Chapter 04.3

“Helen is actually Harper,” I began. She tried to speak, but I raised my finger again. ”And she was never really my girlfriend. I tried everything to bring back the old Jay, but after I half-kissed Harper in an elevator, I pulled away. I felt guilty. It didn’t feel right.”

“Excuse me?” she asked, clearly shocked. ”On New Year’s…” 

“On New Year’s Eve, I didn’t even know who you were talking about,” I cut in. ”I just didn’t want to lose the argument, so I said what I thought would win it. If I’d known what you meant, I would’ve explained it right then. I had no idea how much damage I was causing. That’s what I tried to tell you at the wedding. Since New Year’s, I haven’t had a single moment alone with you to explain.”

“And the tattoo?” she asked, her face showing the same expression she had on New Year’s Eve. ”That’s not something you just imagine.”

“If someone walks up to you in a swimsuit, then yeah, you see it,” I said with a smile. ”I didn’t have anyone over there. I tried everything, but I couldn’t get you out of my head. By New Year’s, it was getting worse. I couldn’t even sleep—I kept seeing you with your new guy.”

“I-I don’t have a boyfriend,” she said awkwardly. ”I just went on a few dates.”

“I know,” I smiled.

“And how exactly do you half-kiss someone?” she asked, curious.

“I stopped the moment I realized it wasn’t you,” I admitted. ”That kiss made it clear—yours is the only one I’ve ever really wanted.”

“I didn’t see that coming,” she said softly, rising to her feet.

I stood with her.

“Honestly, I thought you had other flings—like with Shannon,” she added, clearly flustered.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I wanted to, but I couldn’t,” I laughed. ”And I wanted you to know the truth.”

“Thank you,” she said, visibly relieved.

She slowly started walking toward the exit, and I easily kept pace with her.

“How did you know it was me under the table with Shannon at Tony’s?” I asked suddenly. I was genuinely curious.

“You’re the only one with a watch like that—and dumb enough to hide under a bench,” she laughed.

“Fair enough,” I grinned. ”Your soda was really sticky,” I added with a laugh.

“I heard,” she giggled.

“Listen,” I touched her arm gently. She stopped and turned toward me. ”I know I don’t deserve you, but I wanted you to know the truth.”

“It’s sweet of you to tell me,” she smiled. ”Even if it’s technically none of my business anymore.”

“I figured you didn’t need to be insecure anymore,” I said, brushing her cheek. She looked surprised.

“W-what makes you think I was insecure?” she asked.

“Just a guess.” I didn’t wait for a reaction—I leaned in and kissed her. She returned it for a moment, then gently pulled away.

“Let’s sit,” she said, walking over to another nearby bench. I followed.

“Jay,” she said softly once I sat beside her, ”I really appreciate what you said at the wedding and just now. And yes, you still matter to me. And yes, I’m still very attracted to you. But I’m not sure we should start something again—just for the summer. You’ll go back to university in the fall, and I’ll still be here.” She sighed. ”I know we share the same group of friends, but I promise I won’t make things awkward. The summer is yours—go on the trip, enjoy it. I’ll be working anyway.”

“I understand,” I said. I really did. ”Will you finally unblock my number?”

“Only if you promise to respect my decision.”

“I promise,” I said. ”If you promise to come to some of the game nights.”

She nodded. “One more thing,” she said, heading toward her car. I followed.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I’m going to lose the bet,” she said.

“Amber’s bet?” I asked. ”Why do you think that?”

“She wants a spring or summer wedding,” she laughed. ”She introduced him in winter—I didn’t factor that in.”

“So there will be a wedding, just outside the time limit,” I laughed. ”Well, little girl, you’ve got to know how to lose.”

“If my theory’s right, it’ll happen next spring,” she said. ”Promise me you won’t be too mean.”

“I’m not planning to humiliate you,” I said kindly. ”I’ll come up with something funny.”

“In that case, I propose a new bet,” she smiled. ”So I have a chance to win something too.”

“I’m listening, little girl,” I smiled.

“Amber’s going on vacation at the end of summer.” she said.

Right—she’d be traveling during my admissions period.

“That’s right,” I nodded.

“I think your sister will be wearing a ring by then,” she said calmly.

“I don’t think so. What’s the wager?”

“A dance at her wedding?” she offered.

“Not fair—I’d ask you to dance anyway,” I said. ”The loser gives the winner a public gift at the wedding.” That fit perfectly into my plans. I hoped she’d be right.

“Deal. But the gift can’t be humiliating—no underwear or anything like that,” she said. ”And if either of us brings someone, we take that into account.”

“Deal, little girl,” I said, and she offered her hand—just like we always did lately.

I waited until she drove away before heading back to Tony to settle my bill.

“How’d it go?” Tony asked, nodding toward the parking lot as he processed my payment.

“Could’ve been better—but it could’ve been worse, too,” I said with a smile. “But you know me, I’ll never give up.”

“Don’t. She’s worth it,” Tony said.