22
Per usual, Andres is waiting for me as I exit class the next day. He is leaning up against a tall tree in the garden, appearing downright edible, and I melt. I give Nolan a hug good-bye, and he extends a friendly wave to Andres before walking off. Andres walks up to me and kisses me, pulling me up into a hug, my feet leaving the ground. His lips explore mine, like he hasn’t seen me in weeks, and it lifts my soul. He places my feet back on the ground, and I catch my breath.
He says, “I want to do something today…something neither of us has done before.” His boyish smile is wide, giddy with excitement.
“What?” I ask excitedly.
He gives me his trademark grin. “You’ll see.”
He grabs my hand, lacing our fingers together, and we walk toward the street.
