Page 14 of Until Forever

“I love you.”

“Me, too. Now, can I go?”

I sniffle and widen my grin. “Yeah, you can go.”

In his typical, dramatic fashion, he shoves both hands in front of him. “Wait. I’m walking by myself. Mrs. Mayson is right there, and you can see me from the truck. Besides, Maw Maw lets me do stuff by myself.”

He giggles when I sigh and pinch his chin.

“Go. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

JJ is out of the car before I’m finished. With his backpack hanging from one side, he grips his pants, holding them up while he races to the front door. I shake my head, remembering that he also begged me to let him dress himself tonight. And, like always, he forgot his belt. I laugh, knowing how much he hates wearing them.

“Bye, Mommy,” he exaggerates along the way.

“Hey, Latoya.” Sophie, Harmony’s mom, waves.

I hunch to look out the passenger-side window. “Hey, Mrs. Sophie, thank you for watching him.”

“Oh, child, please. You know I love him. The kids couldn’t wait for him to get here.”

I laugh loudly. “He was excited, too,” I yell.

“Clearly,” she emphasizes with a nod. “Have fun, and if you see Nico, tell him to call me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She retreats into her home, and I shift into drive, taking off once she closes the door behind her.

The drive to the compound is peaceful. The sun has gone down, and surprisingly there aren’t many people on the road. It’s just me and the breeze blowing in on this cool Tennessee night. My music plays, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve done this—driving by myself at night, enjoying the quiet and solitude.

As I pull up to the compound, maneuvering around the sporadically parked cars, I take in my surroundings. Harmony said tonight would be small, but I see that to be false. There’s well over twenty cars and even more bikes. I find a space toward the back and kill my engine, the roar being replaced by the dull hum of the music from inside. Though, when I step outside, it’s louder and clearer.

My feet hit the ground, and I adjust my clothes. Harmony didn’t say how casual this thing is, but I figured since it’s the first time I’ve put on real clothes in probably five years, I’d go with getting cute. Not that I’m serious about taking Harmony up on meeting the new guy, but a girl should put in some effort, right?

So I went for cute and simple in a light-gray two-piece set. The top hangs off my shoulders, and the hem of the shorts matches the ruffled hems of the shirt. I roll my shoulders and suck in a breath. I wasn’t nervous on the way over, but now that I’m here, I have to fight the urge to get back in my Jeep and leave.

For a long time, it’s just been JJ and me. I don’t go anywhere without him, and Lord knows how long it’s been since I’ve been out with another adult. This feels weird, but Harmony’s right. I can use a little adult time, remembering that I need to have fun, too.

The closer I get to the building, the looser my nerves are, and I try to enjoy the moment. A couple cut in front of me, laughing and talking amongst themselves. I follow them onto the property and across the garage toward the back where everyone is. There are lantern-style lights around the space, and people spread throughout.

The air is different over here, polluted by perfume, the smoke coming from the grill, and booze. The laughter is boisterous, and on every side of me, I’m met with smiles and conversation. I scan the room, searching for Harmony, spotting her near the pool table.

Squeezing my way through the crowd, I inch over to where she is. She’s with her sister and her cousins, who I’ve met a time or two. Harmony notices me and stands to greet me with a hug.

“You made it,” she says over the music.

With my brows raised, I nod. I lean in to speak in her ear. “I did. Your mom said to have your dad call her.”

“He just left; she’ll see him soon.”

I gesture that I understand and survey the space. There are others I recognize from around town, some I know to be related to my friend and the rest I’ve never seen before.

“You know my sister, Willow.” Harmony points to her twin. “You’ve met July and June.”

I wave to them, and they do the same to me.

“Wes, the birthday boy, is out back with Harlen. You know Cinder.”

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