Epilogue
GRANT
What’s more romantic: a long walk on the beach, summer sand warming up your feet with your partner next to you? Or sitting at your dining table, your girlfriend on the other side, the both of you struggling your way through homework because you decided to take summer classes?
When your girlfriend is as stunning as mine, purple bow pen between her plush lips and cute hazel eyes scrunched in concentration, it’s either. Because anywhere with Liliana is the best place to be.
It was a happy—well, occasionally happy—coincidence we both signed up for a singular class this summer, unknowing to one another. It gives us both an excuse to stay indoors and away from the heat, and we can use studying to hide away from the world together.
Between classes, her work shifts, and the McCarthy sibling lunches every week, it’s the only thing we do. Sit in the space of my apartment and enjoy each other’s company.
It’s the most content I’ve ever felt.
“Did you buy more tomatoes? I’m thinking of making some lomi salmon to go with our poké for dinner tonight.”
It’s been like this more often, too. Lily keeping track of my groceries. The amount of belongings in her drawer growing the longer she’s here.
Without saying it, we’ve taken specific spots everywhere.
Her shoes get the left side of the rack, mine on the right.
Lily’s favorite craft books and romance novels take up the coffee table, while my sketchbooks live on the left side of the dining table.
She puts her snacks on the bottom shelf of the pantry, mine go on the top.
It’s rare for her to spend a night at her apartment.
I’m able to fill up the hours when she’s not here with visits from my siblings or video games with Derek, but I’ve been imagining a life of waking up and falling asleep next to Liliana for as long as I can remember.
It’s the first step in our ten-year plan I’ve created.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” She puts down her pen and sets her hands on the table. “After you answer my question.”
I snort and nod. “Yes, I bought more tomato. Make whatever your heart desires.”
“Thank you.” Her hazel eyes smile at me, frame illuminated by the glow of Boston sunlight falling over her shoulders. She’s a natural masterpiece like this, and I want this view forever.
One hand reaches over the wood of the table, resting over hers. I breath in and ask, “What do you think about moving in with me?”
I’ve learned Liliana. If she was uncomfortable, she’d move away from me and start fidgeting with whatever is nearest to her. She’d avoid eye contact at all costs, and gulp before answering.
She does none of that. Just blinks before replying. “You want me to move in?”
“Lily.” My other hand comes up to the rest. “I wanted you to move in the first time I saw you laid out on that couch.”
Red flushes over her cheeks. I wasn’t specifically referring to the first time I licked my tongue over her and brought her to an orgasm, but that’s something to think about, too.
The thought of pleasuring my girl every day, whenever and however she wants, only convinces me more that this is right for us.
“Would it really be okay if I did?” Her head tilts. I bring her hand up to my lips to kiss over her knuckles.
“Of course it would. Why wouldn’t it?”
“Well, your father pays for this apartment. Would he really be okay with you moving your girlfriend in? Especially when I’m not exactly his favorite person.”
It’s a good point, and one that Liliana would always think of before me. She’s sensible to the fault of my grand plan. Still, I won’t let Keller deter me.
“He may say something, but I wouldn’t pay it too much attention. He bluffs a lot. He tried to threaten me with money once and obviously that went nowhere. He hasn’t cut off anything and still sends me gifts.”
“Okay.” Lily purses her lips together. “But say he makes good on it this time. What do we do then?”
“Then we figure it out.” I kiss her palm, her wrist, and her knuckles again. “It’s not about where we live. If my father does something like that, and we have to leave, then we’ll do it together. I have money saved. I don’t mind working. As long as I’m with you.”
Her face softens, shoulders relaxing. “You would move out of this apartment for me?”
“In a second.” I’m surprised she even asks. I stand up to reach across the table, cup her head in my hand and bring my lips to hers in a kiss. I hope it conveys every ounce of love I have for this girl.
“It’s not about where we live, just that we’re together. That’s what I want. Doesn’t matter where.”
She chuckles. “You say that now. Wait until we’re two struggling artists living in an apartment half this size.”
“Sounds perfect to me.” I shrug, smiling at the thought. Liliana tries to open her mouth and bicker with me, and I kiss her again, determined. “I’m an artist, yeah. But you’re my muse, Lily, and I go where you go. Forever.”