Cross My Heart

Chapter Eleven

Hopefully this makes up for the lake incident, Ducky. <3

Dan kisses me one last time before reminding me we have to let the boys know we’re still alive. I cling to his hand, knowing I’m acting very needy. I’m ashamed by it, of course, but Dan doesn’t seem to mind, much to my relief.

            We gather everything up and I find fresh clothes. I freshen up as best I can before heading out the door with Dan at my side. It isn’t until after we’ve searched the parking garage thoroughly do we finally remember my car is at the hotel.

            “Aw, man,” Dan groans. “We have to walk again.”

            Honestly, I’m fine with either option. But I give Dan a sympathetic look, “We’ll get there. You did fine athletically in your Pompeii video!”

            He rolls his eyes at that and starts walking. I hop up next to him with a grin.

            The walk is quiet, but comfortably quiet. Then, something tugging at the back of my mind, I break the silence. “Hey Dan?”

            He casts a sideways glance at me. “Yeah?”

            “Were… Were you drunk last night?”

            This seems to take him by surprise. His eyes widen and his steps falter. “Well, um, I don’t think so.”

            I study him. “Last I knew, you were heading out with the boys. I fell asleep before you came back. Come on, I know you better than you think—” I start, but something stops me. God, I sound like a stalker.

            Dan doesn’t seem to notice. “Yeah, we might’ve had a few drinks. Nothing serious,” he counters.

            I shake myself and cross my arms. “When you and Kyle came to the park, you didn’t quite seem like yourselves. Are you sure?”

            Dan steps back. “Yeah! I’m sure!” he answers defensively.

            I step back, raising my eyebrows at him. “Dan,” say quietly. “Your judgment, it still could’ve been clouded. You might have said something you didn’t completely mean,” I pause for a moment, “or done some things you didn’t—”

            Dan interrupts me, “What do you mean? Like when I said I loved you?” A desperate look enters his eyes, but he’s still angry. “Katelyn, I meant what I said.”

            “I know that,” I reply firmly. “But I also know that kind of thing, you know… alcohol. It can last for a while. Like until morning.”

            “Katelyn!” he throws up his hands, turning in a circle. “What are you trying to say?”

            I glance at the ground. “I… I don’t really know. This morning was different,” I point out.

            He steps toward me and lowers his head to eye level, his face inches from mine. “Katie,” he whispers. “I mean it. I meant it. I always will.” He presses his lips to mine as if to prove his point.

            I jump slightly in shock, but he brings me closer with a small tug on my hand.

            Whatever he’s trying to do, it’s working.

            I pull back and wrap my arms around myself, my face burning. I lower my eyes and nod. “Okay, I’m sorry.”

            Nothing happens for a few moments, but then Dan hugs me. “I might have, you know, been a little tipsy,” he says quietly. “I’m sorry. But what happened this morning was totally me,” he tells me firmly. “I promise you. I meant everything.”