Page 13 of Sweetheart

Shaking my head, I went into the station, found the restrooms and relieved myself, washed my hands, and stood for a moment, staringat my reflection in the mirror. The dress was still blue and poofy. My hair was windblown; my makeup needed a refresh; and despite Sam's appreciative gaze, my boobs remaineda modest B-cup. But there was a light in my eyes that I hadn't expected to see. Was that because of Sam? I knew the answer and didn't know what I'd do if he kept flirting with me. I wasn't exactly well-versed in these matters.

But I liked it.

Grabbing a few snacks and two waters, I walked up to the cash register and dug a ten out of my top. The gas station attendant's gaze didn't bring any of the flutters Sam's had,so I kept my gaze averted. I didn't realize it until I was putting the change back. But as I feltinside…my list wasn't anywhere to be found.

Okay, don't panic, I thought.

I just needed to retrace my steps.

Walking back to the bathroom, I looked around but saw nothing. I walked to the register again with my eyes locked on the floor…but no luck. I went back again just to make sure, but as I made my way out to the car,searching the ground and coming up empty,my shoulders felt heavy. MaybeI'd been wrong before. Maybe itcame loose when I was walking in the dark. If that was the case, then I guess it was lost forever.

There was no way I could ask Sam to go back.

He'd already done more than enough.

And besides, it was a windy night. What were the chances that we'd be able to findmy list anyway?

Maybe it was for the best, I reasoned.

It wasn't like I'd found a solution.

The list was still full of unachieved dreams.

I could just make another one with more manageable items.

For some reason, that thought felt like accepting defeat, and I couldn't even muster a smile to meet the grin Sam threw me as I got back into the car.

"You good?" he asked.

"I guess," I mumbled as I put on my seatbelt.

"You sound sad, Kent. Did something happen?"

"No."

"Really? I saw you walking around in there, looking at the ground. You lose something?"

I sighed. "Yeah, but it doesn't matter. Let's just go."

"Okay," he said, "but first can we talk about this list?"

Whipping aroundto face him, I saw Sam sitting there, eyebrow cocked, grin in place. And between his fingers, he had…my list of firsts.

"Where'd you get that?" I said then reached forward to grab it—only to have him pull his hand back, out of my reach. "Oh my God, Bishop. Give ithere."

"Well, it was in my car, so…finders keepers, Kent."

I tried to get it again, but my dress prevented me. "You're a jerk."

"Thought I had a kind heart," he said.

"I was just being nice to make you feel better," I said, crossing my arms. "Go ahead. Make fun of me and my list. I don't care."

"Why would I do that?I think it's awesome."

My eyes shot to his, and he grinned again.

"Never knew you were such a romantic."

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