Page 79 of Even After This
“I’ve been dying to do this all day,” he says in a thick voice.
I am putty at those words, molding myself to his frame. His hand at my lower back pushes me closer, while the fingertips of his other hand graze up and down my spine as he kisses me, gentle at first, then with more intent. It’s PDA at its best, and I’m here for it.
Before I figure out how we can remain like this forever, making out in the Walmart parking lot, he pulls back and rests his forehead on mine.
“Well.” A smile tugs at my mouth. “I thought you were letting me go because of the eternal ‘stop the snoring ladies’ message I left on your voicemail.”
“Are you kidding?” His thumb rubs across my waist. “I’ve listened to that message a thousand times. It’s going in the permanent collection.”
I chuckle and move in to brush my lips against his one more time.
When he pulls back, he pats me on the hip. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get your booty home.”
19
“Coffee.” Molly dragsherself into the kitchen, armed for Black Friday in deep purple leggings, a gray tunic, and running shoes.
Turning, I nod to the carafe. “Fully leaded with all the fixings. Where are the kids?”
“Passed out on the couch.” She squints, studying my face. “It’s six o’clock in the morning. Are you wearing makeup?”
Heat creeps up my neck as I wipe my hands on a dish towel. “You guys didn’t have to get here this early. I told you I’d take care of the pre-shopping breakfast.”
Molly turns her back to me to pour the caffeine into a blue stoneware mug. “Yes, but we have to talk. Where’s pretty boy?”
We have to talk.
In the history of humankind, those four words have never meant anything good. Especially from Molly.
Instead, I focus my thoughts on Harlan. I attempt to sound casual about him but am thwarted by my giddy smile. “He went for a run and will be back in a little while.”
Glancing at the cookbook on the counter, I make a mental note of the items needed.
She taps a packet of stevia. “Then start talking. Mom and Dad will also be here soon, and you have some ground to cover. Beginning with how you broke your Famous People Probation.”
Knocking out two tasks at one time, I peruse the cabinets for various ingredients while diving into the story of how I met the handsome Hercules. After tales of the now legendary dance, the drama at the zoo, and our long conversations, I detail the last six weeks.
As I wait for Molly’s reaction, I gnaw on my bottom lip.
“You rejected Stanley?” her incredulous voice booms.
Of course out of all those details, she homes in on Stanley.
“Hush.” As I open the refrigerator door to grab homemade dough, I glance into the living room. Thank goodness Taylor and Hannah are still conked out on the couch.
My sister shakes her head. “No one is more committed to you than Stanley.”
Her disapproval sears frustration through me. “But it’s not real.”
“You think Harlan is real?” She hitches her thumb. “This guy is Chad Tarkington. What does Claire have to say about this?”
My shoulders slump. I haven’t told Claire because she’s had a busy fall in the classroom, which made it easier to avoid, and for six weeks I didn’t know if there was anything to tell. I was confused, embarrassed, and hurt, all of which are things I usually tell my best friend. I’m going to have to call her as soon as I can. No, not a call. This conversation requires us to be in person and eating chocolate.
I deal with the matter at hand. “Chad Tarkington is Chad Tarkington because I never saw him again after camp. Harlan is here. In my house. You watched him yesterday. He hung out with our family, fit in naturally, and enjoyed himself. Do you think this is real?”
She stares for a beat and exhales with a regretful smile. “Yeah. I do.”
“But?” Throwing flour on the counter, I prepare to roll out the dough.
