Jackson nods, and after congratulating me one more time, he disappears into the crowd. For a second, I think I’m finally going to get a minute alone with my boyfriend, but luck isn’t on my side. The next thing I know, I’m being swarmed by all my friends and family.
TWO MONTHS LATER
The music fills the club, pulsing neon lights keeping time with the beat. Savannah sits on my left with Tessa and Lennon on my right. The four of us are at the bar, thanks to the flawless fake IDs Carter hooked us up with. He even got Knox one, since the one he had before didn’t have a chance at getting him in here. Though since we walked in the door, Knox and Grayson have been immersed in their own bromance conversation.
“I don’t want you to leave tomorrow,” Tess whines, resting her head on my shoulder.
I chuckle softly. “I know, but you’ll be okay. Besides, you can come visit any time you want.”
“You better be available whenever I want,” she quips. “You’re supposed to be my ride or die, and you’re leaving me.”
Savannah leans against the bar and looks past me. “Are you actually sad because Delaney is leaving, or because you broke up with Easton?”
“You broke up with Easton?” Lennon gasps.
Tessa rolls her eyes. “He’s going away to college, and I’m not stupid or naive enough to think we can make the whole long-distance thing work.”
I tilt my head from side to side. In theory, it makes sense, though I can’t say I’m not the slightest bit disappointed. They may have had their ups and downs, but they were cute together. Still, once Tess’s mind is made up about something, there’s no changing it—ever.
“Well, good.” Lennon nudges Tess with her elbow. “You can be single with me this year.”
Sav points at her with a drink in her hand. “You’re only single because your dad won’t let a boy within fifty feet of you without threatening to rip his head off.”
She thinks about it for a second and then shrugs with a smile. “Weeds out all the pussies.”
“Speaking of pussies…” Tessa bites her lip as she eyes an older guy from across the bar. “Mine needs a change of pace. Excuse me.”
She slides off the stool and walks away, instantly getting the man’s attention. I roll my eyes at her crudeness, and Lennon’s brows furrow. “She does know we weren’t talking about vaginas, right?”
“She doesn’t care,” Savannah and I answer at once.
And yeah, I’m really going to miss this.
THE CONDO IS SPACIOUS, giving me more than enough room. It’s in a prime location right by the school, and the fact that it’s already been furnished the way I wanted is a huge benefit. Knox carries up the last box before putting it down and looking around.
“I can’t believe you got me to move across the country with you.”
I giggle. “Would you really have let me leave without you?”
“No, not a fucking chance.”
“Exactly.”
The two of us spend a few hours unpacking boxes and talking about how great it will be to live together. However, when I notice the sun starting to set, I grab his hand and pull him toward the door.
“Laney, what are you doing?”
I shrug. “I want to go for a walk.”
“Now?” he questions. “Can I at least eat first?”
“Nope. It won’t take long, I promise.”
As if he’s lost all ability to tell me no, he allows me to drag him down the stairs and out onto the street. I try to find our way by memory, since looking at my phone would only ruin the surprise, and thankfully, I find it.
“Why are you in such a rush?”
I turn to him and try to conceal my excitement. “Do you trust me?”