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“But the thing about love languages,” Charlie says, “is it’s not just about how we express love, but how we receive love. You need someone to do something for you that makes you feel loved. Someone to help you.” I shake my head. “I hate asking for help.” “That’s because deep down, you want someone to see what you need before you have to ask.”
that cosmic, soulmate thing—it’s
I’ve never felt this comfortable with a man. I’m not sure I’ve felt this kind of ease with anyone.
“It was beckoning to me.”
Green grapes. Kiwi fruit. Lime juice. Bands of impossibly bright light rippling across a black sky.
Kissing someone for the first time is like learning a new dance, and I want to master Charlie’s choreography.
“No, it’s because when you speak, he listens. When you smile, he smiles. When you need something, he offers help. When you give him something, he thanks you. You’re peas and carrots—I think you’ve found yourself a lifelong friend.”
“Just see where the sun takes you. And don’t forget: Good things happen at the lake.”
He’s the hottest of trash.
“Were you expecting me?” I say, gesturing to them. He shakes his head slowly. “You are the last thing I expected,” he says.
“I see you when I close my eyes at night,” he says, eyes burning. “You fill my dreams. I think of you when I’m in the shower. I imagine how it would be to have you on top of me, how your hair would feel falling against my chest. I’ve thought about how many times I could make you come with my mouth. With my fingers. With both.”
“And you like me.”
“I think I might like you more than anyone.”
I’ve never wanted to lay claim to another person’s lips so badly.
“Don’t apologize.”
“I like unraveling you.”
“I’ve been smiling too much,” I tell him. Charlie’s eyes flash with delight. “No such thing.”
Every year we get is precious.
“I want you to know that I don’t think you’re a turtle.” “No?” “No. You’re a Pegasus-unicorn, Alice Everly. You’re one of a kind.”
“I feel different,” I tell her. “I feel like I’ve woken up.”
This is exactly where I wanted to be when I was seventeen, but it’s also exactly where I want to be now.
Because for once in my life, I don’t feel like I’m on the sidelines. For once, I’m in the photo.
“Fuck it.”
From here to the end of time, the image of Charlie Florek standing naked in midsummer twilight will be one of my most prized possessions.
“What moment is that, exactly?”
“You,” he says, standing in front of me. His head is above the surface, while I have to tread water. “And me.” He looks around him. “This.”
“Sorry, that one’s mine.”
I felt like I’d left my family behind when I was in the city.”
“You’re important to me, Alice. I just wanted to say that in case you don’t know. This year has been hard, and I’m not sure how I would have coped without you this summer.”
“Forever Young.”
“We met over the cucumbers,”
“Stay with me.”
“I’m just not built for a relationship.” “You are built for ME.”
I watched what losing my dad did to my mom.” He looks to his feet. “I’m not worth that kind of pain, Alice.”
“Because I’ve been trying to do something right. I want better for you than me. I want you to have a life full of freedom and joy and glitter and art. An endless bucket list.”
Until I knew I’d finally found the person I’ve been waiting for.”
“I love you, Alice Everly.”
“My Alice has the best laugh.”
My Charlie.
It feels like all the greatest kisses in one. Like kissing your high school crush, and the best friend you’ve fallen in love with, and the person you want to stand beside for as long as time will let you. It’s the starting gun and the finish line. It’s a surge of pleasure and satisfaction and rightness that reaches deep into my soul.
“I know you did. But I can do better. With everything. I’m in this, Alice. I’m so in this.” “I know.” I know that he’s worth so much more than he thinks he is. I will give him everything I have—my time and my devotion and my heart. And I know he’ll give it right back to me. Because I know Charlie. The incorrigible flirt. The human beam of sunlight. The man I love. He’s my best friend. And he’s remarkable.
