Chapter 46
Daniela
We didn’t make it out of the house for a hike the next morning.
Or the morning after that. It’s been a week now, and every morning we take our time getting up, still as hungry for each other as ever.
We’ve been enjoying each other’s company with lazy mornings in, late lunches, and dinners out.
We finally made it out for a hike just yesterday.
I gave him a blowjob behind a tree at the top.
Today is another lazy start—we were up late last night enjoying each other again. And then again this morning.
Eventually, we drag ourselves out of bed, hoping to make it out for some afternoon shopping downtown. We don’t really need anything, but it’s too nice of a day to waste indoors.
I shuffle into the bathroom and glance in the mirror. I’ve seen better days.
“You fucked my eyebrows off,” I holler as Dex comes up behind me.
“What?” He laughs, confused and squinting at me.
“My barren eyebrows that I have to fill in. You destroyed Taria and Kate when you had my face buried in the blankets. How dare you.”
“Taria and Kate?” he asks, eyebrows raised.
“Yes. They have names. Both very spunky, but also have minds of their own.”
“I don’t even know what to say to that,” he chuckles. “They look fine to me.”
I roll my eyes and laugh, hopping into the shower before doing my hair and makeup.
We’ve still got plenty of time to hit the shops.
But first—boba.
Miraculously, I am still able to stomach a boba smoothie. I was terrified after my food poisoning fiasco that I would be turned off to them forever. Luckily, that was not the case.
Dex takes us to his restaurant so I can get my favorite. When we walk in, Carly is the first to spot us. I don’t miss the surprise that crosses her face and then the painfully wide smile that she replaces it with after. It’s not a fake one, though. She looks genuinely elated. Like a big sister .
“Hey, guys. How’s it going?”
“Good. Just grabbing a couple drinks.” Dex says with a smile.
“Coconut?” Carly asks, still grinning.
“You’re the best,” I tell her.
“That’s why he keeps me employed here.”
“Oh please. I’m pretty sure you could somehow fire me from here if you wanted to.”
“Well what fun would that be?”
“He’d have way too much time on his hands,” I add. “Who knows what he’d get up to.”
“Probably just bug the newlyweds constantly.” She places a sassy hand on her hip.
“Hi, I’m standing right here.” Dex interjects.
“So, Daniela,” Carly faces me, ignoring him. “I thought you were going home the day after the wedding? Or did I get that wrong?” She’s trying to hold back a smirk. It’s very obvious. It makes me chuckle.
“Change of plans.” I say. “Figured I’d hang around just a little longer and finish out my summer here.”
“Mmhmm.” Her gaze shifts between the two of us. “Well, I’ll be right back with those. And it’s on the house—I know the owner.”
After the restaurant, we stroll around downtown. It feels like we’re soaking in the last of the summer warmth. Like the season is winding down, quietly closing this little chapter .
As I walk with my hand in Dex’s, I feel the first flicker of panic. I’ve truly just been enjoying this time, trying not to think too much about what happens after. But it’s coming. And fast.
I’m going back to Sacramento. That’s inevitable. And we haven’t talked about what that means for us.
I’m a little surprised Dex hasn’t brought it up yet. He’s also been…suspiciously quiet today.
“So, tomorrow…” I begin. It’s the day I had planned to drive back home. Saying goodbye to this place.
Teachers have to report back next week, and I feel incredibly underprepared. I need to get back home and fall into my routine again.
As much as I don’t want to.
“Yep. Tomorrow,” he says. I peek over at him. He’s facing forward, nodding slowly, his expression unreadable.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Okay…” I reply slowly. “We should probably talk about it, though.”
“Now?” He finally stops, turning to face me, my hand still in his.
“Why not?”
“Later?” he asks, offering just a hint of a smile.
“Fine,” I mumble.
We wander through a few more shops, but the mood has turned slightly somber. He drives us back to his house after. A house I’ve grown quite comfortable at, I’m just realizing.
We barely speak on the drive back. I stare out the window, admiring the towering pines, the mountains, the golden sunset sinking over the lake. It’s beautiful. I’m truly sad to leave it all behind.
I don’t think I pictured that happening at the beginning of the summer. I always teased Layla for escaping the mountains for a man, but I can sort of see the appeal now.
Back at his place, we settle on the couch. I sit sideways, facing him, but something feels off. He’s sitting with his long legs spread, his elbows on his knees, not facing me.
“What’s going on?” I ask gently, slightly terrified.
He drags a hand down his face, along his jaw. “Just waiting.”
“Waiting? For what?”
“For you to break my heart.”