Page 52 of This I Promise You
“Sorry.” I drag my feet, feeling stupid. “It seemed like before.”
My head is still killing me, but it wasn’t a relapse. It was just a migraine. I’ve had them before, but never enough to blur my vision. But apparently that’s why it didn’t get that bad. Still sucks though.
“I bet that’s scary.” Aidan frowns, unlocking his car. We both get in and he starts it up.
“Uh, yeah. A little.” It is. Like every time I have the slightest symptom my mind goes into hyperdrive. It’s not like MS is fatal, not exactly at least. It’s basically a guarantee I’ll kick the bucket a few years before my alternate healthier self in another universe, but that’s not what scares me. What really unnerves me is that I’ll end up with chronic ongoing pain or need a cane or walker to stay mobile at some point. It’s the lack of independence.
“Have you told, you know, him?” Aidan still refuses to say Paul’s name.
It’s a good question. One I’ve thought about a lot the last few days, and now I’m one hundred percent not bringing it up. Paul even texted while I was with the doctor, asking how class was, and I told him it was great. I lied.
“No.” I wince. Mostly from the lie, but also the splitting headache.
“Why not?” A gives me the side-eye, pulling onto the main road and back to the dorm.
“Just too early,” I lie again.
Paul
Tonight Is Going to Be Perfect
Okay. I got everything for the picnic: bread, condiments, an assortment of meats, chips, some peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies for Easton, a couple protein bars for me, a coffee thermos, a small cooler full of ice, water, and this drink I’ve never heard about before called Cheerwine. He said he likes it and I don’t think it’s alcohol. We’ll see. Then I got all the extra blankets and pillows from Huxley’s closet to make lounging, and possible cuddling, comfortable in the back of the pick-up truck I rented. I’m taking him stargazing with a cute little picnic. Nothing crazy.
I rented the truck right before they closed and went back to the apartment to pack everything up before I drove up here to make sure it was all perfect. I even bought some fairy lights and an adapter thing for the cigarette lighter to be able to plug them in. Then I strung them around the edge of the truck bed and turned them on low.
I’m going to ask him if he wants to be my boyfriend. I like him, he likes me. Why wait? I think I’m ready. No, I know I’m ready.
You can do this.I breathe in and out slowly.Deep breaths, Paul.
Now I wait. I told Easton to meet me here after I shared my location with him. I realized that when he shared his location with me that night when he was completely shit-faced that he shared it indefinitely, so I went ahead and did the same thing. I also shared it with Huxley and told her the plan just in case we die up here in the mountains from some crazy ax murderer and she needs to know how to track us. She’ll be at home finishing reading her faerie book, waiting for my arrival. It just makes sense.
I told Easton to meet me here at ten p.m. It’s 9:53 and I think I see headlights.
Yep, it’s him. Shit. I’m so nervous.
He pulls next to the truck with thebiggestsmile on his face and I think my heart just stopped beating. I really like him. Like, really, really like him.
And I— Ope, he’s wearing skinny jeans and a flannel with the same denim jacket from our date. Oh wow, his ass looks amazing. I mean, I’ve noticed it before, buthot damn!
I’m sitting in the truck bed and he stops at the edge of the tailgate. “What’s all this? And when did you get a truck?”
“It’s for you. I wanted to do something cute for you. And I rented it—”
“Yourented a truckfor…a date?!” I think he’s excited.
“Yes, Belle. I rented a truck. For you. Now will you shut up and come up here and kiss me.”
“Shutting up.” He climbs into the truck bed and nearly attacks me with kisses.
Fucking hell. I’m so happy right now.
After getting my fair share of his taste I lean against the back of the truck and fish through the picnic basket.
“Okay, I got a variety of things because I wasn’t sure what you’d want and I didn’t want to ask because I didn’t want you to know what I was doing. I did get your fav drink and I also got water and coffee and some snacks for later. I know it’s late, so you don’t have to eat anything if you don't want to. Are you hungry?” I’m rambling but his hand is in mine and my entire body oozes tranquility.
“It’s perfect, babe. I’ve never… I mean, no one’s ever done something like this for me before. It’s, uh…” He pauses.
“Babe’s a new one. I like it,” I say and lean over and kiss him. “I’m glad I’m the first because no one else deserves moments like this with you. In that, I will be 1,000 percent selfish.”
