Page 148 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls

“Okay.”

She gives my hand another squeeze before walking off.

I turn toward Andy’s grave again. “Hey, Andy,” I whisper. “I hope you’re happy, wherever you are. Maybe you’re playing basketball all the time? I hope you’re demolishing your opponents.” I laugh sadly. “Sorry it took me so long to come here. I don’t know if you can see what goes on here, but I was in Boston the past few years. I blamed myself for what happened to you. Everyone keeps telling me it wasn’t my fault. Maybe they’re right—I’m trying to convince myself the same. But I want to apologize. I’m so sorry, Andy. I never meant for things to happen the way they did. I don’t know why I called after you. I was so dumb.” I shake my head. “I don’t want to linger on the past. I don’t want to be miserable all the time. But I also don’t know if I can truly move on until I ask for your forgiveness. I’m sorry you won’t get to go pro like you wanted. I’m sorry you’ll never fall in love or get married or have kids.” I laugh lightly. “You hated romance, but I bet you would have been the most romantic guy on the planet. So sickly romantic. But it sucks that you’ll never experience any of that. I just hope you’re happy. And I hope youcan forgive me for everything I’ve done. I know you’d want me to live a good life, so I’ll do just that. And I’ll always remember you. Promise.”

Wind blows around me. Mom and Dad would say that’s Andy communicating with me and telling me he hears every word. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I’d like to think he’s listening.

I shut my eyes and say a few more words to him, talking about memories and the good times we had. I also promise to visit again. I remain for a little while longer before finding Lexi at her dad’s grave.

I wrap my arms around her waist, resting my head on hers. She looks up at me. “Everything okay?”

I nod. “Yeah. I think I felt him. I don’t know.”

She drapes her arms around me. “Pretty sure you did.”

I hug her close, drawing as much comfort as I can from her while giving her some as well. I know coming here isn’t easy for her, even though it’s been nearly ten years since her dad died.

Lexi introduces me to her dad as her boyfriend. We talk to him for a bit, then we make our way to my grandparents and Uncle Brock’s graves, where I introduce them to my beautiful girlfriend. Uncle Brock didn’t have a chance to live his life, either. But his memory lives on through me. If I have a kid one day, I’m going to name him or her Andy, so his memory can live on as well.

Chapter Forty-Three

Brock

On Saturday afternoon, Lexi and I are on her couch, snuggled together as we watch a movie. The guys were supposed to hang out with us, too, but they “conveniently” had other plans. Well, I’m not going to lie—I’m kind of glad they bailed because I want to spend every second with my awesome girlfriend.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Lexi asks with the most adorable giggle. “You’re supposed to be watching the movie.”

I haven’t been watching the movie for quite some time now.

Rubbing my nose with hers, I say, “Just thinking about how happy and lucky I am.”

Her arms come around me as she pushes herself as close to me as she can. Like she wants to fuse with me. “Well, duh you are. Because you have me.”

I laugh. “Wow, Lexi. Way to be humble.”

She laughs again, and the sound lifts my spirits every time. For many years I was the cause of her pain, but I’m glad I can be the cause of her happiness now.

I play with her curls that are so soft. “But seriously, thank you.”

She bends forward to peck my lips. “Would that be the thousandth time you thanked me?”

“Millionth. Definitely millionth.” I give her a crooked smile. “But this won’t be the last time, either. Because you really, really changed my life, Lexi. I’m serious. From the moment you gave me your colored pens when we were eight, my life changed for the better.” I swallow. “We’ve been through hardships, but we’re in a much better place now. Thanks for not giving up on me. On us.”

I bend closer and kiss her with everything I’ve got. We’ve kissed many, many times these past few days, but with this one, I want to show her just how much I appreciate everything she has done for me.

She squishes herself even closer to me, kissing me back with just as much feeling. Man, I could kiss this girl forever. I liked seeing my parents kiss—it was so romantic. Dad had been through a lot, but he made a good life for himself. He’s such a good husband and dad. I hope I’ll be the man worthy of Lexi. I hope to be that kind of boyfriend and husband one day.

“Gosh, Water Boy,” Lexi says between kisses. “You know how to melt a girl into a puddle.”

I kiss her even deeper, savoring every single second. “I just can’t get enough of you, Majestic Dancer.”

She giggles. “I can’t get enough of you, either.”

We continue kissing, not caring that the movie is still playing and that neither of us is watching. Good thing Mrs. West won’t be back for a while so we have all the time in the world to show each other just how much we mean to one another.

We got caught making out at my house yesterday, but Mom and Dad weren’t upset because they’re so excited that Lexi and I are together. So is Zoey. Apparently, I walk around with a goofy smile on my face or like my head is in the clouds. But who can blame me?

My lips trail from Lexi’s neck to her ear, where I whisper, “You’re the light at the end of my tunnel. The only star in my universe.”