Page 25 of Only After We Met

“Okay.” I nodded. “Mom, I…”

“See you soon, Rhys.”

“Yeah. That’s what I wanted to say.”

“Good. Give me a kiss.” I let her squeeze me tight. “Remember not to do anything you’ll regret. And be careful. And Rhys, I know how you are, but if you need money, there’s a checking account in your name…”

“I’ll be fine, Mom,” I assured her.

She nodded and looked at me with sorrow as she got into her Uber.

I stayed there until the car took off down the street. Then I slung my backpack on my back, grabbed my hand luggage, and an hour later I was at JFK Airport. I felt warm inside as I listened to the noise, the constant movement of people in the shops and cafés, the voices over the PA. I walked automatically until I reached one of those giant screens that showed the departing flights.

There were tons of flights headed to LA. I slid my finger over the bright letters. Then I saw it. London. The flight left in five hours. I wondered what the chances were that there was still a seat. I don’t know. It was crazy. I must have been crazy. But it’s not as if I had anywhere else to go, or anyone waiting for me in arrivals, or any commitment at all.

I looked at all the flights. All the options. For a few crazy moments, I thought about how fun it would be to show up inLondon the next day, go to Ginger’s dorm, surprise her. She’d shout like a banshee when she saw me. I tried to tell myself it wouldn’t be weird. We talked every day, I was a rambler, and I had nowhere else to be.

So I decided.To hell with it. I’d make it up as I went along.

I got in line at one of the counters.

My phone buzzed. I took it out. I had a message. I don’t think my heart ever beat so fast from reading an email. Or that I ever felt so many things. Joy and sorrow at the same time. Pride and frustration, all mixed up. I took a deep breath. Fuck.

“Can I help you with something?” the girl said.

“Yeah, sorry. A ticket for the next available flight to Los Angeles.”

“Next flight available is at nine.”

“Sure, that’s fine.”

13

From: Ginger Davies

To: Rhys Baker

Subject: You were right…

You’re not going to believe it! Where do I start! I just woke up, so you can imagine how late we came back. I was puking until dawn. I guess I’ll remember NEVER TO DRINK from now on. Anyway, Rhys, you were right about everything. I needed to get out of my comfort zone, meet people…

…kiss a man.

Because yep, that’s what I did. I didn’t plan it. It didn’t even cross my mind when I agreed to go to the party with Kate. It just happened. With the guy who was pouring beer there. I spent all night telling him jokes. I didn’t try to impress anyone (I danced like an idiot because I have no sense of rhythm, and I was too drunk to watch my mouth). I don’t know. Then we went outside to clear our heads a little, and we sat on this swing that honestly was not relaxing at all, and to make matters worse, it kept creaking.

And he leaned over and kissed me.

I know, you’re thinking right now that I’m acting (and writing) like a fifteen-year-old girl, and you know what? You’re right. That’s how I feel too. Don’t blame me. This is the second person I’ve ever kissed. And I’ve realized two things: Dean was overrated, and I was right—all that saliva isn’t normal. Don’t get grossed out. I didn’t know. I didn’t have anyone to compare him to.

James kisses way better.

I don’t know what else to tell you. My head feels like it’s going to explode, and I’m still sick to my stomach, but I’m happy, and I want you to be the first to know about my progress. I know you’re dying for me to develop my sex life and all.

But let’s talk about you…

Have you seen your mom? I hope so.

Where are you? Still in New York?