Page 21 of Boarding Pass
“Well, you’re conveniently leaving out the best part,” Sophie adds. “Miles got seasick on the boat ride earlier in the day, once food was involved he had a miraculous recovery.”
I groan. “You don’t need to tell themeverything.”
“Oh, I won’t. Clearly, we can’t tell your parents about when you dropped trou—“
I cover her mouth with my palm. “You wouldn’t.”
Sophie laughs and even Shay looks impressed. “Wow, Stodge.” She drums her fingers on the back of the couch. “This whole ‘world traveler’ thing suits you. Who knew?”
“I didn’t,” I admit. “And yet, somehow, it worked.”
Sophie tilts her head, amused. “Stodge?”
I groan, shooting Shay a look. “Seriously? You had to bring mynickname up?”
From the armchair, Dad nods his approval, clearly enjoying this. “It’s a solid name. Earned it myself on the ice, passed it down fair and square.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. “Yeah, well, it made sense back then. It’s always been a part of me, but now…” I glance at Sophie. “Now it feels like it belongs to another version of me. One I’m ready to leave behind.”
Sophie’s smile is gentle, understanding. “You’ll always be Miles to me.”
Dad grunts in approval, raising his glass. “Smart woman. She’s a keeper.”
“Agreed.” Mom is downright charmed. “What was your favorite country?”
“Spain,” I say, grinning. “Barcelona, specifically. Sophie dragged me to the Picasso Museum.”
“And you loved it,” she says smugly.
“I did.” I shrug. “It was…inspiring. But, we ended up at this hidden tapas bar down a side alley where no one spoke English. We sat at the bar, ate whatever they put in front of us, and drank wine straight from the porron.”
Shay raises a brow. “What’s aporron?”
“It’s this glass thing.” I gesture vaguely. “You have to pour the wine straight into your mouth without spilling. I failed spectacularly.”
“You looked like a kid drinking out of a garden hose.” Sophie shakes her head.
The memory makes me smile. I can still see her there, laughing so hard she cried, her face flushed and radiant under the soft glow of string lights. I clear my throat, feeling everyone’s eyes on me. “Greece was a close second. Santorini.”
“Oh, I’ve always wanted to go there.” My mom’s face lights up.
“It’s as beautiful as you’d imagine.” My gaze catches Sophie’s again as I remembered the long, languid mornings making love in our hotel overlooking the sea. “The sunsets there are unreal—gold and pink, like something out of a painting. Every night we sat on the roof of this little restaurant, eating moussaka, drinking wine, and watching the sun sink into the Aegean.”
I don’t add it was the night I confessed I was completely, hopelessly in love with her and she reciprocated my feelings. I don’t need to. Sophie looks at me and I know she remembers it, too.
“And now you’re home.” My dad squintsat me.
“Yeah,” I say, my throat a little tight, because I haven’t told any of my family New York is going to be my new home. After Sophie’s photography exhibit, I’ve decided to extend my break and study art for a couple of years. Travel with Sophie to her photo shoots.
Anyway, there’s an even bigger announcement to make.
For a moment, the room is quiet—comfortable, but content.
My mom breaks the silence. “We’re so happy you’re happy, Miles. And, Sophie, we adore you.”
“Thank you.” Sophie reddens, like she’s a little shy. “Your support means a lot.”
And I can’t wait another second. I hold out a hand to Sophie. “Come here for a second, my love.”
