Page 152 of Hopeless
“It’s like I’ve been searching for something, something to tie me to this new reality. I wasn’t looking for love; I was looking for a purpose. I just didn’t expect my purpose to be you.”
I say the only thing I can say in the wake of his words, in the wake of everything he’s done for me. “I love you, Beau.”
That blinding smile is back, but this time it’s matched with glassy eyes. He nods at me, every motion swimming with love. Admiration. I can feel the affection in everything he does.
And it feels so foreign. It feels so good.
“I told you once that I don’t think anyone has loved me before. But … ” I nibble at my lip. “But I don’t think I’ve ever really loved anyone either.”
His thumbs swipe at my cheeks, brushing away the tears that slip over my skin.
“That’s okay, baby. I can be your first,” he says.
And then he kisses me.
The first, last, and only man to love me.
And I’m okay with that.
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Beau
Beau:Everyone better show up tonight.
Harvey:YES, SIR.
Beau:You can’t say that. Like, ever, Dad.
Harvey:Why not?
Harvey:… Sir?
Beau:You just can’t. It’s off the table now.
Jasper:REPORTING FOR DUTY, SIR.
Rhett:SEE YOU FOR DINNER, SIR.
Cade:WHY AM I RELATED TO SO MANY IDIOTS, SIR?
Beau:I hate you all. See you tonight.
“Everyone is coming?
“Yes.” I casually slick my hair back in the mirror like nothing in the world is wrong—because it’s not.
“Like, everyone?” Bailey hovers behind me, her hands tucked into the sleeves of the camel-colored sweater she’s wearing. She’s got one arm crossed over her stomach, the other brushing at the bottom of her chin in a steady rhythm.
“Of course. You told me to invite everyone.”
When I peek at her standing behind me, she’s worrying her lip between her bottom teeth and looking a little frantic.
“Right. Of course.”
She’s nervous and scans the bathroom, like there might be something to distract her from her thoughts.
The bathroom is small but freshly tiled by yours truly. White squares with little black diamonds at each corner. A claw-foot tub in the corner. A pedestal sink. This house on a cozy, tree-lined street is full of vintage, old-world charm.
