Page 45 of Memories By the Shore
I slip off my shoes, remove my shorts and get into bed with her. “Probably not.”
“I don’t think she’d care too much if she knew you were sleeping over anyway.”
I raise my arm, letting her cuddle into me. “You turn eighteen in two weeks anyway.”
“That’s true.”
“What do you want for your birthday?” I ask.
“Hmm.” She scratches her head. “I’m not sure. Nothing.”
“That’s not going to happen,” I say, kissing the top of her head. “There must be something you want.”
“I want to remember this summer forever.” Her voice is small, but heeds something so much larger.
“You will, Arizona,” I say. “If I have anything to do with it.”
Another silent beat passes before she speaks. “How many tattoos do you have?”
“Eight,” I answer. Avery traces the outline of the small pieces of art on my arm. Her delicate fingers cause my skin to break out in chills.
“I’d love to be brave enough to get one at some point.” She scoots a little lower, getting more snuggled under my arm.
I hold her close, fighting the heaviness of my eyelids. “You are braver than you think.”
“Maybe,” she mumbles.
The morning light shines through the shutters, warming the side of my face. My eyes spring open.I’m still in Avery’s bed.Shit.
I roll over to wake her, but before I do, I take a moment to admire how peaceful she looks. I didn’t mean to fall asleep for the entire night. My plan was to sneak out before dawn like I have every other time before. But experiencing the feeling of wakingup to her safely in my arms was worth the mistake.
“Avery,” I whisper, brushing her hair away from her face.
She stirs a little before slowly opening her eyes. “Jasper?” Then sits straight up in bed. “Oh no. We fell asleep!”
I laugh. “Good morning. And yes, I did.”
She palms her face. “Oh no. What will Helen say?”
I shrug. “At this point, it is what it is,” I tell her. “She knows we’re seeing each other.”
Avery nods. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“It’ll be okay.” I kiss her forehead. “I’ll just walk out casually. Maybe she won’t be bothered.”
Avery chuckles. She lifts off the bed and grabs an oversized shirt from her drawer.
I slide back on my shorts. When we’re both fully dressed, we meet at her door.
“Let’s do this.” Her face crinkles with nerves. “Maybe this is a good chance for us to tell her that you’ll be sleeping over more often, and then it won’t have to be a surprise.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” I grab her hand, and we walk out together.
“Good morning, Jasper.” Helen’s voice is upbeat as Avery and I round the corner into the kitchen. She has two cups in her hands. “I made you a raw juice.”
Avery and I exchange a glance. I should be more nervous about being caught by my girlfriend’s family walking out of her room, but I’ve known Helen for a while now, and we have a good relationship.
“Thanks, Helen,” I say. Unbothered, I take the cup from her hands.
