Six Years Ago
six years ago
BLAKE
“This is truly the last thing I expected when you said you wanted to watch your favorite movie as a reward for getting through finals.”
Delaney scoffed. “I have no idea why this would come as a surprise. The Lizzie McGuire Movie is iconic.”
“And incredibly unserious.”
“So?”
“You’re the most serious person I know, Delaney.”
“No, you are the most serious person you know, Blake.”
I pursed my lips, hating to think that Delaney calling me serious was another way to imply that I was boring to be around. It would be really unfortunate, considering she was the only person I looked forward to seeing every day and basically my only friend.
Maintaining friendships in med school was challenging, especially with people who weren’t in med school. But Delaney was in the trenches with me, so it was different. Some days, it felt like me and her against the world.
Some days, it just felt like me and her.
“Besides, this movie has very important themes.” She sipped her wine. A dry chardonnay. Her favorite. Besides appletinis—although she’d never admit to that. “Like don’t trust strangers or handsome men.”
“Wow.” I slapped a hand to my chest. “Never been called ugly like that before.”
“Stop.” A laugh burst from Delaney’s lips, and I caught myself staring at her mouth for a beat too long. “No, you’re just an anomaly, Blake London.”
“Damn right I am,” I muttered, trying to keep my smile to myself.
Delaney shook her head, tucking her feet beneath her and curling into a tighter ball on the couch beside me. “But actually, do you want to know why I like this movie so much?”
“Naturally, I do.”
“Because I can trust it just like I can trust you.”
My body suddenly felt too small for my heart, science be damned.
“It’s familiar and comforting, you know?” she added. “It’s a reminder of the good parts of home.”
I hoped that maybe she was still talking about me, too.
I’d do just about anything to be Delaney’s home.
Which was why I didn’t mind one bit when she fell asleep on my shoulder about thirty minutes into the movie.