My stomach rumbles, and I eye the items on the menu. Everything sounds good, but I ultimately decide on the French toast.
The waitress comes back with our drinks and then takes our order.
When she’s gone, Jace speaks. “Well—” he drapes his arm behind Nova’s chair “—you girls are finally joining us big boys in the real world instead of playing at school.”
Nova shakes her head. “I wouldn’t call it playing.”
Jace’s lips quirk, fighting a smile.
“Yeah, it’s a lot of hard work,” I pipe in, sipping my water.
“I’m just glad Nova won’t have to buddy up with Joel anymore. How is it that you’re constantly partnered with that guy?”
Nova laughs. “Because, after being forced to work with him, I found that I like him and he’s my friend so we choose to work together now. Plus, we have a feel for each other’s techniques and styles so it makes working together not a headache. Besides, you like him—admit it, he’s not a bad guy.”
Jace sighs heavily. “He’s okay.”
“He’s more than okay.”
Jace growls. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Okay,” I interrupt, “I know arguing is like your form of foreplay, but we’re at breakfast.”
Jace chuckles and raises his hands innocently. “All right,” he relinquishes and Nova blushes.
Xander tugs on a piece of my hair, garnering my attention. “How are you feeling?” he asks, still worried.
I shrug. “Much better, honestly. I’m hungry, though—I think maybe that, combined with my nerves, made me sick.”
He nods, like that makes sense. “You’ll tell me if it’s something more?”
I nod, sure that he’s worried about the possibility of ending up in some foreign hospital.
“I really think I’m fine,” I assure him and lean over, kissing him quickly. I fight a smile and wipe the lipstick that smeared on his mouth.
“We need a toast,” Cade announces.
Xander chuckles and raises his glass. “Hit us with it, brother.”
Cade raises his glass and we all echo. “Here’s to growing up, becoming better people, and the best year of our lives. Cheers.”
“Cheers,” we echo, and clink our glasses
together.
I smile over at Xander. While I’ve been worried about the future, I know that as long as I have him by my side, it’s going to be pretty great.
He leans over to kiss my forehead, and I melt into his touch.
I never believed I’d one day look at anyone—but especially him—and think this is my person. He completes me in every possible way. I couldn’t have found anyone more perfect for me.
The nerves return when we arrive at my school. Xander kisses me goodbye before he and the other guys head off to the stadium where graduation is being held.
Rae, Nova, and I head into the school and to the front lobby where we were told to meet to pick up our cap and gown rentals.
“Hey!” Joel, Nova’s friend, waves at us and makes his way through the crowd to us. Joel started out as only Nova’s friend, but has since integrated himself into our main friend group, and even though Jace won’t admit it, I know he kind of likes the guy.
“Hey,” Nova greets, and then hugs him.