After Tuesday (31 page)

Closing the last inches between us, Brent kisses me deeply, lingering longer than appropriate. The passion in his kiss causes me to shiver within.
How does he do that?

He pulls his mouth back, leaning his head against mine. “Are you nervous?”

“Yes,” I reluctantly admit.

“Me, too.”

He moves his lips to my forehead, kissing me tenderly, while stroking the exposed hair on the back of my neck below my hat.

“Ready?” I breathe.

“No. Yes. Sure.”

“Indecisive much?”

I catch a glimmer of mischief sweep across his lips before I find myself being hoisted over his shoulder and carried to the car. Part of me thinks about being playful, yelping a little at the audacity of him swooping me into his arms like some fair maiden, but I savor the feeling instead.

***

Driving down the street, I reflect on the past six months. After my dad was released from the hospital, he spent the first month in rehab. It was really good for him and our whole family. My dad got the help he needed, and we got more insight into what would help our family work. Jas, Cody, and I went to every family session that was offered. We were determined to help my dad in any way we could. What happened before was a near-death tragedy and a huge wake-up call for all of us. We almost lost him, and he almost lost us.

Since my dad got out of rehab, Jas has been regularly taking my him to AA meetings, and my dad has yet to have a relapse. I think the meetings are good for Jas, too. Cody has gone to a few as well. While I don’t think Cody ever had a problem like my dad, the whole situation has been really eye-opening for him. We’ve both been affected from witnessing what can happen when a person overindulges in intoxication.

Do I think my dad might relapse ever again? Of course, I do.
I think about it a lot, but I’ve learned to take it one day at a time. I enjoy each day I can for what it’s worth, and I go from there. That’s what my dad has been doing, too, since every day has its own struggles.

I’ve been trying to do the same with Brent. I challenge my heart daily to be free and to take a chance. I trust him and want to be with him so much that it scares me, but I’m just taking it one day at a time.

Since everything happened with my dad, Brent and I have grown closer. I guess when I opened my heart and my life, I found the people who love me the most. As a result, I’ve become capable of loving someone more than I ever thought possible.

Pulling into the lot where his parents once planned to build a dock, we make our way toward the lake, putting the canoe into the water.

“I still can’t believe we’re doing this. The lake was frozen only a month ago, and it’s still cold out. We could have had this conversation in a warmer place without the possibility of hypothermia or drowning,” Brent whines, handing me a paddle.

I hop into the canoe. “Wimp,” I tease. “Get in the canoe. It’s gonna be great.”

Brent mumbles something I don’t hear, but he gets in and pushes off of the edge of the rocks where the canoe floats.

We paddle in silence over the water to our little sanctuary in this world. Heading to our island in this lake, I think we’re both nervous about what’s to come, but many months ago, we promised not to talk about it until the time came.

During Thanksgiving, we realized that, as seniors, we were being told a lot to think about our futures. It was becoming a real problem for Brent and me to try and be with one another while everyone else was talking about their plans for life after high school. We didn’t want to think about being apart so soon after we’d just found each other.

So, we came up with the
college pact
. Brent and I weren’t committed just yet to where we were planning to attend school. Even though he had a scholarship to State, he was still looking at other options. While State was an option I was open to, well after I met Brent, I was really hoping to go to Chicago. Something about the city intrigued me. That was when we decided that college talk was off-limits with one another until we made our final decisions.

I worked with my guidance counselor to choose the right school for my interests and for me. It was really helpful because I had no idea what I wanted to do. When the acceptance letters arrived, we worked together to choose a school that was best for me, academically and financially. I tried not to base my decision on what school I thought Brent might pick. Brent promised to do the same when it came to choosing where he would attend in the fall.

So, here we are, coming to shore at the island where we first saw the possibility of us. Today, without judgment or regret, we’re going to reveal to one another where we’re heading to school this fall. At least, that’s the plan.

Grabbing my hand, Brent pulls me over to the path that leads to our little beach. Lifting my hand, he lightheartedly says, “Don’t be nervous.”

“I’m trying not to be.”

We arrive at the beach. Although the vegetation has yet to take bloom, the view is still nothing but serene. Every time the sun peeks out from the clouds, rays of sunshine sparkle over the still waters.

I wrap my arms around Brent, pulling him close, as I lie my head on his shoulder. “I want you to know that, no matter what, every minute I’ve spent with you is something I will always remember.” I breathe, taking in his scent, and then I kiss him affectionately on the neck.

“Me, too,” he states firmly, pressing his fingertips into my back. “Do you want me to go first?”

“No, I will.”

I pull my face up to his. When his mouth finds mine, I open it and my heart to him, pouring every emotion I can into this second. I feel it with all my heart.

Brent’s movements are desperate like mine as we hang onto what might be our last moment without an ending hanging over us. Sure, we could do the long distance thing, but I think we both know it wouldn’t be practical or reasonable.
Then again, who knows? What do I know about the future and what it holds?

After swallowing audibly, he utters, “Tell me.”

I can tell he’s holding his breath while he’s waiting for me to speak.

“University of Chicago,” I say shyly. “The guidance counselor helped me with my applications and letters, and I got a full scholarship.”

Brent buckles slightly, letting out the breath from his lungs. Pulling back to look at my face, he shakes his head. “I thought you were going to say State.”

“I wanted to, but we agreed not to let each other influence our decision. I…I was doing what we agreed upon, right? It’s the best school I could have gotten into, and I don’t have to worry about finances. Oh god, did I make the wrong choice? Did I miss something?” My voice wobbles through the words.

Brent wraps his arms around me as mine go limp at my sides. I’m suddenly unsure about my decision, and I think he might be in shock that I didn’t choose the same school as him. I thought I was doing what we agreed upon, but maybe there was a hidden expectation.

“Ruby,” he speaks softly into my ear, “no, you didn’t miss anything. You and I agreed to something, and you kept your word. I kept my word, too.”

Brent’s mouth grazes my lower earlobe, exhaling a heated breath along my skin. Keeping my eyes shut, I raise my chin as he breathes along my jawline. He kisses me gently in the tender space under my other ear where the lobe connects with my neck. Part of me wants to shut down, so I can become numb to his open affection. I’m afraid of the hurt I will feel, knowing that the end for us is near. I fight off that part of me and remain right here, right now. I won’t let my fear take away my memory of our time together.

“Let’s not talk about college anymore. Let’s forget we have to go at all until the time comes,” I force out the words for him and myself.

“Okay,” he says. He kisses me quickly on the mouth. “But I have to tell you my choice.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“So, my choosing the University of Chicago doesn’t matter?”

The side of his mouth turns up, exposing his inner excitement, while my mouth drops in shock and awe.

“What? Why?” I blubber out.

“I got in, and it’s a better school than all of my other options. Did you know they have one of the best MBA programs in the country?”

“But what about your scholarship to State? I thought they wanted you?”

“They do, but I’m not going to play soccer forever.”

“Really?” I’m still in shock
.
“So, what does this mean?”

“It means I get a chance to love you longer than just today.”

Running his fingers through my hair at the nape of my neck, Brent leans his head against mine.

“Brent…” I exhale the deep breath I’ve been holding in. “I love you today, and I hope to love you even more each day
after
that.”

Acknowledgments

Oh boy, do I ever have a village I need to thank for the making of this book.

First, my husband, for being supportive in every endeavor in my life and for every idiosyncrasy I have. Without you, Ruby never would have had the opportunity to live on these pages. She would still be talking in my mind. I’m so grateful that she’s had an opportunity to tell her story.

My children, for your patience whenever I would say, “One more minute.” Mommy loves you
so
much.

Ella Frank, for your continued support during every freak out, for your guidance when I needed it, and for loving Brent before I did. For listening to every tangent I ever had and advising me to just “go with the flow,” thank you.

Alyssa, for your comedic honesty with every chapter I turned over, for pushing me for more information, and for loving my characters even though they were a total pain at times. Also, thank you for asking for more kissing. Because, really, who doesn’t like more kissing?

Brit, for your realistic acceptance of Ruby’s story, especially when I wasn’t sure if others would. I’m so happy you believed in the reality of the story. Thank you for urging me to be true to a kid who lives in a home surrounded by addiction.

Mendy, for reading and loving Ruby’s quirks, Brent’s kisses, and Cody’s potty mouth. You keep me laughing, and you, too, have a talent I know will take you far.

C, for all of your helpful and amazing last minute comments that really made this story shine. Helping my brain when it could no longer think. I’ll send a Gremlin in the mail.

My super enthusiastic beta readers—Kelly, Amanda, Julie, Susan, and Yony—for taking a chance on an unknown author and manuscript. Your enthusiasm kept me going.

My teen beta readers, Maddy and Juliette, for helping to keep Ruby current and not some stuffy oldie like her author.

Jovana, my editor, with Unforeseen Editing. Genius says it all.

Finally, thank you to every person who relates to Ruby’s story.

Hope and possibilities do make a difference.

Addiction Support Links:

Al-Anon/Alateen:
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org

Alcoholics Anonymous:
http://www.aa.org

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For A Sneak Peek of the 2
^nd
Book in the These Days Series

Forgotten Yesterday, By Renee Ericson

A New Adult Contemporary Romance

Forgotten Yesterday

By Renee Ericson

Sneak Peek

My body seeks the heat beside me when I wake up, and I settle my weight into the warmth. As my eyes flutter open and focus on the wall in front of me, they move and stare at the framed picture on the nightstand. Memories of when the picture was taken a little over a year ago begin to come back.

It was August. We took a day trip to Milwaukee for no special reason. We just wanted to get out of town. We had lunch downtown, walked around the city, and then made our way over to Lake Michigan. I’m not sure why, but the lake is more beautiful there than it is here in Chicago. Maybe it was the time of day or maybe it was the lack of crowds, but for some reason, the lustrous beauty radiated from the small waves as they lapped against the stone wall. We sat there, holding hands, as we watched the ships float by. I took that picture with my phone. With his lips on my cheek.

“Ruby,” Brent rasps. “Are you awake?”

I turn over in his arms. His eyes are barely open, and his breathing is still even. I’m unsure if he’s truly awake.

“Hi,” I whisper, trying not to startle him.

Brent pulls me into him, tucking my head under his chin, as he presses my face to his bare chest.

We don’t live together, but we might as well. I tend to stay at his place almost every night since my dorm doesn’t allow overnight guests, and sneaking him in is a major pain in the ass.

Brent and I have been together since high school. I know it sounds cliché, like we’re from a small town or something. I’m just so happy with him. We’ve been through so much together. I don’t think I could have ever survived without him. I just don’t see us any other way, and I don’t want to.

When we first started school at the University of Chicago, my eyes wandered a bit, and I bet his did, too. That was all they did though. They looked. It was all so new, but we adjusted. We partied, we made friends, and I think we tested the boundaries a little, too. In the end though, we always stayed together.

So, yeah, the first year here was a little rough, but after we settled into our new environment, we fully made our way back to each other. We had a huge connection in high school, but it was nothing compared to what it is now.

The first year at college might have been a little more difficult for Brent because his parents decided to get a divorce. They waited until he was settled into school. They told him through an email, and he did not take it well. Brent was such a wreck over the whole thing. I was so worried about his impulsive behavior, especially when he partied too much. It wasn’t like him, but we stuck it out. He needed someone, and I knew that someone had to be me. Of course, we fought a hell of a lot, too.