Up in Flames

by Eden Finley

If I’d known … Fuck, if I knew Eman was going to do this to him, I would’ve told Remy a year ago that I’m hopelessly, stupidly in love with him and he should leave the guy who never grew up.

“You’re imagining what Eman’s reaction would be if he found out that instead of breaking down after he left, you partied, aren’t you?” “Is that petty? It’s petty, isn’t it?” I lean in. “Honey, after being left at the fucking altar, you’re allowed to be petty.” Remy stands. “Then instead of having a pity party, let’s throw a petty party.”

“How do you know that didn’t lead to sex? You’re hot, and we were drinking and⁠—” “We’re still wearing our clothes, plus there’s no mess.” “Of course there’d be no mess. I swallow!”

I might be here to make sure Remy’s okay, but after this honeymoon, I’m not sure I will be.

Remy stays in only his underwear, which surprises me, but not as much as when he walks around me, trailing his fingers up my back, and then leans in close to my ear and whispers, “So you know, payback’s a bitch.” And that’s when I know I fucked up.

So I let it go and creep up close behind him, as silently as I can. When I’m by his ear, I drop my tone and say, “Duh-dun.” “Remy …” “Duh-dun … duh-dun … duh-dun, duh-dun, duh-dun …” I bite down into his shoulder. “You little shit.” Then before I can stop it, he spins around, picks me up, and throws me across the pool. I’m getting dangerously addicted to how easily he throws me around.

“Did you mean what you said to him on the phone?” His voice is even smaller now. “For him to never call either of us again? Yes.” “Not that. The part where I deserve to be cherished.” I stalk toward him, closing the gap between us, and I cup his cheek as I look him in the eyes and say, “Every. Fucking. Day.”

“I wish you could see you the way I do.” He lifts his gaze, his big hazel eyes shining up at me. “How’s that?” “Precious. Rare. We might not have always gotten along, and while the blame could be put squarely on my shoulders for that, I told myself I was doing the right thing. That you were happy with Eman, and even if I did confess my immature thoughts that I saw you first, you’d still choose him because he’s so much more put together than I am.” “You saw me first?” he rasps. “There’s not a day goes by that I don’t kick myself for not asking you out before he did.”

Gabe reluctantly stands and yells, “Hit him with the chair!” Sanden shoves him. “Dude, wrong sport. You’re a disgrace to the Crosby name.” “Ah … knock out his teeth?” “Now you’re getting it.”

“You’re not stupid. You’re an amazing EMT. You save lives. You have a big heart. You’ve been through some things, sure, but it’s not going to beat you because you’re incredible, Remy. You’re so many things, but stupid isn’t one of them, sweetheart.”

I make a weird meep sound, and Sanden’s eyes sharpen. “What was that?” “What was what?” “Your chipmunk impression.”

I think … for me, it’s all about time. Having it and giving it. It’s finite, you know? You can’t buy more. If someone gives you theirs, that’s important.”

“We could get the romantic trifecta, then. Morning sex, STD exam, arrested for indecent exposure.” “What can I say? I like giving my partners an adventure.”

no relationship is guaranteed. All I know is that you were right. We needed that time apart because if we didn’t, we would have imploded. Guaranteed. And I wouldn’t have been okay. Now, if we don’t work out for whatever reason, it will gut me, but I’d make it through. Because you don’t make me a person.” I nuzzle his jaw. “You just make me a better one.” “Ooh, Remy got wise.”

“You feel so fucking good,” he says, voice strangled with emotion. “I will never get over being able to have you. Never.”

“You don’t need a ring to own me, sweetheart. But I sure as fuck want to wear one for you.”

“You make me so happy,” I whisper. “That’s literally all I’ve ever wanted for you. And now I get to make you happy for the rest of our lives.”