Chapter 21
twenty-one
. . .
piper
Being more than best friends with Beau the past few weeks has been amazing.
Instead of causing friction, it’s only brought us closer together.
I don’t have to pretend I’m something I’m not with him.
He knows me inside and out. From the awkward teenage years when I wore bad clothing styles to learning my way around the local college. He’s seen me find myself along the way.
Having him by my side as a boyfriend…is the cherry on top.
He knows what I need before I do, and he’s helping me find who I am in a relationship.
A small part of me finds it odd that he’s even by my side for this.
There really was a reason none of the dates I went on didn’t work out.
I’ve spent the whole time comparing them to him.
My phone dings with a text message. Beau isn’t supposed to be here for another hour to go to the waterpark. One of the perks of school being back in session is we can enjoy the park without dodging a bunch of kids. Well, at least until they close for the season.
I set down my sunscreen and check my phone. My eyes widen at the name, and I don’t know if I should even open it. It feels unfair not to, though. Ugh, I did not sign up for these grown people problems.
Reluctantly, I open the message to see what it says.
Rob
I know it’s been a minute, but I wanted to give you some space. I was wondering if you’d like to go on that second date.
The one date I went on where there was a chance of another one. If there was one person that could hold a candle to the man Beau is, it’s Rob.
Regret works its way through my body. Not because I wish I was with Rob. Never that. But because I gave him my number. I’ve never done that with someone I’ve met off the dating app. It’s easier to avoid them if they message me in app.
Who knows, maybe Rob did message me on the app.
I wouldn’t know because I deleted them the day after the funhouse.
It was the only way I could ensure I gave me and Beau a fair shot without having the ability to run scared.
I know myself well enough to know it was a possibility. He probably did, too.
How do I let him down easy? I don’t want to come off as a bitch, or mean. I swipe away from the message and call my sister.
“Hello?” She picks up after the first ring.
“How do you break things off with someone without being mean?”
There’s silence on the other end. “You’re already breaking up with Beau?”
“No.” I’m offended she can even think that. “The guy I went on a date with before me and Beau became a thing just texted me asking me about a second date.”
She sighs, as if I’m taking up too much of her time. “You called me at work for…this.”
“To be fair, I’ve never been in this position before. Most of my dates I walked out of before they were over.”
“Okay.” I can imagine her pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.
I get it. I’d probably be the same way, too.
“Either don’t text him back. It’s probably the safest route.
Or, because I know you won’t do that, let him know you’re seeing someone and you wish him the best. If he texts you back after that, block him. ”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“Because it is. You’re the one making it complicated.” I can hear the shop doorbell in the background. “I’ve got a customer. You can do this.”
She hangs up before I can even say bye. She knows that’s one of my pet peeves.
Taking a deep breath, I open up the text because my sister is right, I can’t ignore it. That feels cruel. I can do this, though.
Piper
I hope you’re doing well. I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ve started seeing someone.
I hit send before I second guess myself. His response comes immediately. Was he waiting by his phone? I hope not.
Rob
That’s cool. I wish you the best.
Maybe Paula was right. His reply doesn’t sound as if he’s mad. Maybe a bit passive aggressive. But he could have been cruel since I didn’t let him know immediately after the date.
Not my problem anymore. I delete his number and toss my phone on my bed. Digging through my bag, I see what all I’ve packed. I still need a towel and some clothes to change into. There’s no way in hell I’m riding home damp. It’s never a fun experience.
Hurrying to the bathroom, I grab a towel before searching for extra clothes. I don’t need anything fancy, but maybe more than leggings and a t-shirt in case Beau wants to stop for dinner on the way back.
I shove all the items into my bag and move to the living room. He can’t blame me not being ready today. It wouldn’t matter though because today I get to spend the day with my boyfriend. The term fills me with so much excitement it’s ridiculous.
“Let’s go in the lazy river.” I motion Beau to follow me. “It’s practically empty.”
There are still quite a few people here, but it looks like it’s those with littles or wanting to avoid teenagers. Apparently, we all had the same idea today.
“Do you realize how much pee is probably in that?” He shakes his head and crosses his arms over his chest. Defiant Beau is a sexy Beau. I’ve always thought this, but now I can ogle him freely. “Don’t think you undressing me with your eyes is going to make me budge. It’s not happening.”
“That’s usually kids, and there aren’t many here outside of those in the area specifically for children.”
“It’s funny you think adults don’t do it, too.” He takes a few steps toward me and pulls me into his arms.
It’s hot and he’s sweaty, but I don’t mind.
I’ll let him hold me no matter what. For the longest time I only let him hold me after a bad date or a fight with my siblings.
This is different. He’s holding me because he wants to.
Because he wants me. And the thought of him letting me go one day sends a pang of panic throughout my body.
Shaking that I away, I look up at him with my biggest puppy dog eyes.
He’s never been able to resist them. “Please? Besides don’t most places like this have that chemical in the water that shows when people pee.
” I glance toward the river and the crystal blue water.
“I don’t see any color puddles anywhere. ”
He kisses the top of my head and squeezes me in a bear hug. “You better be happy I love you. I wouldn’t go traipsing into a germ ridden river for anyone.”
Love falling from his lips has my knees buckling. We’ve said it a million times before, but never since we’ve started seeing each other romantically. I’m not sure which way I should take it. I’m choosing not to overthink it and roll with it.
“How many lakes and creeks have we swam in?” I pull away to lead him toward the river, grabbing a tube on the way. “I’m pretty sure those have more germs than this.”
“Probably.” He shrugs as he helps me into the circle tube. “The only difference is those are out in nature. I fully expect to swim with fish and there to be germs. This place is man made. There’s a difference.”
“If you say so.” There’s no point in arguing with him. I got him to come in with me to wind down, and that’s all that matters. The only thing that would make this better is a margarita in my hand.
He climbs into his own tube, and reaches for my hand to tether us together. “Are you good?”
“Yep.” I close my eyes and lean my head back. “This is the life. We should play hooky more often. Floating here is way better than working.”
“Sadly, we can’t live on river vibes.” He pulls my float closer to his with so much force I almost fall off.
My eyes jerk open and I see there is someone ahead of us and I would have ran right into them. “Thanks for the save.”
“Forever.”
Commitment has always terrified me. But him saying that one word doesn’t make me want to run for the hills.
I was always so worried about choosing the wrong person to spend my life with, but with Beau…
it wouldn’t be the wrong person. Not that he wouldn’t always be in my life as a friend or anything.
It’s just much nicer with him as a partner.
Someone to take on the world with. Which is why I need to tell him about the text I received this morning.
“So, I got a text this morning.” Yes, it’s a dumb way to open up the conversation. It’s hard though. We’re solid, I know that. He’s always been more understanding than anyone else I know. But this is different because now we are so much more.
“Oh yeah? Was it Hollywood trying to draw you away after the videos we made over the weekend?” He laughs because he knows damn well, I haven’t posted them yet.
He has alerts set for my posts so he can see how they are doing.
Honestly, at this point, I should probably give him access to our accounts.
“Pfft.” I wave away his ridiculous comment. “Do you think I’d be here if they did?”
“Yes. As much as you complain about your siblings, I don’t think you could leave them.” He gives my hand a squeeze. “So, who was this mystery message from?”
There’s no way to gently say it. “Rob.”
The grip he has on my hand loosens the slightest bit. Like I could pull my hand away if I wanted to…I don’t.
“Wh-what did he say?” Beau has never sounded unsure of himself in his life. Right now, he sounds like he’s seconds away from questioning all his life decisions.
“He asked if I was interested in that second date.” There’s no use in letting him think I even considered it. “I told him I was seeing someone, and he wished us the best.”
His sigh of relief is loud enough to be heard over the water lapping against the sides of our floats. He was actually worried I would go on that second date. Maybe he doesn’t have as much trust in me as I do in him.
We pass by a small group of women who just entered the river. It’s probably one of my favorite parts about this certain attraction. We aren’t stuck going all the way around. We can get on or off wherever we want. I used to get out sooner than my siblings because they terrorized me when we came in.
“Thanks for letting me know.” His voice is thick and pulls me away from memory lane. “I know you didn’t have to. We never said whether or not we were exclusive.”
“As if I could date anyone else while dating you.” He knows damn well, I’m pretty exclusive when I’m dating someone. Not that there’s been many people who’ve made it past a couple of months. I’m not the sort of person to play the field.
“Oh, I know that. I just wonder if me declaring my feelings may have messed up something with him. You talked about a second date, and you never do that unless you’re interested.”
Okay, I can’t take any more of this gloomy shit. He needs to know exactly where I stand. Right here and right now.
I slide off my float and almost go under because it’s so abrupt. Luckily, the water isn’t deep and I gain my footing quickly. I pull him to the side where most moms have their toddlers. I don’t want to be in the way.
Looping my arm through my float, I place both hands on the side of his float. No doubt I look ridiculous trying to avoid getting hit in the face with mine. But he needs to see me for this.
“You. Do. Not. Have. Anything. To. Worry. About.” Hopefully he gets the point. “I’ve had a crush on you for years, but I didn’t want to rock the boat. There’s no chance in hell I was going to throw this away for a second date with someone who doesn’t hold a candle to you.”
He stares at me. It’s the first time I’ve ever been this direct with him when it comes to my feelings.
I usually brush things to the side, unless it has to do with my brothers.
He gets to hear all those passion filled rants.
It’s not easy for me to shock him, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t satisfying.
Beau holds his hands up in surrender. “You don’t have to talk to me like I’m five. I know you would never do that to me.”
“Apparently, I do.” I shove my float next to his and almost hit a passerby. “Now, stop moping and help me get back into my float. We’re not done enjoying the day.”
There’s no argument from him. He hooks his foot around the pole by the entrance and holds my float with one hand while using the other to give me balance as I climb my way back in.
Hopefully this cures any and all doubts he might have about us. “Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Mom and Dad are having a cookout next weekend and told me to invite you.”
“Have I ever not been invited?”
“No, but I guess since we’re dating, they want it to be a little more formal.” At least my family loves Beau. They always have.