Don’t Forget to Write

by Sara Goodman Confino

“We all have a past,” he continued. “You do too. The first thing you told me about yourself was about that rabbi’s son. I’m not grilling you about whether you’re with me because you’re bored.” He took my hand. “I’m here with you because I like you. You’re not like the Philadelphia girls. I wasn’t kidding when I called you a siren. I don’t understand it. I don’t want to get married. I don’t want to settle down yet. And I definitely don’t want an Ada match. But I look at you and . . .” He trailed off. “And?” He looked at me imploringly. “Haven’t I subjugated myself enough tonight? I’m yours. Can we just go ride the stupid roller coaster and hold hands and kiss on the Ferris wheel and pretend we don’t have to hide how we feel from your aunt?” I rose up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “You left out the ice cream.” “I’ll give you the moon if you ask for it.” “Rocky road will suffice.” “Marilyn, I—” I shook my head, pressing a finger to his lips. “Let’s go ride the stupid roller coaster and hold hands. We’ll figure out the rest later.”