Page 117 of Sunset Catchers

“No, I know that.”

But I come without a family or without much else to offer. I’m on my own. I honestly don’t know if that’s enough. And, gosh, for once, I want to be enough. I still think about Levi’s mom asking me if my mother was going to come. Maybe she’d want that. To befriend the mother of her son’s girlfriend. A normal wish from a normal mom. Maybe Levi would love to have in-laws one day. Or even just reminisce on his own childhood with his girlfriend, without it being a sore subject.

I can’t offer any of that.

“I’m just not sure what I would bring to the table.”

Junie takes my hands in hers. “Listen to me, Winnie. Sometimes, the table is already so full that all you have to do is take a seat and enjoy being there.”

“What if I spill some wine on an heirloom tablecloth, and now, there’s this big stain?”

“Every tablecloth has some stains. You might not see them, but they are there all the same. And you, my best friend in the whole wide world, are not a wine stain.” She shakes her head, smiling. “You’re the most expensive bottle of champagne, and all they will remember after the spill is how sparkling you were.”

That’s why I love her so much.

Five minutes and twenty-seven seconds, and my entire sky is cloud-free. And I know Levi has been pretty much telling me all of this, but I needed the added reassurance.

“No wonder I haven’t been to a licensed therapist yet. You’re so good at this.”

“I know, babe.”

“You’re the platonic love of my life,” I tell her.

“Same. And you know, anytime you’re in need of a family member, call me. We’re sisters.”

“I like love you.”

“I like love you too,” she replies. “And maybe you love someone else too?”

I roll my eyes, but then I say, “Yeah. I do.”

Junie’s face softens. “Really?”

“I mean, my hippocampus seems to think so.”

She snorts. “Levi has his hands full with you, that’s for sure.”

“Stop talking about my boobs, Junie.” I shove her shoulder playfully. “What about you?”

“I went on a date last night. It was a good one.” Her hazel eyes glint in the way they always do when she’s newly infatuated.

“Stop! That’s great. Tell me everything.”

“I will. But first, let’s take a picture.”

“What for?”

“I want to remember the day my best friend told me she was in love for the first time.”

So do I.

I smile big for the camera.

29

Levi, meet my best friend Junie. Junie, this is Levi. My very own personal gas attendant.” I am excited for them to meet. But also nervous. It’s important to me that they get along.

When I glance at Levi, I slightly startle. His eyes are stuck on me. I’m wearing the same short skirt and crop t-shirt I wore the first night he saw me naked, which he definitely remembers.