Page 184 of Worth the Trip

“Nah. We’re pausing until Thursday.”

“That’s semantics.”

“Semantics matter. Goodbye leaves the next hello uncertain. Ours already scheduled.”

Her smile came slowly.

“You refuse to let anything sound sad.”

“I don’t manufacture grief while joy is still active.”

Nolani went still beside me.

I kept my attention on the road.

“That was beautiful.”

“I know.”

“And you ruined it.”

“I protected it from excessive emotional exposure.”

“You cannot receive praise without interfering.”

“Say it again. I’d like another opportunity to demonstrate growth.”

Her laughter filled the SUV.

The athletic complex appeared beyond the next intersection. Her SUV sat where she’d left it. I parked beside it but didn’t turn off the engine.

Neither of us moved.

Nolani looked toward her vehicle, then down at our hands.

“I have to get out eventually.”

“I’m reviewing alternatives.”

“You gave an entire speech about pausing until Thursday.”

“Policy has been reconsidered.”

“You cannot sustain a relationship by refusing to return me to my vehicle.”

“You sound sure.”

“I own businesses.”

“Two.”

“I have responsibilities.”

“I know.”

“And clothes at home.”

“You got my shirt.”