Chapter 84
T he drive to Wisconsin feels different this time.
It’s the end of my lease. The end of the most unexpected summer of my life and the beginning of so much more.
I’m about to meet Dani’s parents, and I’m happy we’re taking this significant step in our relationship.
As we cruise along the highway, I glance over at Dani, admiring how the diamond earrings catch the light.
“I like these studs,” I say, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She hasn’t taken them off since she got them and I love that she’s wearing something I gave her every day.
“These are more like craters.” She jokes, her laughter filling the car.
“They look great on you. So, how’s it feel being almost twenty-six?”
“Twenty-five was a fucking wild ride.” She laughs. “Twenty-six is already off to a great start. Better clothes, a better place.” She leans over, placing a kiss on my cheek. “And the best boyfriend ever.” She giggles.
“Doesn’t ‘boyfriend’ feel so reductive?” She squints at me, knowing that I’m testing the waters. “It doesn’t seem to fully capture what we are to each other anymore.”
“Stop,” Dani exaggeratedly whispers.
The word would be fiancé. It’s a word that’s been on my mind since we were at the jewelry store. That ring we saw—so unique, like her—sparked something in me, a realization of what’s next for us.
“Remember, tomorrow I am doing brunch with my friends.”
“The Baddies.” I chuckle, finding that nickname for her friend group so cute. “You should have them over at our place sometime.”
“Our?”
“I told you. It’s our place, and the apartment is your place.”
As she stares out the window, lost in thought, I wonder what’s on her mind. “What’s going on in that brain of yours?”
“My parents are not exactly thrilled by your age.”
“I understand why they would think that.”
“Yeah, keep that in mind.” She flashes me an awkward smile.
“I’ll give them the full charm, don’t worry.” Dani’s getting so nervous about me meeting her parents, and I squeeze her hand.
“They’ll have water and soda at their house. If you want something else, we should get it on the way.”
“Fuck,” I exhale.
“What?”
“I’m arriving at their house empty-handed.”
“It’s fine.”
“No, what can we pick up?”
She bites her lip, thinking. “Scratch-offs. They love them. But only the one-dollar ones.”