Page 76 of XOXO, Valentina

Joey took my hand. “I’m sorry. My mother is too nosy for her own good.”

“It’s fine,” I said. “Don’t be upset with her.”

He blew out a frustrated breath and gathered me against his side. “I can’t stay mad at Angela,” he said with a low laugh that vibrated against my chest. “Her lasagna is too good. You’ll see.”

33

Chapter 30

Joey

We lay on our sides, facing each other, lazily touching and saying everything that entered our minds.

“What happened with Montel’s family?” I asked.

She shook her head. “They aren’t around.”

I wanted more, but I let it go. “They’re missing out.”

Her drowsy eyes lifted to mine. “I know, right?” She smoothed my hair away from my face. “They never liked me much. They thought Montel was stupid to marry me and burden himself with a family.” She shrugged. “We were young. Too young.”

“Shane doesn’t want more from them?” I asked.

“He doesn’t complain. My family is a lot to handle. They fill any void before it arrives. Maybe someday when he’s older…” She trailed off, sounding sleepy.

She closed her eyes. But I fought to stay awake, determined to savor every moment we had together. I thought about the entire year we’d spent together at school. The accidental run-ins that were completely planned. The staff meetings when we couldn’t take our eyes off each other. Bumping into each other in the break room after I’d dropped off a batch of forbidden muffins.

I’d lied when I said she snored. She was a quiet sleeper, barely moving throughout the night, while I was a bed hog. I slept like a starfish with my feet hanging over the mattress.

I lay awake for a long time, listening to the steady sounds of Gabriella’s breathing and the tide crashing against the shore. Our time in paradise was coming to an end, and I didn’t want to miss anything because of sleep. Eventually, I couldn’t hold out anymore, and as I drifted off, I wondered what it would be like when we returned home. Would I be able to pass Gabriella in the halls without thinking of our time here together? Would she ignore me?

The next morning when I woke, Gabriella was already on the terrace. She sat watching the surfers in the distance. A tiny smile lifted the corners of her mouth, and she’d never been more beautiful.

My heart pinched just thinking about saying goodbye and picking up where we’d left off in Mossy Oak: hiding in supply closets and sneaking kisses at yoga practice.

I padded out to the balcony and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Hey,” she said. “I thought you were going to sleep forever.”

“You look beautiful.”

She laughed and shoved a hand through the thick curtain of her hair. “You’re lying. I look like a mess. My hair has gone crazy in this humidity.”

“Your hair is perfect.”

I stood and rested my hand on her shoulder. We watched the ocean in silence for a long beat. It was early, and the night chill still hung in the air. A few surfers glided over the turquoise waves as if they were floating.

“Can you teach me to do that?” Gabriella asked.

“Of course I can.” I hauled her up from the chair.

She laughed. “Now?”

I tugged her into the room. “Now is the best time.” The early waves were perfect for beginners.

“Can we get coffee first?” She dragged her feet, holding her ground. “I need coffee.”

My heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t believe it was her last day in Costa Rica. I was staying until the end of the weekend, so we wouldn’t see each other until Monday morning at school.

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