Page 18 of Something Like Daybreak
Ben laughed and climbed inside. Greg was grinning, like he was eager to go. Michelle seemed nervous, which he appreciated,because as brave as everyone thought he was, this was kind of scary. As Tim began driving, the car interior was silent, but only at first.
“Stop asking how pretty I’m going to be,” Michelle whispered from the back seat.
“I just want a preview,” Greg said. “I’m already picturing myself. It’s going to be so awesome. I’ll have this nasty scar across my face from a barfight. I’m thinking about an eyepatch too.”
“I don’t think it’s a choice,” she replied. “Fortunately.”
“Marcello said something about our deepest desires manifesting in each new life. I just have to want it hard enough.”
“You’ll be lucky if I want you at all, Captain Eyepatch.”
“What doyouwant me to look like?”
“I don’t care,” Michelle said. “I just want it to be romantic.”
Greg scoffed. “Are you saying our life wasn’t?”
“I meanpainfullyromantic. Like what they had together.”
Tim glanced over at him with a wry expression. “Be careful what you wish for,” he said into the rearview mirror.
Ben wouldn’t be so cautious. He loved their history. Except the parts when they were separated. “I was searching the Akashic records again,” he said, “and trying to figure out if there’s such a thing as astral handcuffs.”
“You should have asked Marcello about that,” Tim joked. “What do you need handcuffs for?”
“I don’t want us to be born in separate states. Or even different cities. I want you with me for my entire life.”
“See?” Michelle said. “That’swhat I’m talking about.”
“I can do clingy,” Greg said, scooting over and squishing her into the corner. “Even an inch of distance is too much. Come here! Get on my lap. I’ll be your seatbelt.”
Michelle was laughing as he smothered her with attention. Ben was blushing. Tim noticed and reached over to take hishand. “I love how needy you are,” he murmured. “And how emotional you can be. Even when you cry.”
Hot tears raced down his cheeks. All he’d done lately was weep, but he just feltso much. Emotion often overwhelmed Ben, but he rarely resisted. It was what made life worth living. Even here.
“Is this the right house?” Tim asked as the car slowed.
“Yeah,” Michelle said. “You can park in the driveway. My parents are out of town.”
“Speaking of which,” Ben said as they got out of the car. “Any update?”
Michelle shook her head. “They were very supportive. Especially about Jace getting a fresh start. But they’re happy here with their own friends and family.”
“Same with mine,” Greg said. “It’ll be strange to have new parents.”
“I wouldn’t mind if Eric was my new dad,” Tim said.
“No surprise there,” Ben murmured. “You’ve always wanted him to be your daddy.”
They walked around the house to the backyard, where the land sloped and led down to the lake. Michelle and Greg began to fall behind, pausing to look at the homes they grew up in and getting caught up in the memories they’d made there. Ben walked ahead with Tim, wanting to give them privacy. Although when they reached the lake, Greg and Michelle stopped entirely.
“This is where we get off,” Greg said.
Michelle thwacked him. “Don’t tell them!”
“That’s not what I meant,” Greg said with a shit-eating grin.
“Oh.” Michelle blushed. “Oh!”
