Page 62 of The Final Draft

“Um, you have a season pass? I have one too, and I thought since it’s so close to my place…” I’m interrupted by Harper throwing her arms around me and peppering my face with kisses.

“That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. But um, that’s not all.” Her eyes light up with excitement. I take her hand, and we catch up with Becca. As we round the corner, the next exhibit comes into view. On the sidewalk, there’s a table for two with dinner, complete with fake candles.

“Here you go,” Becca says. “The night watchman will take care of everything when you’re ready to leave.” She looks at Harper’s astonished face and nods, knowing what’s to come. “Enjoy your evening.”

It dawns on Harper where we are, her mouth open in surprise as she spins in a slow circle, gazing at everything around her. She’s stunned. Speechless. I pull out my phone and snap a picture, capturing the moment for posterity.

“Want to feed them? They left the gate unlocked that will get us closer, but we can’t go into the actual enclosure without a zookeeper. Maybe next time.” I shrug.

“I can feed them?” Her voice is at least two octaves higher than normal. I may have broken my girl in the best way.

“Of course you can. You’re the official patron of the Central Park otters. It’ll take a few weeks for the brass plaque, but…” And I’m interrupted by another round of kisses.

“This is too much, Julian. Way too much. I mean, I just, wow. Wow! How?”

“An angel was sleeping in my bed, and I wanted to give her something special.” I actually reached out earlier in the week about the patronage, but dinner was more of a spontaneous idea.

Fearful she’s glitching again, in her excitement, she spouts off facts about otters. “Did you know sea otters, not these otters, these are river otters, but sea otters hold hands when they sleep? It’s adorable. Wait, I can really feed them?” Her excited ramblings amuse me, and her excitement is off the charts.

“You can really feed them. And visit them anytime you want.” I put my arm around her and kiss her temple. Is this what mysiblings feel when they found the one? Because right now, this feels really fucking good.

CHAPTER

FORTY

HARPER

I’ve died and gone to heaven. First, Julian gave me so many orgasms my body had to sleep and recharge. Now, this incredible man has given me the gift of a lifetime. I get to feed otters. I want to squeal, but I hold it back, so I don’t scare the adorable creatures.

Putting on the gloves, I grab a metal bucket and open the gate to the enclosure. As I open the gate, it lets out a high-pitched squeak. The noise startles me and I look at the equally startled otters. I step slowly toward the low fence separating us from our new friends. I’m close enough that I’m able to grab a small fish and some grapes from the bucket and toss them into the water. I watch the adorable creatures swim after their dinner and they take their food out of the water. I’m fascinated to watch them use their hands while they eat, their sharp teeth tearing at the fish. The contrast between their sweet faces and high-pitched squeals adds to their undeniable cuteness. This scene reminds me of why I love otters.

Julian takes the bucket from me and holds it, so I have both hands free, allowing me to have my moment. I’m so excited I continue rambling. “There were otters near my house in Minnesota growing up. As a kid, I was obsessed with them. My mom would make up bedtime stories about the otter family.” I haven’t thought about those stories in years, and my heart clenches when I think about my parents. After we finish this project, maybe I’ll write those stories down. I might write a children’s book.

Julian’s voice brings me back to the present. When I glance at him, his eyes twinkle with joy, but I doubt it’s because of the otters. He’s barely paid them any attention. His focus is wholly on me. “I confess, I don’t know much about otters, but they kinda remind me of Noodle.”

His observation snaps me out of my melancholy thoughts. “Maybe that’s why I love him so much. Otters are water puppies!” He laughs with me, while I enjoy this experience with childlike wonder.

One by one, I feed them all, giving each one a name that suits their personality. When the bucket’s empty, I turn my attention back to Julian. This gesture is generous. Outrageous. But more than that, it’s thoughtful. He remembered my comment about otters and turned it into a magical moment.

Is this what dating Julian will be like? Because he’s definitely all consuming. Intense even. I’ve discovered Julian is overly attentive and perceptive. He picks up on nuances and details made in casual conversation. Case in point, we’re having dinner with otters.

Julian is the definition ofif he wanted to, he would. And is that so bad? When Zac said he was afraid of Julian’s level of crazy, is this what he meant? Because this is crazy.

Our dinner is a simple affair, an upscale picnic with delectable offerings of baked brie, succulent fruit, an assortmentof cured meats, and croissants so buttery and delicate they practically melt in my mouth. The food is enjoyable, but the company is extraordinary. I even stop gushing over the otters, although honestly, they still have a fraction of my attention. Julian clears his throat, obviously nervous.

He’s always so sure of himself that his hesitation freaks me out a little. “Um, hey, I know it’s a few weeks away, but would you like to go to Ashleigh and Cole’s wedding with me? It’s in Charlotte, and we’d have to make arrangements for Noodle, but I’d like you to be my date.”

I’m curious why he’s nervous about this. “Oh, wow.”

“Oh, wow? Is that oh, wow, I’d rather set my entire book collection on fire? Or more like, oh wow, I think this is the best thing that’s ever happened to me?” He cocks his head to the side and challenges me to give him an honest answer.

I shake my head at his silly question. Because his two extremes are exactly that. “First, I can’t imagine anything that would ever make me burn a book. Ever. And the best thing that ever happened to me was when you asked for my number. So, I’d say it’s somewhere in between.”

“So why the oh?”

“Well, it’s a small wedding, right? I don’t want to intrude.” Ashleigh and I spent a weekend in New York once because we helped our mutual friend Darcy. She invited me to their spring reception, which surprised me, considering I’m not one of her closest friends. I’d never expect to be invited to her wedding.

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