Page 5 of Love On Time

“There you are!” Mom says, slipping into the chair next to me. I had purposely chosen a table far away from the crowd to catch my breath. “Why are you hiding out all the way over here? And side note—you look absolutely beautiful, honey.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say, giving her a warm smile. “I just needed a timeout from all the talking. Everyone keeps asking when it will be my turn, and I'm just tired of coming up with excuses.” I sigh, taking a sip from my third drink.

“Oh, ignore them. That is such an old person thing to say,” she chuckles, squeezing my hand. “You, my dear, have plenty of time.”

I give her hand a gentle squeeze back. “I know I do, Mom.”

Together, we look over the crowd. Dad is rubbing the back of his neck while great-aunt Mary aggressively points to something on her foot.

“I better go save your father from whatever is happening over there. Hopefully before she manages to take her shoe off and scare all the guests away.” We both laugh, watching Dad cast a desperate glance around the yard, a silent plea for help.

“Yeah, you better go rescue him. Thanks for checking on me, though. I promise I’m okay.”

The sun has fully set over the horizon, painting the sky black. I quietly slip away to the very edge of the property, leaning over the wooden rail that leads down to the private lake shore. Out here, the wind is stronger, carrying a sharp August chill. The music from the party fades into a distant buzz, leaving only the amber glow of lights as the cocktail hour winds down.

“Did you have a nice evening?” A gentle voice asks, stepping up behind me.

I’m hit with the scent of smoky vanilla and champagne. I don't have to turn around to know exactly who it is.

“I did, how was yours?” I say, my eyes finally finding his in the dark.

He lets out a heavy sigh, “Oh, you know. Just had to explain to everyone who asked why I’m still single.”

“Ah, I see, so I wasn't the only victim of that interrogation tonight." I smile.

He offers a soft chuckle, taking a slow sip of his drink. “So how do you plan to spend your free day tomorrow?”

I point right toward the dark lake shore. “That is my plan,” I say, excitement cutting through the fatigue from the long travel day. “Me, a beach towel, and my book. All day. Until my family comes to bother me with something that is.” I laugh. “What about you?”

“That sounds perfect,” His gaze softening, “I think I'm going to get my camera out and snap a few pictures of this place. It's so beautiful. And then…maybe write for a little bit,” admitting to that last part quietly, looking out to the water.

“You could join me when you start writing.” I blurt out, a sudden flush rising to my cheeks. The champagne gives me a wave of courage that I don't normally have. “Only if you want to, of course.”

“Yeah, I would like that, actually. Thank you.”

Right on cue, a yawn escapes me, exhaustion finally catching up all at once.

“I think I’m going to turn in,” I say reluctantly.

“Yeah, me too. Goodnight, Cami.”

I smile up at him. “Goodnight, Drew.”

I turn to walk away, but before I can take a step, his fingers gently brush against my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. My breath trembles as heat flares up my arm from the point of contact, leaving me craving more. I turn back to meet his gaze.

“It’s really good to see you.” He whispers, eyes hazy with emotion.

I swallow, my heart hammering in my chest. Not able to find the right words to say in this moment.

“I just wanted to let you know.” A pink flush creeps up his neck, perfectly mirroring my own.

CHAPTER 4

Drew

8 YEARS AGO

My bathroom mirror is fogged up from the hot shower I just took. I smudge a clear path with my hand, quickly brushing my teeth and combing a little gel through my hair. After a swipe of deodorant and a spray of cologne, I pull on a pair of jeans and a plain white T-shirt before throwing my hat on. Today is the first day of junior year, which means it’s also my first official practice as the varsity football captain. There’s a mountain of pressure on my shoulders to lead the team to a winning season this year, and the weight of it is already sitting heavy in my chest.