Page 49 of Come Back to Me

“You’re one of the most talented people I know. You have an Instagram account entirely dedicated to books. You grew a community of people who share your love for books, and I think that’s amazing. And you did it all on your own. You’ve accomplished so much, and we’re not even seniors yet. You need to give yourself more credit and stopbeing so hard on yourself. You’re the most important person in my life. I care about you a lot, and I hate seeing you like this.”

I’m mesmerized by him. It’s as if I’ve been put into a dreamlike trance I’m unable to snap myself out of.

“Here’s what’s going to happen. We’re going to get up, and I’ll help you freshen up. You’re going to go out there because it’syoursweet sixteen. You’re going to celebrate it because you deserve to. You deserve all the happiness that exists in this world.” He gets up off the floor, offering both of his hands to me, so he can help me up.

I slide my hands into his and push off using my body weight, standing upright. My body brushes against his, leaving him breathless. I look up at him and smile.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asks, grinning from ear to ear.

“Sometimes I believe all of this is a dream.”

“What do you believe is a dream?”

“Us.”

“This isn’t a dream because I’m standing here in front of you.” He grabs a dry washcloth, dabbing it on my face to soak up the tears lingering on my face.

I put my arms around him, burying my head into his chest. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For always being there for me.”

“That’s what boyfriends are here for.”

“But you’re special.”

“Oh, really? Why’s that?”

“You’re a secret.” I giggle in a cute way that makes him smile so big his face might freeze that way forever.

“I thought you didn’t like that I’m a secret.”

“I didn’t at first, but I like it now. You’remysecret.You’re. All. Mine.”

“And you’re mine.” He kisses the top of my forehead.

“I’ll always be yours, Grayson Becker.”

I fix my dress, using my fingertips to make all of the wrinkles disappear.

When I look up, I notice his mouth hanging open before he clears his throat. He takes a moment to soak in my natural beauty, scanning me from head to toe. Partially sticking out his tongue, he bites his lip and raises his eyebrows.

When I fully meet his gaze, a little smile tugs on the corners of my lips. “What?”

He lets out a smooth breath. “You’re so beautiful.”

I walk up to him, kissing the tip of his nose. “I love you.”

“I love you more, Angel.” He puts his hands on my shoulders. “C’mon, let’s go celebrate your birthday.”

Seeing my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I notice how prominent the bruise on my face is. “Wait, I need to cover this thing up.”

“I can do it. What do you need me to do?” He offers with no hesitation whatsoever.

“Go over to my desk, and grab the lightest shade of concealer you can find. Can you get the hot pink sponge that’s shaped like a teardrop, too?”

Rummaging through the drawers of my desk, he finds a lighter shade of concealer and my teardrop-shaped sponge.