Page 115 of Chasing Hope

Matteo—Age Eighteen

Ihear her before I see her.

I’ve always been able to tell it’s Evie just by the sound of her steps. How light and swift they move, how she swishes her hips from side to side.

She’s changed this summer. I’ve always noticed her, have had to push my thoughts about her away, but now it’s becoming painful to do so.

Pulling out teeth would be better than ignoring the way I feel about Evie.

College can’t come soon enough.

Turning on my heel, I lean against the dock, putting my back to the lake, my view now the gorgeous blonde swaying slightly as she comes toward me with determination. The graduation party blaring in the background is completely forgotten now.

The world could be ending, and I’d only have eyes for her.

“Hi, Dove.”

Evie hiccups. “Hey, Valenti.”

“Having fun?” I tease, eyeing the red solo cup in her hand.

Her cheeks tint but I’m not sure if that’s from her blushing or the alcohol.

She’s only a step away when she seems to trip over her own feet. I’m beside her before she hits the deck, my hands wrapped around her waist as I haul her up.

“Oops,” she slurs around a giggle.

Shaking my head, I can’t help but smirk. “Come on, Dove, have a seat,” I say, leading her toward the built-in bench on the deck.

Evie all but flops beside me, her leg brushing mine, sending that telltale spark of lightning through my veins.

Both of us turn toward the lake. Jake’s lake house has been everyone’s go-to party house this year; it seemed fitting we all came out here for our last night of fun after graduation today.

Evie showed up an hour into the party. Caleb wasn’t happy about it but some of her friends are dating the graduates. It would have been unfair if she had to leave but her friends could stay.

Although, if Caleb currently saw how intoxicated she is, he’d blow a lid.

Evie leans into my side, her head lowering onto my shoulder. I crane my neck, but I don’t spot anyone along the shore, everyone probably farther along or still inside the house. Swallowing thickly, I lift my arm, letting her come in closer as I wrap it around her.

I tell myself it’s to keep her upright.

I tell myself that this is okay.

I tell myself I’m not betraying my best friend.

But it’s hard to lie to yourself, especially when the truth is obvious.

The silence stretches on, but it’s a comfortable one. People always tell me I don’t talk enough but they’re just the wrong type of people for me. The right sort of company can drag words out of me.

Like my Dove.

She always gets me to talk the most, followed closely by her brother. It’s…freeing being with her.

“Are you happy to be done?” she whispers into the chilly night air.

Tipping my head side to side, I settle for honesty. “Yes and no.”

Keeping her head in the crook of my arm and chest, she peers up at me and, fuck, if it isn’t the most gorgeous sight, glassy eyes and all. I just wish they were clear right now.