Page 131 of Begin Again

He’s met my sister a dozen times. Talked to her. Shared meals with her. And yet, somehow, it has never once clicked that CelesteisAra. That the lead singer of his favorite band has been in his cafe, has sat at his table, and has stolen his fries.

And he hasno idea.

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning. “Yeah,” I say, keeping my voice even. “It’ll be nice having her close.”

A comfortable silence settles between us, filled only by the sound of the waves rolling in and out. The moon hangs heavy above the horizon, casting a silver glow over everything.

Then Theo shifts, turning to me, and his voice is softer when he speaks. “Do you remember that night in the truck?”

I glance at him, brow furrowing. “You’re going to have to be more specific.”

He huffs a quiet laugh. “When we talked about our favorite places. You asked me where mine was, and I told you it was more of a feeling than a place. That anywhere could be home, as long as itfeltlike home.”

I remember.

I remembereverything.

His voice is even quieter now. “You told me you hadn’t found yours yet.”

My throat tightens.

Theo watches me closely. “Do you think you have now?”

I don’t look at the water.

I don’t look at the sky.

I look athim.

And I say, “Yes.”

His breath catches.

I don’t have to say anything else.

He understands.

He reaches for my hand, threading his fingers through mine, and the waves crash the wind whispers, and the stars burn overhead.

And for the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I’m drifting.

I have found my home.