Wait for It

by Mariana Zapata

Real love was gritty. The real kind of love never quit. Someone who loved you would do what’s best for you; they’d stand up for you and sacrifice. Someone who loved you would face any inconvenience willingly. You didn’t know what love was until someone was willing to give up what they loved the most for you.

“I’m gonna hug you as long as you promise not to grab my ass, okay?” I almost laughed, but it sounded more like a broken croak.

“She wouldn’t be my first, but she’d be the only one who ever mattered. I think she could wait for the time to be right. I’d make sure she never regretted it.”

“It’s like you’re purposely trying to get me to love you, Dallas. I swear to God. You don’t even want me to stick my hand down your pants. You want me to want it all,” I laughed, trying to make a joke but failing awfully.

You can’t always wait for someone else to do the right thing when you can do it yourself.”

“I’ve seen you in your underwear and combed nits out of your hair, baby. I think we’re past that.”

“I want you. I want your smile. Your hugs. Your love. I want your happiness.” He paused. “Every single thing.”

“He looks out the window to check on you every night. I tell him to call you and quit being a stalker, but he thinks I’m going to listen in on his conversations.” She huffed. “I have better things to do with my time.”

“I always thought you looked like mine, but you sure do fucking feel like you’re mine, too,”