Remember Me Tomorrow

by Farah Heron

how hard it is to have a happily ever after in a place you’re not supposed to be.

“Oh, she’s not new,” he says, taking half a step away from me. He pouts. “She’d be the one corrupting me. She’s exquisite, this one. I see his fascination.”

“When I see him in the lagoon, I’ll tell him that the water lily is in his room now. He’ll be so happy to see you again.”

Aleeza: Do you ever feel alone in a roomful of people? Jay: It’s just because the world needs to catch up with you.

“He said when things don’t go as planned, friends never forget friends.”

“She was delighted with you. She wanted to set me up with you.” He laughs. “Really?” He lowers his eyes with a smoldering yet playful look. “So that means your mom would already approve of me asking you out?” I can’t believe this is happening. I raise one brow. “Do you think I need my mother’s approval?”

This is Jay. My Jay that I’m kissing. I could kiss him like this forever.

His hand moves to rub my back. “For five months, all I wanted was to talk to you,” he says softly. “Watch movies with you. Laugh with you. But mostly, I wanted to hold you. Like I used to when you were sleeping.”

“Wow, you taste delicious. You should know . . . I think I’m in love with you, Aleeza.” “That’s what you wrote on the watercolor octopus,” I say. His lips are still on my neck. He chuckles. “So I did. It’s true.” “How can you be in love with someone you’ve never met?” “We have met. Many, many times.” He kisses my lips again, like he can’t stop. “Just so you know,” I say when he pulls away, “I’m definitely in love with you. I’m so glad you caught up with me.” “Me too.” He kisses me again.

don’t know what she told you, but Aleeza was, like, stalking you for weeks. She was obsessed. It’s so creepy you’re together now.” Jay shrugs. “Actually, it’s not creepy; it’s convenient. Because I was stalking her too. I’m even more obsessed with Aleeza.”

We had a room. And getting that room is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.