Page 117 of Come Back to Me

“Bye,” he says.

As I hang up the phone, I realize how close I was to sayingI love youto him. We’d always say that when we would hang up on a phone call or FaceTime. I’m so happy I caught myself when I did because I’d be in quite the pickle if I let it slip out.

Getting up from my office chair, I put on a pair of running shoes with white ankle socks. I figured it would go well with the pink tank top and ripped jean shorts I’m wearing. I decide to put my hair into a low ponytail because it’s too hot to keep my hair down.

This past summer in Sunset Cove was brutal. It was in the late 80s and low to mid 90s almost every single day.

I’m bringing a light jacket with me in case it’s cold wherever we end up going.

Ugh, my brain is all over the place.

Okay, I need to get my purse and my keys for the apartment. I don’t need to bring my car keys since I’m not driving.

Before I know it, my phone rings. I see the caller ID come up with Grayson’s name. Again, not a surprise because of the Weezer song I chose for his ringtone.

“I’m here. Is it okay if I come upstairs?” he asks, his tone going up an octave.

“Sure.”

“Cool, I’ll be there in a sec.”

“Okay.” I hang up the phone and rush into the living room.

Sage notices my nerves kicking into high gear in the form of my foot tapping on the hardwood floor. “Violet, it’s going to be okay. This dude isn’t a stranger. He’s far from it, actually.”

“I know. I think I’m more nervous about seeing his mom after all these years.”

“That’sunderstandable, but you should focus your energy on something else. It’s not the end of the world.”

“Wow, that’s rich coming from you.”

“Shut up. Seriously, you’re going to be fine.”

I hear a knock at the door and walk over to it, looking into the peephole. Grayson is standing there in a navy blue baseball cap with his jersey number on the front.

If he turns his hat backwards at any point today, I’m going to be in so much trouble.

When I open the door, I’m blinded by Grayson’s smile.

“Hi, Sage,” he says, leaning his head to the side, so he can see her.

“Yeah, yeah.” Sage waves her hand in the air.

Grayson lowers his eyebrows. “What’s her deal?”

“She has two assignments due soon, so she’s been glued to her computer.”

“Ah, I see. Are you ready to go? If we leave now, we should get to Sunset Cove around 2 p.m.”

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

“Bye-bye now,” Sage says.

“Bye.” I wave to her, but she doesn’t wave back.

Grayson steps back, allowing me to come out of the apartment and close the door.

“Let’s hit the road,” I say to him.