me put these cookies back at my place and get my Frisbee.”
“Great. I’ll meet you in a few. I need to get my sunscreen and a hat.”
I turn to go and then stop, turning back to her. “What’re you doing on the Fourth of July?” It’s this Thursday and I have off work for the long weekend.
“I don’t know. What’re we doing?”
I grin. “You’re going to my family’s Fourth of July barbecue. My dad makes a big deal ever since he became an American citizen. You know everyone. It’ll be fun.”
She points a finger at me, smiling. “I’m there.”
My heart beats a little faster at that beautiful smile. I head back to my place, feeling lighter already.
Chloe
All I can say is thank God Brendan doesn’t hold a grudge. We’re hanging out again, popping into each other’s apartments at all hours. I was so afraid I’d lost him forever. He’s just such a good guy, and I know I can tell him anything. He really listens when I share about my work at the lab, which still isn’t as great as all the interesting things I want to pursue in future research topics. He follows along surprisingly well, too, considering he never studied bio and chem past high school. He’s smart, warm, and so good humored it makes me feel light and happy just being around him.
But there are moments.
Fierce moments that steal my breath, where the chemistry between us is such a powerful force I’m dying to cross the line, even as I’m terrified it’ll ruin everything. How can I keep him as a friend when I feel so much more? I’m not sure how much longer I can resist him. Sara told me before that when the right person comes along, no matter how scary it feels, it’s worth taking a risk. She speaks from experience, but it seems like her taking a chance on Adrian was a lot less risky. They were childhood friends with years to build trust in each other before they crossed the line. Not at all the same thing here. She also said I tend to shut down when things get too intense, but it doesn’t feel that way with Brendan. I don’t shut down at all. In fact, after I see him, I’m so wired, my nerves raw and exposed, it takes hours to settle enough to sleep. I’m too open to him, too vulnerable, and the crazy part is I still don’t want to let him go. Does that mean he’s the right person for me? Am I the right person for him? I just don’t know.
I pace my apartment, my legs jittery with nerves, my chest tight. He’ll be here soon to pick me up for the Fourth of July barbecue, and I’m afraid I’ve built this weekend up too much in my mind. I made a deal with myself to take the holiday weekend off for the sole purpose of spending as much time with him as possible. It’s the only way to know if he’s the right person to take a risk on.
He knocks on the door using our secret knock, which is rapid tapping like a woodpecker. It’s just annoying enough to be funny. Except my breathing accelerates too much to laugh.
“Just a minute,” I say, forcing a cheerful tone. I close my eyes and picture Sara with her warm eyes and loving smile, encouraging me to take a chance. My mind flashes to her and Adrian sitting close on the sofa, gazing at their beautiful baby. I calm thinking of sweet baby Henry.
I open the door. “Happy Fourth of July!”
His smile is warm, taking me in, and my jitters disappear. “Look at you, all red, white, and blue.”
I do a small curtsy. “Thank you.” I’m wearing a white tank top and blue jeans with a red cardigan tied around my waist for later. I figure we’ll stay out late to watch fireworks and it might get cool. “And where’s your red, white, and blue?”
He looks down at himself and pats himself over. “It’s here somewhere.”
I laugh. He’s wearing a black T-shirt with black basketball shorts. “Are you wearing American flag boxers?”
He lifts the waistband of his shorts, peeks down, and does a double take like he’s shocked at what he’s wearing. “Tasmanian devil.” He’s so funny.
“Really?”
He inclines his head. “Wanna peek?”
My cheeks flush. “Let’s go.” I brush past him.
“Sure?” he teases, holding the door for me.
“Yes, I’m sure,” I say over my shoulder with a laugh.
“I’ll wear