Page 188 of Next to Everything We Wanted

“Just don’t tell anyone that I’m stressed, okay?” he asked. “Especially not the guys. I don’t need them worrying.”

“Knowing them, they’re probably worrying like crazy already.”

He waved his prosthetic hand. “Naw, they’re all too busy with their own stuff. Especially Oliver and his secretiveness.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You noticed that, too?”

“I know him better than anyone else, yet he barely tells me anything about what’s going on. It’s fine—I always figure everything out.” He paused. “Well, I had no idea what was going on with you and Ivan, but I figured out everything else.”

I giggled. He had no idea about what he didn’t know about Ivan Hicks. “I won’t tell anyone anything.”

I got up and went over to Gavin’s booth. His face lit up when he saw me, and he got out of the booth.

“Gosh, you were in there forever,” he said, giving me a tight squeeze. I took in the smell of his ocean breeze cologne, thankful he was here again. “I was about to pull you out of there to kiss you.”

I pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “Sorry, I was having an important conversation.”

“A conversation with someone more important than me?” He gave me a teasing smile.

“Okay,pleasego outside,” Forrest said, rolling his eyes to the highest heaven. “I know I’m supportive of your relationship now, but even Cheesy Times doesn’t have this much cheese.”

“Cheesy Times is amazing.” I grinned at Gavin. “Though you’re even better.”

Gavin grinned back at me. “I am.”

“Hey, don’t get too big of an ego.”

He laughed and brushed his lips against my temple. “You’re the one who said I’m amazing. I’m just agreeing with you.”

Nick let out a dramatic gag. “I’m sorry, but this is too cheesy.”

“Yeah, why all the sweet talk?” Eli said. “Making out is the best part of a relationship.”

“Says the guy whose relationships last two minutes,” Celeste said.

“That’s why it’s the best part. Sometimes it’s the only, but I’m always down for more.”

I laughed. “You guys are hilarious.”

“We’re not joking,” Nick said with a straight face.

I shook my head and smiled.

When I was done talking to my friends and family, I took Gavin’s hand and walked him to my car. Our night wasonly just beginning. After all this time, I was finally visiting Gavin’s apartment. Withhim. I hated that my first visit was under terrible circumstances, but there was a second chance for everything. Gavin’s bandmates were hanging out at Eli’s house for a few hours, leaving the two of us alone.

Dad had said I could visit as long as I came home before midnight—and as long as we kept our clothes on. He was very cautious about us getting back together, worried we’d start a pattern of breaking up and making up, though he was willing to give Gavin another chance after talking with him yesterday.

You know, when he came home to us watching a movie, not knowing how hard we’d made out on the same couch.

Hey, our clothes had stayed on.

“So, are you going to release that song?” Gavin asked as we got in my car. He’d driven here with Forrest and Nick, leaving me to drive us to his place. “Add it to the rotation?”

I nodded. “We’re still not sure if Dallas and Raina should make their own version or not. My bandmates think I should sing the official version since it’s meant for you.” I turned on the car and backed out of my parking space. “What do you think?”

“Your band can do whatever they’re comfortable with.” He leaned closer. “But I can’t lie—I’d rather hear you sing it.”

I smiled, trying to keep my grip on the wheel steady. “I’ll try to grant your wish, then.”