Eleven Eleven

by Micalea Smeltzer

It hurts a little, though far less than my mangled heart. It’s fitting. A new beginning should be a little painful. Growing pains are natural.

I bite my lip and close my eyes, mustering the courage I need to go for complete honesty.

“I’m going to try.” I have no reason not to. The only thing that would keep me from attending is my own insecurity.

Once I’m inside, I change into cozy sweats and pull this week’s book club pick out of the bag, then let myself get lost in someone else’s world for a little while.

“Just fucking kiss me, Reid,” she breathes against my mouth. I don’t hesitate. When the hottest woman you’ve ever seen tells you to kiss her, you fucking do. It’s always explosive with us. Never just a simple kiss. Whether she knows it or not, she comes alive beneath my touch.

“You can talk about him. I don’t mind. He’s in your past, and I fully plan on being your future.”

I appreciate your attempt at chivalry.”

No matter where the future takes us, my life is better because I met him. There’s comfort in that realization. That I don’t have to put pressure on myself or slap a label on us in order to enjoy it.

“The night I came to Parkerville, I wished on 11:11 that this move would be the right thing. I think that wish came true when I met you.”

Pulling back slightly, he regards me, his expression full of wonder. “It took you long enough.” I burst out laughing. It’s the most Reid response ever. Sobering, he says, “I love you too.”