The Ride of My Life (an Ansel Elgort story)

Chapter 42

Lucy's POV

I wake up feeling very tired and it takes me a minute to realize where I am. Once my brain has gathered all my thoughts, I remember what happened last night. I feel good about it. I think we made the right decision.

"Good morning, babe. Are you okay?" Ansel asks. I didn't know he was awake, but God, his morning voice is adorable.

"Yeah, I'm great."

"I'm glad you stayed here last night." He smiles.

Indeed. Last night was a great night. Well, until Cory ruined it. A little bit after we decided we were going to go all the way, Cory came home.

In some ways Cory was a lifesaver. I don't think I am ready to be that vulnerable with someone yet. I think part of the reason why I thought I wanted to was to distract me from Daniel.

Daniel.

There's a knot in my stomach because I already miss him so much.

I think Ansel was somewhat glad Cory came in, too. I don't think he's ready yet either. I don't blame him.

But, it's true that neither of us really knows what we're doing. I'm excited for the possibility of exploring new territories with Ansel. I just haven't completely decided how I feel about it. I love Ansel, and I'd love for him to be my first, but are we really going to be together forever?

I am actually very relieved we decided not to. I would have regretted it so much.

"Ansel?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Being here for me. And respecting my choice to wait. I think you're probably the best thing that's ever happened to me." I smile. I mean it. Without him, my life would suck right now.

"I love you so much." He kisses the back of my hand. "You want to make some breakfast? Pancakes?"

"Absolutely!" I say, and we go into the kitchen. It is a small room, but with two boys living here, I doubt they'll be cooking many gourmet meals.

Cory is already awake. He's sitting on a barstool at the built-in bar, drinking coffee.

"Good morning, lovebirds!" He says as he looks at his phone.

"Want some pancakes, Cory?" Ansel says.

"No thanks, I'm going to head to the gym in a minute. Gotta stay in shape." He winks at me and I roll my eyes. Cory and Ansel are really good friends, so I know they'd never betray each other. So even if it seems like Cory is flirting with me, I know it's all good-natured. He would never actually flirt with me.

Ansel starts getting out the ingredients. I let him handle it because he likes to cook things like this. I get out a pan and heat up the stove. He puts oil in and starts pouring a little bit of the batter mixture in.

Cory leaves and once again we are all alone. Just the way I like it.

I turn my back to check my phone. A text from Natalie and my mom. Must not be urgent, so it can wait.

"Aaaachoo!" Ansel fake-sneezes and I gasp when he throws a handful of powdery pancake mix in my hair and face.

"You did not."

"Oh, yes I did!" He smirks, proudly.

"You little asshole!" I grab a handful and throw it at him. We continue this until we see the stove smoking and realize the pancakes are almost on fire.

"Damn it. I guess we'll have to go out for breakfast?" Ansel says.

"Sounds good. But, one last thing before we clean up." I walk to the refrigerator and sneakily pull out the carton of eggs. I quietly pull one out so he doesn't know what I'm doing. I hide it behind my back and carefully walk over to him.

Ansel is watching my every move.

"What are you doing?" He asks.

"Nothing, I just want a hug. Come here."

I reach my arms around his neck and he loops his around my waist. I cautiously bring my arms from his neck to above his head. Finally, I take the egg and crumble it on his head.

He backs away, his mouth wide open as the yolk runs down his face.

"Alright. You got me this time, Lucy Taylor, but I'll get you back when you least expect it."

"Oh, shut up and kiss me, egg boy!"

{Question of the chapter: What's your favorite fast food restaurant? Mine is Chickfila 🐓}