Sincerely, Carter (Sincerely Carter #1)(55)
“After I got my car back the next day, I called Josh and told him I needed his help with something—told him some guy had mistreated you and I didn’t appreciate it.”
“And?”
“And we found him and beat the shit out of him. He should’ve never left you alone like that…” He trailed my lips with his fingers. “Anything could’ve happened to you…”
My jaw dropped, but I quickly recovered. “He never told on either of you?”
“We gave him plenty of incentive not to.” He smiled. “He deserved it.”
“I can’t believe you did that…”
“Believe it,” he said. “I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Okay, say it now. Say, I think I love you…Say, I think I’m in love with you…I love you, Carter, I—
His lips were on mine again and my mind lost the thought—deciding to focus on the last few hours of our time together instead of wasting it with more words…
Twelfth Grade
Subject: Truth or Dare
Pick one.
Sincerely,
Carter
Subject: Re: Truth or Dare.
Dare.
Intrigued,
Arizona
Subject: Re: Re: Truth or Dare.
I dare you to tell me what really happened between you and Matt last night.
Sincerely,
Carter
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Truth or Dare
I picked DARE. That’s a TRUTH. That’s cheating! But since we’re speaking of Matt…Gah! I should’ve said no to being his date tonight. Why is he wearing a yellow tuxedo?
Embarrassed,
Arizona
Subject: Awaiting the Dare…
You were definitely better off coming to prom alone. I’m starting to think I should’ve done the same.
My date keeps asking me questions about when I plan on becoming a professional athlete. Tell me what happened between you and Matt, or, actually tell me anything. I need some intelligent conversation. My date doesn’t speak much.
Sincerely,
Carter
Subject: Re: Awaiting the Dare
Meet me at the punch bowl in fifteen minutes.
You’re welcome (in advance) for the distraction,
Arizona
I walked over to the punch bowl minutes later and met Arizona. “I’ve got five minutes before she notices I’ve been away too long.”
“I’ve got ten.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the ballroom.
She tugged on all the doors as we walked down the hallway, until she finally found one that would open: A janitor’s closet.
“We needed to have the conversation in here?” I asked. “Are we in grade school again? Twilight zone, maybe?”
“It was awful.” She slumped against a small chair. “Absolutely awful.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Losing my virginity.” She shook her head. “I’m hoping the next time will be better…”
“There aren’t any do-overs on virginity...That’s…not how that works.”
She rolled her eyes. “I meant sex. I figure he’ll try to do it again tonight, and I’ve heard some girls say it gets better with time so I can only hope.”
“I hope it’s better for you, too…” I sighed. “Sorry it wasn’t what you thought it would be.”
“It’s not your fault…” She looked up at me. “So, when do you plan on telling the media hounds what college you’re attending? You know all of those greedy-eyed recruiters are waiting with bated breath.”
“You’re not?”
“Why would I be?”
“Because I haven’t told you either.”
“But I know you so I’m pretty sure it’s an easy guess.”
“Out of forty six schools with full scholarship offers on the table?” I crossed my arms. “Try me.”
“When I get this right, you owe me a trip to Martha’s Waffle Place. Your treat.”
“When you get this wrong, I’ll take you to the IHOP down the street.”
She smiled. “South Beach University.”
I was silent.
“Is that it?” she asked. “Did I get it right?”
“Nope.”
“Liar!” She laughed. “I can see it all over your face. “You should accept the facts by now. I know you better than you know yourself.”
“No, you just think that you do.”
“Want to bet on that, too?”
“As a matter of fact—” I stopped talking as the doorknob turned, as the door suddenly opened.
In walked Mr. Florence, the same janitor from years past. He looked back and forth between Ari and me, shaking his head.
“Thank you,” he said. “Thank you both very much for being the perfect sign that I really do need to retire…Now, get the hell out of my closet…”
Track 20. All You Had to Do Was Stay (4:49)
I had a feeling in my chest when I woke up this morning that I was going to regret this goodbye for the rest of my life. I didn’t try to stop it, though. Didn’t attempt to question or wonder why this unfamiliar feeling had suddenly appeared. I just went through the motions.
I got dressed early, drove to the airport to meet Arizona, and ignored whatever that unwelcome feeling was.