The Do-Over

by Lynn Painter

“He had a perfect day with the perfect girl,” Rox said, “but his cynical heart refused to believe it could last, so he pushed her away.” I looked at Rox and could barely find my voice to say, “What are you doing?” “It wasn’t until he cleaned out his truck and could still smell her perfume on his brother’s jacket,” Trey said, “that he was almost suffocated by how much he missed her.”

“I remember everything about you, Em.” The crack in his voice brought my eyes back to his face. “I do.” His voice was raspy when he said, “I remember the ‘Thong Song,’ the breathy sound of your voice after I kiss you, and the way you kissed my nose when you thought I was sad.”

“I fell in love with you on Valentine’s Day, Emilie, but I need more than just seven minutes.”