Perfect Summer by Bethany Lopez
Mitch
The rest of the picnic went by smoothly.
No more talk of the past, only anecdotes about Hope, talk of the town, and amazing food.
I hated hearing what Faith had gone through, basically right under my nose. What kind of self-involved douche must I have been to have no idea the pain and struggle my girlfriend was suffering.
I’d loved her and thought she was my whole world, and when she’d left without so much as a goodbye, I’d been devasted and resented the hell out of her for it. But she was right, we’d been kids. At the time the love we’d had felt all-consuming, but now that I was older, I could see that although I’d felt like the sun and moon hung on Faith’s every word, that kind of love was childish, and often selfish.
I’d loved the way she made me feel. The way her face would light up when I came in the room. The way our bodies trembled when we touched. But it wasn’t the kind of love that stood the test of time.
It obviously wasn’t even the kind of love that ensured trust.
I know I’d loved her with all my heart and now that I understood everything that happened, I knew I’d always cherish the memories of our young love, but that wasn’t what I needed from Faith now. Not some memories…
The attraction was still there, but different. As was our chemistry. So maybe, if she’d give me a shot, we’d have a chance to get to know each other as we are now. Adults who have lived life and had scars and experiences to share.
I was ready for a mature relationship. The opportunity to fall in love as a man, with a woman, and everything being in an adult relationship entailed.
Sure, I wanted it with the same woman, and after everything she’d told me today, there was no guarantee that she would want the same thing, or that the outcome would be different.
But I’d always been a man of Faith … in more ways than one.
After our picnic, I’d walked Faith back to her parents and Hope, who was still dancing, although Grace said she’d stopped for some ice cream, and then went off to find my friends.
Before I left, I pulled Faith to the side.
“Thanks for a wonderful meal and conversation,” I told her, leaning in close so only she could hear me.
“Thanks for bidding on my basket.”
I pulled back so I could look into her eyes, which were still so blue I swear I could see waves crashing.
“Can I take you out Saturday night for dinner?” I asked, praying she’d say yes.
“I have to see if my parents can watch Hope, but if they can, I’d love to.”
I couldn’t stop an answering grin from spreading across my face.
“Great. Just text me and let me know.”
Faith nodded and I gave her hand one final squeeze before letting her go.
As I moved through the festival, I felt lighter than I had in years. Optimistic even. And it felt good.
“There he is…”
I looked over to see Wilder, Grayson, and some of the other guys standing close to the beer tent.
“Big spender,” Grayson said, tipping his cup toward me.
“Sorry about the bidding war,” I said sheepishly.
“S’okay, I should have known the golden couple was destined to get back together.”
I accepted the beer Wilder offered me and said, “From your lips to God’s ears.”
Wilder looked at me curiously and asked, “So, it went well?”
“It did. And it’s funny to learn new things about someone you thought you knew everything about, but it turns out Faith’s a fantastic cook.”
“Now you’re just rubbing it in,” Gray joked.
I chuckled and said, “Sorry, man.”
We chatted, drank beer, and hung out until Tucker wound down for the night.
When it was only Wilder and I left, he asked, “So, did you and Faith get everything aired out?”
“Yeah, we did, and it was a relief to finally talk about what happened. We didn’t go over everything the occurred in the past decade, but that’s okay. There are many more conversations to be had and I’m looking forward to it.”
“That’s great, brother, I’m happy for you.”
“I asked her out,” I told him, keeping my voice low even though if we did end up going out, the whole town would know before we even opened the door to the restaurant.
“And?”
“She said yes,” I said happily. “She’s got to lock down a sitter, but said she’d go to dinner with me.”
“I’m happy for you, just be careful, okay?”
“How so?” I asked, watching him as he looked out over the people who were milling around, getting ready to leave.
“Faith has been the one that got away forever. I’m afraid you’ve built her and your relationship up in your mind as the end all, be all. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”
I looked at my friend, the guy who’d been there for me over the years unconditionally, and knew he was coming from a place of friendship.
“I appreciate that, Wilder, I do, but I’m going into this with my eyes open. I swear it.”
He nodded and said, “I hope it all works out for you. You deserve nothing but the best.”
As we headed out, I thought back to how I’d felt during the picnic with Faith and really hoped Wilder was right.