Page 56 of After You Returned

I’m surprised she didn’t run away. Although, she’s running away from me less and less. Sometimes, I get the feeling her resistance to me is fading. Other times, her eyes dart around the room as if she’s searching for an exit or a rabbit hole to dive down.

“This brings back memories, doesn’t it?”

She scowls. “I am not having sex in your surf shack for old times’ sake.”

Damn. Those are some good memories. But not what I meant.

“I didn’t mean the times we snuck out here to fool around. I mean, all the times you waited for me after practice and helped me pick up my gear.”

“Oh.”

I tweak her nose. “Oh.”

We finish putting things away in silence. Not an awkward silence. This is comfortable. Like slipping into an old hoodie to watch a football game. Familiar but with a spark of anticipation.

“This place has certainly improved,” Hazel says while I lock up.

“The original shack blew away in the hurricane. Eli insisted on building me a sturdier structure.”

“I’m sorry about the original shack.”

I shrug. “Thanks.”

I begin walking toward the parking lot and she falls into step with me. We walk in synch. As if those years we were separated never happened.

“Do you need a ride?”

“Nah. I’m good. My apartment isn’t far.”

I notice she’s shivering and frown. “Are you cold?” I don’t wait for an answer before whipping off my hoodie and placing it over her head.

“I’m not five. I can dress myself.”

I help her put her arms through the sleeves. “Maybe. But then I wouldn’t get the pleasure of touching you.”

She sniffs the sweatshirt and I glance away before she notices my smile. Her resistance to me is definitely fading.

“Speaking of touching…”

“Yes?” I ask when she doesn’t continue.

She fiddles with the hem of my sweatshirt. I don’t push her. Pushing Hazel never works. She’s more likely to become contrary and smack me with a firework than agree with me.

I slow my steps to give her time to gather her thoughts. We’re nearly at my car when she finally speaks.

“I was thinking about that second chance you want.”

My heart lodges in my throat. Is she serious? Is she going to give me a second chance?

I grasp her hands. “I know I don’t deserve a second chance. But I promise if you give me one, I’ll make it worth your while.”

She waggles her eyebrows. “I know you will.”

“Actually.” I clear my throat. “I have a condition.”

She yanks her hands from mine. “Excuse me? You want a second chance but you also have a condition? I don’t think you understand what a second chance means.”

“Can I maybe tell you the condition?” Before you stomp off and run away from me again.