside him.

Their conversations drifted from lighthearted topics—favorite movies, embarrassing childhood stories—to deeper ones. James talked about his family, about how he'd always felt like he had to hold everything together. Evie opened up about her worries for the future, her fear of not living up to expectations. The more they talked, the closer they felt, the space between them shrinking as the night grew colder. At one point, he adjusted the blanket, tucking it around both of them, their shoulders brushing as they settled in. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound the occasional rustle of their fabrics as they shifted. Above them, the stars were scattered across the inky sky, bright and endless.

"You know," she said, her voice soft, "I didn't expect you to show up tonight. But... I'm glad you did."

He turned to her, his eyes meeting hers. "Me too," he said simply.

The night wasn't grand or elaborate—it was simple. Perfectly, beautifully simple. And maybe, James thought as he glanced at her, that was enough. He watched her as she gazed up at the stars, her face relaxed, a small smile tugging at her lips. The faint glow of the moonlight outlined her features, and he felt a pull he couldn't ignore. The way she had opened up, the way she trusted him enough to let him into her world, made his chest tighten in a way that felt equal parts terrifying and exciting..

"It's been a long time since I just... sat under the stars like this," she said, her voice wistful.

He turned his head to look at her, his gaze soft. "Maybe we should do it more often, then," his tone was warm, with a hint of nervousness. "I mean, if you'd want to."

She looked at him, her eyes catching the glow of the porch light behind them. "I'd like that," she said quietly, her cheeks warming. "A lot,"

They sat quietly for another moment before he spoke. "You know," he began, his voice a little shaky, "I've been wanting to do something like this for a while. I guess I was just too much of a coward to ask."

She turned to him, her expression softening. "Why would you be scared?"

He let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Because I thought you'd say no."

She studied him for a moment "James," she said softly, "this is probably the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me."

His confidence surged just a little. "Well," he said, leaning back and smirking, "I guess I'll just have to keep doing stuff like this to stay on top then."

She laughed, the sound light and melodic. He reached out hesitantly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I like seeing you laugh," he admitted.

Her breath caught at the tenderness in his gesture, her cheeks growing hotter. He leaned in slowly, his eyes locked on hers, giving her plenty of time to pull away if she wanted. But she didn't. Instead, she leaned in too, her heart pounding as their lips met in a gentle, tentative kiss that was soft and sweet. When they pulled apart, their foreheads rested together.

She let out a soft, breathless laugh, her cheeks warm. "So... that happened," her voice teasing but laced with affection.

He smiled, his thumb brushing against her hand. "Yeah. That happened."

Her cheeks flushed, as she looked down, her smile growing shy.

"So," he said, his voice teasing, "Which was better, the kiss or the milkshakes?"

She grinned, her eyes sparkling. "It's a close call," she teased back, though her expression softened as she added, "but I think the kiss might win."

He smiled giddily. "you just seem so different from anyone I've met."

She turned her head, her eyes meeting his, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Different how?"

He hesitated, searching for the right words. "Like you don't pretend, and that's rare in my world, this place." he smiled again, "and... you make people feel like they can be themselves too. Like I can be myself."

Her heart raced as she glanced at his face, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, the warmth in his expression. He leaned into her, his hand brushing lightly against hers beneath the blanket as she tilted her head onto his shoulder.

"James," she said, breaking the silence, "thanks for tonight."

"Anytime," he replied, his voice steady and sure.

They sat under the stars, knowing that this moment—this connection—was the start of something neither of them wanted to let go of—being seen, wanted, and completely at ease within eachother.