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This life is too damn good, too beautiful, to cry over greasy boys with sloppy tongues.
I didn’t grow bitter that night. I didn’t lose my faith in relationships or decide that boys simply aren’t worth my time. Rather, I learned that it’s okay to like something and then lose it. To love and then let go. Because something beautiful, something brilliant, is waiting just around the corner.
Harper and I, shit, the spaces between us are like the ocean at spring tide. The highest highs and the lowest lows; that’s what separates the two of us.
“He doesn’t fucking deserve you.”
“She didn’t deserve you, either,” she says, thumb tapping mine. “Not by a long shot.”
“I don’t want to keep begging you, but I might just be willing to.” “You don’t need to beg me,” I murmur. “Not now, not ever.”
I want to be everything for her that she is for me—a best friend, a confidant, a source of motivation. The reason that I feel like smiling when I wake up in the morning now. For the first time in a long time, I have something to look forward to at Coastal other than football.
“Then I will. Luca Reynolds is taking me for a sunset picnic on the beach. How lucky am I?” “It’s nothing elaborate, Harper.” “No, but it’s perfect.”
“I mean, my parents cover my tuition and board, so I just use lifeguarding as extra spending money. I’ve actually saved most of it from the summer, so I could help you out with whatever you need to give your parents.” “Wait a minute, hold on.” He removes my hand from his cheek, bringing it back down to the mattress. “You’re offering to give me money?” My brow crinkles. “I just thought—” “Yeah, that’s not happening.” “It’s not a big deal, really,” I plead, pressing one palm against his thigh in reassurance. “I promise.” His hand covers mine. “Stop.” My smile falls. “Luca—”
“It’s a lot to juggle, but I feel like I need to.” “Is there anything I can do to help?” “No, just . . . just be with me.” He lets one hand drop from the steering wheel, molding his fingers around my thigh. “That’s all I need.”
“You know, I’ve always known what it was like to be needed by someone, from my parents to my siblings to my one hundred and eighteen fucking teammates. Being needed feels endless. Until I met you, I never knew what it was like to be the one in need,” he says, the corners of his lips hinting at a smile. “And I do need you, so fucking badly.”
“It is a big deal.” He flashes me a rare, heart-stopping smile. “Baby, you are so fucking perfect that it makes my head spin.”
“I was hurting, and I took it out on you, the one person who really didn’t deserve it.” I grip my crutches to keep myself from stepping toward her, fingers blanching. “If I could take it back, I would in an instant.”
“No, Luca. I’ve had my time to think, and I want us to get back together.” I lean closer, pinning him with the most serious look I can muster. “But when things get rough, you can’t speak to me like that or push me away ever again. From now on, we deal with all of our problems together. As a team.” “Together.” He nods his agreement, a broad smile stretching across his face and sparking an ember in his eyes. “Always. I fucking promise.”
