Page 132 of Trust Me

I followed his gaze. The clouds had started to move in, but I could still glimpse a few stars up there.

“Even with the best parents, with my brother, and my grandpa, it was hard figuring out who I was. That’s just a normal part of growing up. You’re not a mess, Oli. You’re a testament to the resilience of humanity, against all odds.”

“Well, now you’re just flattering me.”

“Good. There are a lot of years I want to make up for.”

“I’m all in.”

Tipping his chin down, I kissed him just for a moment. My dad’s words from weeks ago came back to me, so I stood, taking Oli’s hand. When I yanked him closer, wrapping my other arm around his waist, he looked a little spooked.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“We’re dancing beneath the moonlight.”

“Any particular reason?”

“We have memories to create.”

“Memories,” he repeated, his eyes softening. “Alright, let’s get to it, big guy.”

He leaned his cheek on my shoulder, and I put my arm around him as we swayed, neither of us seeming to know how to do it. It didn’t matter, though. Life wasn’t about doing things perfectly, and I thought the best memories might come from the most imperfect moments.