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Sure enough, she slipped off her flip flops, her long golden legs stretching as she adjusted the seat and rolled the windows down. We flew down the road, and while the speed made me sweat a little, her joy was worth every moment.
That night we kissed like we always did—with the stars watching.
* * *
It’seasy to offer the world. It’s even easier to plan for the future. The hard parts are the detours—the unplanned bumps and flat tires.
My alarm went off moments after I heard the words.
What did he mean?
The Grim Reaper seemed more and more like a creepy big brother. He watched my every move, giving me vague advice.
I brushed my teeth and gathered my bag before calling Noa. She picked up on the second ring.
“Just making sure you aren’t still sleeping,” I said.
“I don’t think I’ve slept at all. Maybe five minutes. I’m too excited.” I could hear shuffling in the background. “Is Tracey up?”
I told her to hold on while I walked downstairs with my things.
Tracey was already dressed, on what looked like her second cup of coffee with a third cup in a travel mug, and a bag at her feet. “Tell Noa I said good morning and not to forget her bathing suit.” She gathered her bag and mug. “I’ll take this to the car. Let her know we’ll be there soon,” she shouted into the phone as she walked past me.
Noa laughed. “I’ll see you soon, Dexter Andrews.”
I grabbed my bag and walked outside, turning to lock the front door before heading to Tracey’s SUV. The plan was to pick up Noa first and then Ralph.
Thank goodness her car is a lot bigger than mine.
“Why the soccer mom car, anyway?” I asked after stuffing our bags in the back and getting in the passenger side.
“Hey, once I found out I was getting you, I decided it was all or nothing. And maybe someday I’ll have a few kids. Who knows?” She tried to be nonchalant, but I saw past it.
“Are you lonely, Aunt Tracey?”
She pulled out of the driveway and headed to Noa’s. “Don’t worry about me, Dex. I’m patient.” When she pulled up in front of Noa’s building, she turned to me. “I can’t settle. Not after seeing what my brother had. And certainly not after seeing you two lovebirds.”
I smiled and sent Noa a text, telling her we were downstairs. Just as I hit the send button, she flung the door open and jogged down the steps.
It was crazy, but every time I saw her, the urge to grin like an idiot took over. She was solight,and when she looked at me, her eyes reflected everything I felt.
Noa wore white shorts, a rainbow top, and canvas shoes covered in paint.
When I opened the car door to help her with her bag, she jumped into my arms and kissed me. It was innocent but when I pulled away—fully aware of my aunt’s presence—I was a little breathless.
“Hi,” Noa said, grinning.
“Hey, there.” I set her down and placed her bag near mine.
She climbed into the back and I followed her.
“Next is Ralph, and then we’re on our way out,” I told her.
Ralph lived only a few minutes from Noa, and when we picked him up, he hopped in the front seat with almost as much excitement as Noa.
“Let’s do this!” He grabbed the phone Noa held out to him, plugged it in, and turned it all the way up, singing along off-key.
We rolled the windows down some, and Noa lay across my lap, singing along softly as I ran my fingers through her hair.
