Epilogue Lane
I’ve literally just parked along the sidewalk, when Lois throws herself against the car window, cheeks flushed.
“You’re late! I’ve been standing in the burning sun for fifteen minutes now! My Cardinals shirt is drenched.” She points at her head. “And my hair’s all wet and gross!”
“You should’ve just stayed home—you wouldn’t have had to wait.”
“You were late on purpose, I’m sure of it!”
“Nuh-uh.” I shake my head, beckoning her in. “Anyway, let’s get this party started.”
She narrows her eyes at me and runs around to the other side, slipping into the passenger seat, muttering to herself as she goes. Just when she’s about to buckle her seat belt, I cover her hand with mine.
“I meant this party here,” I say, pointing at my lap.
“Okay, so first of all—I’m dying of heat here, so thanks, but no thanks, Lane. And second—we’re on campus! Imagine what the dean would do if one of his spies caught us making out in a car.”
“Do not disobey me, woman!”
She pauses, her gaze sweeping over me, then suddenly she’s kissing me, hard. I grip her face and deepen the kiss, my tongue curling hungrily around hers.
“You think Don will be mad if we miss the first half? Because I really fucking need you—like, right now.”
“It’s the last game of the season.” Lois shakes her head. “He’ll kill us if we miss even the first minute.”
I sigh. “The Cardinals are already champions—what’s the point in playing a friendly when it won’t change the rankings?”
“Do not disobey me, boy!”
She gives me a quick peck on the lips, and settles back into her seat. It’s a glorious afternoon, and as we drive, she chatters about this and that, telling me about her exams, giving me the latest gossip on Hope and Prudence.
Pulling up outside the sports complex, I try again.
“Come on, just a quick—”
“Not until after the game!”
She darts out of the car, slamming the door shut as she goes.
“Meanie Lois!”
I jump out and sling an arm around her shoulders, and we walk side by side in the sunshine up to the entrance.
Just as we’re settling into our seats, the two teams spill out onto the court.
Don spots us immediately, nudging Lewis, who lets out a high-pitched “Loooiis!” I watch as Kirk jerks his head from side to side, surveying the crowd until we lock eyes.
I really want to flip him the finger, but I decide to go for a smoother, deadlier blow instead: propping an elbow on the back of Lois’s seat, I tuck a lock of brown hair behind her ear and plant soft kisses along her neck.
“Does it feel weird to be at a basketball game?”
She shakes her head. “It’s all good, and I promised Don I’d scream his name, anyway.”
“What?!” I widen my eyes. “That’s so not fair. I’ve been waiting weeks for you to scream mine!”
I run my fingers through her hair and kiss her, slow and deep, ramping up my moves for a sharper dig at Kirk.
She pulls back, laughing. “Okay, drama king. It was actually two nights ago.”
“Lois, that’s a whole fucking lifetime ago,” I sigh. “You’re torturing me. You need to come back home,” I try for the hundredth time.
She scrunches up her nose. Why is she so damn annoying! We’ve been official for nearly four months now, but she’s as stubborn as ever. She still won’t move back in. She wants us to just take our time, “take it slow.” In the meantime, she’s still living with Carrie, in Becca’s room.
“I said I’d stay in the dorms until summer break, and I meant it. You’re not gonna change my mind—trust me. It’s way too soon for us to live together.”
“Lois, we’ve been living together since September!”
“But we weren’t together-together then.”
“We were kinda together, though…”
“We really weren’t, though!”
The whistle sounds, the game starts, and as my best friends spring into action, I turn back to Lois.
“This is payback, isn’t it?”
“Not at all, you stubborn ass!” She shakes her head, laughing. “I just want time to become a strong, independent woman.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it. You’re already a strong, independent woman—that’s exactly why I love you.”
“There’s only three weeks left until school’s out—just enough time for you to get used to the idea of me giving your place a makeover. I saw some supercute footstools that would totally slay with your couch, by the way.”
“We could start by making over Mike’s room…”
“Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
I pause. I still don’t really know. What I do know is that with Lois by my side and a little time, I feel ready to start making some changes—and even just thinking about it is a huge step in the right direction.
“No. But I’m pretty sure I will be once you move back in.”
I beam at her, and watch as her eyes widen.
“Oh, that’s low, Lane. Even for you.” She shakes her head. “Using your brother’s room to guilt-trip me? Seriously? Absolute disgrace!”
“Oh my God! If I hear that line one more time—”
“I think it’s called coercive control. I’m telling my dad on you.” She raises an eyebrow. “Maybe he can finally show you that shotgun in August.”
“We’re going to Fort Myers?”
“Yeah, did I forget to mention?” She smirks at me. “We’re spending a month there. You’ll be back in Grandpa’s room—the hospital bed is ready and waiting. I told Mom you slept like a baby in there.”
“Your brothers are on my side, though. Sure you want to play this game?”
“Please, Lane.” She holds up a hand, deflecting. “I’m trying to focus on the game, here.”
It’s official: This girl owns my heart, and she’s going to be the fucking death of me. I sidle up closer to her, feeling the heat of her body against mine, planting a kiss on her forehead before turning back to the game.
It’s almost halftime, when suddenly a commotion on the Cardinals’ bench catches my eye.
Don got us some of the best seats, and as I peer down, it doesn’t take me long to spot why the crowd has started spinning out of control.
I glance back at the court, where Donovan is taking aim, too focused on his shot to notice the energy shifting across the room.
Beside me, Lois lets out a sharp cry, echoed by the crowd.
I’m on my feet before I even register moving, cold sweat soaking through my T-shirt.
I vault down three rows of bleachers at a time, shoving past gawking spectators, and burst onto the court.
“Don!”
Lewis yells his name at the exact same time I do. When our friend finally turns to look, his face crumples as he realizes what’s about to happen. And time skips a beat, as the whole world stands still.